Edinburgh has a wide selection of luxury accommodation throughout the city, with some of the best hotel in Scotland based here. The main area of Edinburgh is Princes Street and many of the most popular five star hotels are situated either on or nearby this street.
This is an ideal location for exploring the city from with both the main bus and railway stations situated to the north and south of this street only a few minutes walk away. Several of the most popular attractions in Edinburgh are also close by including Edinburgh Castle and Edinburgh Dungeon.
The price of accommodation in Edinburgh is quite high compared to other areas in Scotland with the average room per night costing around £100 in the peak season. The price of a luxury hotel can be significantly higher than this depending on when you visit and whether you can get a good deal.
The best time to visit Edinburgh is during August, this is when the fringe festival and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo run. These two events attract thousands of extra visitors to the city making this the busiest time to visit Edinburgh also. If you are planning a holiday during this time it is best to book well in advance as the accommodation around the city centre fills up quickly. You may also find that the price of accommodation is higher during this time also due to the increase demand for rooms.
If you want to visit at a time when the weather is mild and the prices are reasonable then March to May is a good period. These months are just before the peak months and you may be able to find some good deals on many of the top hotels in Edinburgh.
The most popular five star hotels in Edinburgh is probably the Balmoral, it is an icon of the city and offers a supreme standard of luxury. Its restaurant is one of the few Michelin star restaurants in Scotland and it has an excellent range of facilities including a luxury spa.
The Balmoral has a prime location at the start of Princes Street next to the tourist information centre and within walking distance of the main attractions and transport links in the city.
One of the best value luxury hotels in the city is the Howard, it has a five star rating and is just a few minutes walk north of Princes Street. This hotel offers luxury accommodation for under £100 a night and it offers great value for money.
It was recently voted as one of the top 25 city hotels in the world on Trip Advisor and with only 18 rooms you get a very personal service.
Edinburgh is widely regarded as a fantastic city break, but did you know it also provides a fantastic gateway for visiting many of Scotland’s greatest attractions?
Situated to the South East of Scotland, Edinburgh is ideally placed for exploring the stunning coastal areas of East Lothian, the rich countryside of the Scottish Borders and the often underestimated charms of Fife and Kinross.
As a relatively small city, Edinburgh offers easy and fast accessibility to the countryside. Visitors can enjoy the trappings of an urban break, yet be out enjoying unspoilt nature within 30 minutes.
It is entirely realistic to plan daytrips to the Pentland hills, the beaches of East Lothian or rugged woodland walks as part of your Edinburgh break.
The Scottish capital is well served for transport and communications. A train from Waverley station will take you from the hustle and bustle of the city centre to the open air and stunning scenery of East Lothian, West Lothian, Stirlingshire, Perthshire or Fife in under an hour.
Car hire is another great option, as traffic is nothing like as scary as it is in most major European cities, and the city bypass provides an easy gateway out of town.
The surrounding countryside provides a haven for walkers and bikers, wildlife watchers, golf lovers, outdoor enthusiasts or just anybody who enjoys a relaxing day out in beautiful surroundings.
There is also a plethora or cultural and historical attractions to explore, with castles, museums, galleries and heritage sites throughout South, East and Central Scotland.
Even the Highlands can be reached during a slightly longer, but truly thrilling, train ride from Edinburgh.
Many visitors enjoy combined city-and-country holidays, perhaps indulging in shopping and theatre in the centre one day, and an exhilarating forest walk or castle visit the next.
Edinburgh is an ideal destination for a holiday which combines the best of both, with a wealth of options of offer – it really is a gateway to Scotland.
There is plenty of good quality Edinburgh accommodation to choose from for your holiday in Scotland. Many benefit from the flexibility of serviced apartments in Edinburgh, which provide a real ‘home from home.’
With luxury Edinburgh apartments located close to the city centre, you will be ideally placed to explore the best of the capital, or just hop on a train at Waverley and take off into the great playground of Scotland’s countryside.
If you want to enjoy a Scottish vacation in Skye and the Highlands of Scotland, you must first visit the capital city of the country: Edinburgh. Although Glasgow is the largest city in the country, in terms of both population and area, Edinburgh has the history and exudes a sense of times past in every street you walk.
