Edinburgh is one of Europe's great capital cities. With its famous castle perched on a plug of volcanic rock, and the refined architecture of the eighteenth century New Town it uniquely combines rugged grandeur with genteel elegance. The arts Festival attracts hundreds of thousands of global visitors each July and August while its theatres, museums and galleries offer cultural riches throughout the year. This charismatic yet compact City offers an infinite range of attractions and everyone will have their own favourites.
If you could only visit one place in Edinburgh to capture its charms then I would have to recommend the Castle and the Royal Mile. This ancient cobbled street, located in the Old Town, begins with the fortress sited at the top on Castle Rock and sweeps downwards to finish at Holyrood Palace.
Most of the castle buildings date from the 16th century, although a building has stood on this commanding location since at least the 9th century. At the very least it is worth climbing to its entrance to see the sentries at the gatehouse and to gaze at its venerable structure. You can also enjoy fabulous views from the Esplanade as the city stretches out beneath you.
If you haven't been before then I would definitely recommend that you pay up to go inside. Historic Scotland now run the Castle (which still has a military garrison) and it is very family-friendly. You will find coffee shops, an accessible and entertaining educational centre with interactive displays and plenty of nooks, crannies and impressive sights to impress you.
Highlights include the 12th century St Margaret's Chapel (the oldest visible part of the building); the Crown Room with its display of the honours of Scotland including jewels, regalia and the famous Stone of Destiny (atop which Scotland's Kings were crowned) and 'Mons Meg' - a huge cannon which stands outside the Chapel and harks back to the fifteenth century. Now defunct, this cannon was fired to celebrate the marriage of Mary Queen of Scots. The cannon ball landed on the site of the Botanic Gardens, almost two miles away!
When you have finished your visit you can saunter down the Royal Mile, taking in its narrow gunnels, ancient buildings and venns. If you are feeling flush then you could treat yourself to a swanky lunch at the famous and rather gothic 'The Witchery' restaurant, close by the Castle gates. Or there are plenty of other delightful pubs, restaurants and coffee shops for you to sample as you descend.
The only negative things I can think of are that the steepness of the hill and the cobbled stones mean that it is not ideal terrain for everyone. It can also get very crowded, especially at Festival time - and certainly the prices charged in some shops and restaurants are not the cheapest so do keep a wary eye open for opportunists. Then again, no-one expects prices to be low in the heart of a capital City.
On a sunny day I highly recommend a stop off to take in the 'moving pictures' up the stairs at the Camera Obscura. Even though it uses ancient technology (which ultimately led to photography and film making) I am still always wowed by the views across Edinburgh. Continue down the brae (hill) and you will eventually reach Holyrood Palace, Holyrood Park and the Scottish Parliament, all of which are well worth a visit. This review also appears on Helium under my pen name Lynne MC
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Advantages: Lots to see, close to some great shops and other attractions. Disadvantages: No wheelchair access, but I suppose they can't really fit it out with lifts and escelators with it being a building of historic importance.
Sep 16th, 2008
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