House of travel UK & Ireland Brochure 2017 | Page 33

Edinburgh
When a city’s New Town dates back to the 18th century, you know you’re in a
seriously historic city; it’s Old Town is medieval by the way. This sophisticated
Scottish capital has melded the ancient with the modern and is synonymous with
its annual festival in August, that encompasses the legendary Tattoo to and The
Fringe; but it’s festival time almost year-round in Edinburgh. Join the spirited
locals for celebrations of film, jazz and science, not to mention Hogmanay.
Walk through history with a visit to Edinburgh Castle, towering above the Royal
Mile. Then follow this famous thoroughfare down to the Queen’s Scotland address.
Take a tipple of Scotland’s finest whisky en route or shop for your clan tartan.
Our favourite things to see and do
Edinburgh Castle – You haven’t truly seen Edinburgh
until you’ve paid a visit to the most famous of all the Scottish
castles. Perched atop a rocky outcrop and totally dominating
the cityscape, it has tons of history dating back to the 12th
century and is still used for events like the Military Tattoo.
Fringe Festival – Book a week in Edinburgh during the
month of August and you’re in for an unforgettable cultural
explosion! Crazy acts by top local and international performers
are on show almost 24 hours a day. In 2016 one of the funniest
one-liners was by comedian Roger Swift, “I spotted a Marmite
van on the motorway, it was heading Yeastbound.”
© Visit Scotland & Kenny Lam
Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre – This is the perfect
place to sample a wee dram. Neat or with ice, it’s up to you,
just don’t ask for a mixer of coke or the whisky lovers might
not let you get out alive!
Grey Friars Bobby – The story of the little Skye Terrier,
that stood guard by his master’s grave for over 14 years until
he himself died on 14 January 1872, is bound to make you
shed a tear or two. A visit to Bobby’s headstone in Greyfriars
Kirkyard, and getting your photo taken next to the statue of
Bobby on the corner of Edinburgh’s Candlemaker Row and
George IV Bridge, is mandatory when visiting Edinburgh.
Clan Tartan Centre – Do you remember watching
© Visit Scotland & Kenny Lam
Braveheart and wishing you were part Scottish? Now you can
find out if your name is linked to a Scottish clan and deck
yourself out head to toe in your family tartan.
© Visit Britain
Arthur’s Seat – There are a number of walking tracks
crisscrossing the hills of Edinburgh that will take you to the
top of Arthur’s Seat (the main peak) in a little less than an
hour. The effort is worth it with superb views of the city.
© Visit Scotland
© Visit Scotland
© Visit Scotland & Kenny Lam
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