Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland and stands on the south side of the Firth of Forth ( or the mouth of the River Forth). Edinburgh is rightly regarded as one of the best 'city break' destinations by both UK residents and visitors from Europe, America, Japan and Australia to name a few. Edinburgh is a beautiful city with grand substantial architecture, parks, culture and is the gateway to the glorious Scottish countryside. It is difficult to really describe why Edinburgh is so great as it appeals to everyone with differing requirements. It is just a 'really nice place'
Edinburgh Castle dominates the city, standing on a hill top overlooking and guarding its surroundings. 'The Royal Mile' leads down from the castle to 'Holyrood Palace' the Queens official Scottish residence. This is the old part of the city, with many historic buildings and an almost medieval feel to it. During the 'Edinburgh Festival' the mile is awash with tourists mingling with street artists and performers. Many beautiful photographs of the city are taken from here looking down historic 'Close's' towards the 'New Town'.
Below the old part of the city is the main shopping area, Prince's Street, and some lovely gardens. This leads on to the 'New Town' which is in fact old but not as old as the 'Old Town'. The 'New Town' was laid out with a great street pattern and lovely Squares and gardens. Most of the buildings are three or four storey buildings of 'Georgian' design, standing proud and looking very grand. Some parts are now shops, some are offices, but most are still residential.
The city has a 'By-Pass' with roads leading to the centre. There are many parts of the city each with different characters, such as Morningside, Leith, Marchmont, Stockbridge, Murrayfield and Bruntsfield. Outside the city you can go to the seaside at Portobello see the rolling Pentland Hills or see the interesting coastal villages in Fife. For golfers Edinburgh and its surrounding area is full of outstanding courses such as Gullane and Muirfield
As well enjoying the ambience of the city there is so much to see and do.
The Old Town.
The Historic and original heart of Edinburgh, the old town dominates the skyline on the remains of an extinct volcano. The castle is very interesting and affords great views of Edinburgh. The Castle holds the Edinburgh Military Tatoo each summer, a fantastic parade of marching bands and pipes. The Royal Mile (or High Street) is lined by old tall buildings with gaps or 'closes' between them with narrow passages leading down the hill. The Mile has lots of shops, bars , restaurants and interesting buildings. Holyrood House is at the bottom of the mile and is the official Scottish residence of the Queen. It is befitting of Royalty and it is next to a Holyrood Park with Arthur's seat, another extinct volcano dominating the park.
Calton Hill
Calton Hill is another one of Edinburgh's many hills and it recognisable with its Athenian style acropolis poking above the skyline.
The National Museum of Scotland was only completed in November 1998 and is an eclectic mix of traditional and modern architecture . The museum has some marvellous exhibits with a range from Roman treasures to steam engines. Edinburgh has many other museums Inside the displays are fascinating and beautifully presented, with interactivity and evocative exhibits (oldest locomotive engine, Roman treasure, a viking skeleton, and more) adding to the experience. You can find photographs of the building and discover more about Scotland's history at the web site.
Edinburgh Zoo.
Edinburgh Zoo is quite close to the city centre and has a vast array of animals from around the globe. Edinburgh Zoo is also proud to harbour endangered species such as the Siberian tiger. Zoo's aren't everyone's cup of tea but if they are you will have a great day, particularly if you have children.
The Royal Botanical Gardens is a beautiful oasis in a beautiful city and allows a few peaceful moments in a lush and splendid garden. Set in a few acres the Botanical Gardens are landscaped to give the impression of a much larger area . All the exhibits are labelled so that those who want to learn more can. Admission is free and after post rain shower presents
the flora magnificently.
Dynamic Earth The Dynamic Earth was built as a Millenium project and maps the evolution of the earth from its beginning. It has many interesting exhibits ranging from the polar icecaps, forests and volcanos. The Exhibition Pavillion is very interesting in itself a sort of traditional amphitheatre crossed with a desert tent.
Parliament
Dynamic Earth is close to Holyrood Palace and the new Scottish Parliament. Holyrood is the official residence of the Monarch and is classical Georgian building, standing proudly next to Holyrood Park. The Palace is quite close to public access roads and can be admired from outside or a tour is available. The Park has the craggy 'Arthurs Seat' a steep hill near the centre of the city. For energetic visitors peace and tranquillity can be found, as well as great views, from this vantage point. As well as the city you can see across the Firth of Forth towards Fife and of course the Forth Bridge.
In contrast to the Palace, the new Scottish Parliament is literally across the road. Devolution from the UK was granted in 1997 and a new parliament was commissioned. Amongst much controversy it is near completion, with spiralling costs. The building is a very modern interpretation but many citizens feel the budget could have been better spent.
The Royal Yacht Britannia was launched in 1953 from Glasgow and after many years solid service representing Queen and country around the world it was decommissioned in 1998 in Leith where it is now on show. It offers a fascinating insight into regal life and to life on marvellous ship.
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