A personal tour of the Royal Mile is a must for any traveler to this historic city. The Royal Mile runs from Edinburgh Castle, that overlooks the city from the top of a volcanic plug, right down the detritus left by the last ice age to Holyrood Palace, the ancient seat of Scottish kings and queens, and the one-time home of Mary, Queen of Scots.
However, there is more in the Royal Mile than just that. Underneath the current streets lies an underground town: the original town of Edinburgh, and one that is said to be haunted. The most famous Ghostbusters of the modern day have failed to prove that the spirits haunting this part of Edinburgh are figments of the imagination – in fact many have run screaming from the vaults underneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. None have dared to claim the hauntings to be false.
You can visit these vaults – if you are brave enough – but only under the guidance of Edinburgh’s experienced guides that know where it is safe to take you – and where you dare not visit for fear of your sanity. Edinburgh is the ghost capital of Europe, if not the world, and if it is your desire to meet them, then the choice will not be yours: it will be theirs at a time and place of their choosing. So sleep well during your Scottish vacation and do not awaken in the night!
On a lighter vein, once you have left Edinburgh you should head for Fort William, nestled under the highest mountain in Britain – Ben Nevis. Small by American standards, but high enough at 4,500 ft. One man pushed a piano up Ben Nevis right to the summit. It is said the remains are still there – the piano’s, not the man’s. You can take a gondola ride up there and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Grampian mountain range.
However, before you get there, you must stop at Loch Fyne on the way, since this loch is famous for its fish, kippers and oysters that you can taste at the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar. You will also pass Loch Lomond, the longest fresh water Loch in Scotland, and also the most beautiful. Stop in Luss, on the banks of Loch Lomond, for a pint of beer and a visit to the bagpipe and kilt shop – they will send your purchases back home for you.
When you are in Fort William, don’t miss Glencoe to the south. This was the scene of the massacre of the MacDonalds by the Campbells in 1692 – it is an eerie and dangerous place and still said to be haunted by the ghosts of the MacDonalds. The MacDonalds had acted as hosts to the Campbells that winter, feeding and entertaining them for a week, and then were slaughtered during one night on the behest of the English king. No Scottish vacation is complete without a visit to Glencoe.
Some scenes of the Harry Potter films were shot here, and you can also visit bleak Rannoch Moor close by, where many of the MacDonalds froze to death on that terrible night. There is still a feud between these two clans because of this betrayal, and the ghosts of the Macdonalds still walk the moor, waiting for any unwary Campbell to walk by. To this day no Campbell dare walk the moor or the Glen at night.
If your name is not Campbell, you can now get the ferry boat to the Hebridean island of Skye, and perhaps visit Dunvegan Castle, where the remnants of the Fairy Flag can be seen – the flag taken by the MacDonalds into every battle they fought. If you get the chance, travel round Skye and the other islands by boat and enjoy the beautiful Red Hills to the east of the island and the brooding Cuillan in the west.
You should then leave Skye over the new bridge that replaced the ferry from Kyleakin to the Kyle of Lochalsh, and head off down the Caledonian Canal route to Loch Ness. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to see the Loch Ness monster. Not many are, but I have ridden its back and it’s an enormous beast. However, I have been sworn to secrecy or I will disappear.
If you like your drink, or just a wee dram, stop off at one of the distilleries on Speyside. The Spey is the river that meets the Atlantic at Inverness, and is one of the purest rivers in Scotland. The whisky it produces is like nectar, and Glenlivet, Glen Grant and the Macallan are just three of the most famous of the 38 single malts distilled in this area. Each of them allows you to visit the distillery and taste the product. Don’t stop at them all or you will never reach your next hotel!
If you are lucky enough to get this far after the Edinburgh Vaults, Glencoe and Rannoch Moor, you will pass through the ancient Caledonian forest which is the nearest existing forest to the prehistoric carboniferous forests that produced the coal, oil and gas that we now rely upon for power. It is said that unknown creatures walk this ancient forest at night.
So that is what a Scottish vacation involves: ghosts, mountains, murder and treachery and whisky. What could be a better way to spend a week or two than that! A vacation to Skye and the highlands, with a stop in Edinburgh is the ideal vacation for anybody with a sense of adventure and a desire to prove that they are not easily frightened. Just a word of warning: if you feel you cannot be frightened then Edinburgh will prove you wrong. You will be shaking in your shoes as you run screaming from the underground 17th century vaults.
Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh is a key element of any trip to Scotland, the use of a hire car service will allow the visitor to get the best out of this unique city and its surrounding area. A city that is almost a thousand years old, Edinburgh has a fascinating history.
The stunning Lothian area that surrounds the city is the perfect excuse for a day trip in a hire car. Split into three distinct areas they offer the chance escape the bustle of the city. Filled with rolling hills and wonderful examples of ancient ruins they will enthral and amaze. The castles of Scotland are an ideal tour in a hire car and give a brilliant insight in to the country’s turbulent past; history lovers will be fascinated at every turn.
You cannot visit Edinburgh however without a trip to the castle, sitting at the top of Edinburgh Rock, the castle has been the centre of Scottish power for centuries. Its strong defensive position makes the climb an effort, but is well worth it for the stunning views that are visible from the summit. Be sure not to miss the imposing Mons Meg.
A large bombard cannon from the mid fifteenth century it gives a fantastic representation of past ordnance technology. Once one o’clock comes about make sure you have your ears covered as the famous salute rings out around the city, a tourist event that cannot be missed.
The use of car hire services opens up the rugged Scottish coastline to tourists. With unspoilt beaches and wildlife in abundance this stretch of coast is a must see for all visitors to Edinburgh, as beautiful as it is striking, bearing the cold and venturing out is fun for all the family.
For younger children who may be bored by the historical elements of a trip to Edinburgh the city’s zoo is a great attraction, use a hire car to make the short ten minute journey and see the fabulous collection of penguins who parade daily. With the largest penguin enclosure in the world fans of these waddling creatures will be amazed.
The collection also includes polar bears, monkeys and tigers while the forest experience with marmosets and tamarin monkeys will have young children shrieking with joy; be sure not to miss the feeding times as this lets visitors view the animals at their most active.
Be sure to take a trip in your hire car to Holyrood House. As the official Scottish residence of the Queen in Scotland it is a fantastic example of a Scottish palace. Home to all of the kings and queens of Scotland since the fifteenth century, the house has had a turbulent history. It has seen fire, allegedly at the hands of Oliver Cromwell’s troops then reconstruction to its current form by Charles II. Some parts of the old building are still recognisable by the MR (Maria Regina) IR (Jacobus Rex) carvings that represent Queen Mary and King James VI (I of England) respectively.
As the most visited tourist destination in Scotland, Edinburgh is a vibrant and energetic city. No more is this evident than during the festival period where entertainers come from around the world and create a carnival atmosphere in the city. Comedians, street performers and great plays add a cultural richness to this city that is hard to be found anywhere else on the planet.
Twinned with the inhabitants love of partying it makes Edinburgh a pleasure to visit. Whether touring the Lothian region in a hire car or walking the medieval streets; Edinburgh and its surrounding area truly is the jewel in Scotland’s crown.
Are you considering a holiday to Edinburgh, Scotland? Have you considered hiring a car to ease the travel stress? Hiring a car is the easiest way to see the local sites within the city you are traveling to and other cities and attractions that might not be available through normal mass transit means.
Edinburgh, Scotland is the capital of Scotland and home to the largest zoo in the country. Rich in culture and history, this city is a virtual Mecca of attractions and entertainment.
Edinburgh?s architecture and medieval buildings and ruins are considered some of the most picturesque in the world. It is also home to the largest comedy and performing arts festivals in the world. The Edinburgh Festive is a collage of different genres of festivals over four weeks in August. Thousands travel to the city to be part of these galas.
Edinburgh Castle is one of the most prominent structures in Edinburgh. A military stronghold, it still is the Headquarters for the Scotland division of the British Army. Many ceremonies are held at this castle, including the Military Tattoo.
A nice afternoon drive to Dundee is certainly in order when on holiday in Edinburgh. Dundee lays only thirty-seven miles north east of Edinburgh and is easily accessible by motorway. Dundee, Scotland is the one of the largest cities in Scotland. It sits on the north side of the River Tey.
