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Edinburgh boasts a rich history which welcomes all who venture in to discover this unique world of ancient castles and magnificent architecture, combined with modern buildings and facades. Atmospheric cobbled streets, wonderful architecture, old facades and wide avenues allow you to imagine yourself transported back in time. The Lothian’s is also steeped in fascinating history, filled with castles, stately homes and battle sites.
Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, grew around its Old Town until the late 18th century and this area of the city still has a distinct character from the iconic castle at the top of the Royal Mile to the Grass market below. The Nor Loch acted as a natural defense for the city at this time before it was drained and converted into the beautiful Princes Street Gardens in later years.
Take a walk in Edinburgh's royal footsteps. From Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, discover 1,000 years of the city's fascinating royal history. The palace is still used as Her Majesty the Queen’s official Scottish residence while the now decommissioned Royal Yacht Britannia, which proudly ferried the Royal Family to exotic destinations for 44 years, is anchored in Leith.
After 1583, the city was also a hub for educational and professional development since the world-famous university was founded - the University of Edinburgh still stands today as a symbol of knowledge and intellectual talent. Many new ventures occurred, marking Edinburgh a financial capital by the end of the 20th century.
Some of my favorite Scots include: Alexander Fleming, discovered penicillin, Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone, Adam Smith the economist, and my beloved writer and poet Robert Burns of which A Red, Red Rose is an all time favorite.
O my Luve's like a red, red rose,
That's newly sprung in June:
O my Luve's like the melodie,
That's sweetly play'd in tune..
Today, Edinburgh combines both modernity and tradition. Modern architecture such as the Scottish Parliament sits alongside wonderful baroque buildings including the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Each community is individual, giving you a unique sense of the past and present as you explore.
In East Lothian, visit attractions such as the stately homes of Newhall’s and Lennox love House, and museums like Prestongrange, a site of major importance in the Scottish Industrial Revolution, and the National Museum of Flight, where you can climb aboard Concorde.
West Lothian’s rich heritage includes castles, prehistoric burial sites and a famous palace. Follow the Linlithgow Heritage Trail to the evocative ruin of Linlithgow Palace.
Midlothian’s must-see attraction, Rosslyn Chapel, lies within the peaceful village of Rosslyn, close to Rosslyn Glen. Visit Aniston House, a wonderful neoclassical style mansion, which has been home to the Dundas family for more than 400 years. The whole family will enjoy a day out at the National Mining Museum Scotland where Multi Media Tours bring the attraction to life.
What could be better than world-class shopping in beautiful surroundings? Edinburgh & The Lothians are home to a wide range of shops, so whether you are a devotee of designer names or in heaven on the high street, the shopping won’t disappoint.
The city centre is the ideal place to start a shopping trip. You will find all the essential shops on Princes Street, as well as a grand old Edinburgh institution, Jenner’s, a quirky department store which has been a city landmark since it first opened in 1838.
For a modern shopping experience, visit the only Harvey Nichols in Scotland which sits on St Andrews Square just behind Princes Street and is full of luxurious treats. On nearby George Street you will find exclusive shops sitting alongside high street favorites.
If you are looking for city centre shopping with a difference, the Royal Mile offers a shopping experience that you won’t find anywhere else. The Scottish shops on the Royal Mile offer perfect souvenirs alongside top-quality cashmere, whisky and delicious handmade fudge.
Museums are free and one of the most magnificent cathedrals in the world that I believe rivals even the Vatican in Rome is the Presbyterian St. Gilas Cathedral. Absolutely breathtaking! Don’t pass up a visit to their gift shop where you can purchase those beautiful glass angels that can be attached to your purse or luggage.
We shall visit Edinburgh later in 2014 in July to prepare you for that special visit in August to see the infamous Tattoo Ceremony in Edinburgh Castle. It truly is listed among the top “1,000 places to visit” in the world.
Happy Travels!
January 2, 2023
