Edinburgh - Heritage and Culture
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Look up! It’s hard to stop your gaze drifting upwards for another glimpse of the castle. Stroll down a mysterious medieval street or alleyway, wander round exquisite Georgian squares and crescents. The city's most famous attraction always towers above you.
Some evenings a lone Scottish piper plays a lament from the battlements. You can almost taste the romance and history in the air.
One day you could be shopping in Princes Street. Maybe you're exploring the rambling showrooms of Jenner's department store, Scotland’s answer to Harrod’s. Or you could be walking down the 'Royal Mile' - the ancient thoroughfare lined with traditional pubs and hip new cafes, bars and restaurants.
The history follows you everywhere, like the plaintive sound of those bagpipes drifting across the city's ancient rooftops.
Edinburgh Castle is the heart of this sense of heritage. This is where the Scots keep their Crown jewels, they're Europe's oldest. This is where St Margaret’s Chapel has stood since the 12th century. And this is where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to the baby boy who became King James VI of Scotland and James I of England.
The magnetic appeal of Edinburgh Castle comes down to one question: Can you resist climbing up onto to its battlements to experience that awesome panorama?
Of course you can't! The first thing you notice from there is that, for a major European capital city, Edinburgh is surprisingly small. See the green hills beyond the city limits and the waters of the Firth of Forth to the north.
You'll also spot that Edinburgh has a curiously shaped lump. It's near the city centre and rises 250m out of the earth. This is Arthur’s Seat. It’s actually a volcano but don’t worry: it’s over 350 million years old and long extinct. Take a walk there. The winding paths make it another great way to see the city and the sparkling sea beyond.
From Arthur’s seat look over to the historic port of Leith. The Royal Yacht Britannia is now moored there permanently. That's another good half day out…
In Edinburgh you’ll be delighted by the surprises you find on foot. Walk to the Palace of Holyrood House in the medieval Old Town or to the great museums and art galleries of the Georgian New Town. A cobbled side street reveals the perfect place to eat. A narrow passage leads to an ancient courtyard. A flight of steps takes you into Edinburgh’s labyrinth of underground walkways.
Edinburgh is, of course, famous for festivals. The world-renowned Edinburgh International Festival happens in August and September. And there are annual festivals for film buffs, book worms, science fans and jazz nuts. Time your visit to enjoy the Ceilidh Culture, a celebration of Celtic music, dance and poetry every April. Or plan ahead for the magnificent Military Tattoo which takes place at the Castle every August.
And one of the best parties anywhere in the world is Edinburgh's New Year Hogmaney. Do expect an unforgettable celebration and fireworks over the castle. But don’t expect to go to bed that night!
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Edinburgh Tourist Board
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