In medieval times, the Dundee was the site of vicious battles. Now the city has tried to rename itself self image to reflect ?City of Discovery.? The Antartic adventure ship, aptly named ?The Discovery? was built in Dundee. It is still on display today.
Dundee was actually built around the base of an extinct volcano. Once a large whaling town and port, the history of such is often visible in the architectural structures and in its residents. Seventeen miles from Dundee lays the small town of Abroath, Scotland. A quiet coastal townm Abroath is famous for its crimson sandstone cliffs, which house two dynamic caves: The Forbidden Cave and Dickmont?s Den.
The Signal Tower and Bell Rock Lighthouse lay just east of the cliffs. In 1813, Robert Stevenson was the man behind the blueprints of these works of art.
Another site to see is Arbroath Abbey, which occupies the center of town. The ruins of this abbey played an important part in Arbroath?s history.
With so much to see and do within driving distance of Edinburgh and the surrounding cities, it makes sense to hire a car and enjoy the scenery. Time restraints imposed by a tour guide can often lessen the awe as you are quickly moved from area to area. You are on holiday to relax and enjoy the sights and attractions. Hiring a car will ensure this is what you do.
A lone piper plays a haunting lament from the castle walls. Over 200,000 people stand silently holding their breath as the melody evokes a mixture of sadness and pride – of battles lost and won and soldiers gone but not forgotten. The piper plays the last notes as the flames around the brazier flicker and die out.
A thunderous applause and the fireworks begin cascading over and above the walls of the castle. This spectacle marks the end of the annual military tattoo which attracts visitors from all over the world, in late summer, to Scotland’s capital city – Edinburgh.
Built on ancient volcanic rocks, Edinburgh has evolved around the ancient castle which dominates the city. Settlements have been recorded here as early as 600BC.
There is so much to see and do here that you will be spoilt for choice. To experience the essential Edinburgh there are places you need to include in your itinerary.
Holyrood House and Abbey
Steeped in Royal History you can view over 100 portraits of Scottish kings in the Palace. Built in 1671 for Charles 11, it was also home to Mary Queen of Scots for a number of years. The Abbey was founded by David in 1128 and was a popular sanctuary for debtors throughout its history. The Abbey is now a ruin but the palace is still used by the royal family and Church of England.
Lady Stair’s House
Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson are just three of Scotland’s famous sons. Here you will find literary manuscripts and relics including Scott’s writing desk.
Canongate Tolbooth
This museum houses a fantastic collection of tartan and highland dress.
National Museum of Antiquities
Everything you want to know about Scottish life, from the Stone Age to modern times, can be found here.
Gladstone’s Land
This six-storey tenement building from 1620 has been lovingly restored to represent a typical seventeenth century home. In addition it has a shop front displaying goods from the time.
The Cathedral
St Giles cathedral was constructed around the fourteenth century and is situated on the ‘Royal Mile’ between the Castle and Holyrood Palace. Records show that a church has stood here since 854. It is the final resting place of scottish reformer and theologian John Knox whose famous works include ‘The History of the Reformation in Scotland’. The most recent addition is the ‘chapel of the Thistle – a chivalric company of knights of which the Queen is head.
Festivals
Travel to Edinburgh at almost any time of the year and you will find a festival of one sort or another going on. Books, films, comedy, variety acts, international acts, street theatre and many more. Attend the biggest party in the world on New Year’s Eve.
Whatever your interests, Edinburgh has something for you. Walk around this fascinating city and soak up the history that makes Scotland unique in the world.
Ann Coveney is a freelance writer and part time school teacher. She can be hired to write articles on a wide range of topics. The web site she uses the most for low cost travel and hotel booking is AskVicki.co.uk
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland. Aside from being heart of its financial activities, the city serves as the center of culture of the country. Unlike other buzzing metros, Edinburgh is able to keep a relax pace of life which attracts a lot of tourists from all over the globe.
Every August, thousands of tourists flock to this corner of the United Kingdom to witness and take part in the city’s most popular event, the Edinburgh Festival. The Edinburgh Festival is the largest arts festival where you can enjoy different beats of music, dancing, and other activities in a long span of 4 weeks. This tradition was started in 1947 by the EIF or Edinburgh International Festival with the aim of providing a venue for the free expression of the human spirit.
