EDINBURGH CASTLE

Scotland’s Guardian

Rising above the city on its dark, volcanic rock, in many ways the history of Edinburgh Castle is the history of Scotland. The castle has served many purposes over the centuries; at various times an impregnable military fortification, royal palace, army barracks and prison, the castle today is Scotland’s most popular visitor attraction.

The castle is home to the Honours of Scotland, the nation’s Crown Jewels, including the famous Stone of Destiny, used in the coronation ceremonies of the Kings and Queens of Scots since time immemorial. You will have the opportunity to visit the Royal Palace, birthplace of kings, and Robert Lorimer’s stunning National War Memorial.

Explore one of the castle’s fascinating military museums, or discover what life was like for a Napoleonic prisoner of war in the castle’s extensive prison exhibit.

OLD TOWN

Edinburgh’s Medieval Heart

Descending from Edinburgh Castle all the way to the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the foot of the hill is the Royal Mile, Edinburgh’s medieval main street. Bursting with traditional pubs, independent shops, restaurants, museums and more, the Royal Mile is endlessly rewarding to explorers.

Discover picturesque Victoria Street, stand on the shoulders of Enlightenment giants at the University of Edinburgh, or people-watch in one of the eclectic eateries of the bustling Grassmarket.

Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city in the spectacular Holyrood Park, once a royal hunting preserve, containing pretty lochs, myriad walking and cycle routes, and the awe-inspiring volcanic hillscape of Arthur’s Seat.

NEW TOWN

Georgian Elegance

Constructed from the 1760s to meet the needs of the city’s growing population, the New Town is a marvel of neo-classical architecture and Enlightenment urban planning.

Today the New Town is home to sophisticated designer shops and boutiques, and chic bars, pubs and restaurants, in addition to multiple fantastic art galleries and museums.

DEAN VILLAGE & STOCKBRIDGE

Off The Beaten Track

Sitting on the banks of the Water of Leith, Dean Village is a pretty oasis of calm and tranquility a short walk from the bustling city centre.

Not far away is the bohemian neighbourhood of Stockbridge, with its many independent shops and eateries, and Edinburgh’s extensive botanical gardens, boasting over 13,000 plant species, Victorian glasshouses and fantastic views of the city skyline.

EDINBURGH FESTIVALS

World Famous Festival City

Whether you prefer the spectacle and pomp of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the highbrow culture of the Edinburgh International Festival or the vibrant egalitarianism of the Festival Fringe, Edinburgh is the perfect place to let your hair down.

Edinburgh also hosts a Book Festival, Film Festival, Jazz & Blues Festival, Art Festival, Science Festival, Storytelling Festival and Children’s Festival, in addition to it’s famous ‘Hogmanay’ New Year party, traditionally the most important Scottish holiday celebration of all.

Join us at the height of the Festival season in August, when we welcome guests and performers from all over the world and the city’s population doubles in size, for a truly unforgettable experience.

LEITH

Edinburgh’s Iconic Waterfront

Once Scotland’s busiest trading port, the independent-minded area of Leith was recently named by Time Out magazine as the fourth coolest neighbourhood in the world.

Boasting some of the city’s best restaurants and a thriving creative scene, Leith is also home to the Royal Yacht Britannia, formerly owned by the royal family and now a popular floating museum.