The best of artists from the UK and the rest of the world convene to fill the craving of the locals and the tourists for great entertainment.
The EIF operates from the Hub, their central office which was built in 1999. The hub, formerly known as the Old Tooth, is located near the famous Edinburgh Castle. This gothic structure also serves as the focal point of the festival where tickets are sold, exhibitions are displayed, and where party spirits conquer everyone.
The Edinburgh Festival is actually a series of summer activities organized to promote thriving of the human spirit:
Edinburgh International Festival
Held every August, only the top caliber artists from the music industry, theater, and opera are invited to perform in this original festival of the EIF. A lot of workshops and talks are conducted to promote the event and the other activities which trace their roots in the original efforts of the EIF in 1947.
This year’s event posted record sales of £2.6m, way up higher 7% than last year. This sudden increase in ticket sales is largely attributed to the overall popularity of dance programme events. The shows’ estimated viewers reached 13,000 at one time, as stated by the organizers.
The next Edinburgh Festival will be held next year 2009 around August 14 to September 6. So have your schedule ready.
Edinburgh Fringe
Popularly known as The Fringe, this is considered the largest arts festival in the world. This festival focuses primarily on the performing arts pertaining to drama and comedy. Famous works by Shakespeare, Samuel Beckett, and other literature giants are featured in the different performances. Experimental performances are also given an opportunity to be appreciated by the public.
This years event was quite disappointing with only 1.5 million tickets sold, compared to sales figure in 2007 which pegged at 1.7 million. This was blamed to some ticketing system hoopla that made tickets unavailable for the public. This led to the resignation of its director Jon Morgan. Nevertheless, the event offered more that 2,200 shows participated by 31,000 performers in music, dance and theatrics.
Edinburgh International Book Festival
This event takes place in Charlotte Square near the center of the city. Renowned authors from all over the globe showcase their works in this book festival. There are also debates and discussions organized so everyone can healthily tackle the different issues of the world.
Edinburgh Airport is located merely 12 km outside of the city centre and is easily accessible from the surrounding motorways. The airport is being operated by BAA and is within the easy reach from the North of England and other locations throughout the UK. There are many ways to travel from the airport whether private and public transport. It is a good idea to get car hire Edinburgh Airport for an easy transfer to your hotel and a nice vehicle for touring the area.
The airport has one terminal which serves around 30 airlines. The airport is easily equipped with short, valet and long stays parking, there are two floors of the building. Arrivals both domestic and international are located on the ground floor. International and European passengers should check in at least two hours before the departure, while domestic passenger should check in at least one hour before the departure. Passengers can find information desk in the international arrivals hall on the ground floor. Cash dispensers accept all major bank cards can be located throughout the terminal building before and after the security. Check-in desks and baggage reclaim is situated on the ground floor. Departure gates are located on the first floor of the terminal building. For the most convenient way of travelling through the city, you can use a car hire Edinburgh Airport. It is always a good idea to book your car hire well in advance. It will make for a very smooth transition if you pre book your car hire Edinburgh Airport.
Now that your transportation problems are solved, it is recommended to see the attractions of this beautiful and cosmopolitan city of Edinburgh. Whether you are on a business or a leisure trip, you will want to take some time and visit the great places of the city.
Edinburgh is often touted as the jewel in Scotland’s crown. If you love museums you won’t be disappointed by visiting some of the finest institutions and galleries like National Museum of Scotland, the National Galleries of Scotland, the Scottish National Museum of Modern Art and Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
There are various other remarkable places which can’t be missed while in Edinburgh, like the famous floral clock located at the Princes Street Garden. The author of the famous Sherlock Holmes detective mysteries, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was born at Picardy Place in Edinburgh, in him memory there is a statue erected here. Drive towards Winter Wonderland in Prices Street Gardens to see the Christmas celebration. This public park is transformed into a magical place offering sideshows, roller coasters, fairground rides and a Bungee Snow dome. It is the perfect treat for a family outing while enjoy the city of Edinburgh. Don’t miss out the ice rink in this garden which one of the most picturesque skating venues in the world. No matter what time of year you come to Edinburgh, there will be a lot of fun things to do.
The beautiful song that you can hear in the background is Caledonia by Dougie maclean.
