DESTINATIONS

Vibrant Edinburgh

7 minute read
Robin Glover

Scotland’s historic and spirited capital is popular with visitors day and night, some lured by the many cultural events, some seeking to reconnect with their ancestral past, and others simply content to stroll the streets admiring the unspoilt architecture.

Edinburgh, sometimes referred to as the “Athens of the North”, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It has two distinct areas: the Old Town, dominated by a medieval fortress; and the neo- classical New Town, dating from the 18th century. The harmonious connection of these two contrasting historic areas, each with many important buildings, is what gives the city its unique character and saw it awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO in 1995.

Both beautiful and fun, Edinburgh is a city known not only for its impressive history and heritage, but for its festivals and culture. From Fire Festivals to the Fringe, The Edinburgh International Festival to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Edinburgh truly comes alive as a destination during the summer months. 

Throughout the entire month of August, the Edinburgh International Festival takes over the city, and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place on the Castle Esplanade. The Edinburgh International Festival started in 1950 to raise spirits in the midst of post-war austerity. It has grown over the decades to become one of the world’s leading multi-genre arts festivals showcasing the greatest contemporary artists performing a diverse range of art forms. 

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo includes nearly 1000 performers from all over the world. If you do plan your visit to experience this magnificent event, Dream Escape can arrange visits to Edinburgh Castle for an exclusive pre-opening breakfast, dining in splendour at the Castle with amazing views of the city, and even a private recital by cast members. 

The experience continues with a stroll to a restored fifteenth-century tenement building, now a renowned restaurant adjacent to the castle, where guests can enjoy the finest Scottish cuisine complemented with castle views while soaking up Edinburgh’s history. You might then enjoy whisky tasting in the extensive whisky bar while taking note of the cannonball embedded in the castle-facing wall!

Take your VIP seats, where you are able to mingle with guests and performers in the Royal Gallery, then sit back and enjoy the show. This spectacular event attracts members of Scottish Clans across the globe, which can tie in with those on a personal ancestral discovery. Take part in your own ‘Clan Gathering’ – meet a Clan Chieftain and enjoy a mini Highland Games, complete with haggis hurling and caber tossing.  Prepare for the event with a private workshop to create a unique and personalised tartan. A bespoke kilt-making session will ensure you can wear your tartan with pride. Follow with a visit to one of the many Summer Highland Games, including The Braemar Gathering attended by The Royal Family.

Between the fun of the festivals, allow yourself plenty of time to explore the city attractions. Edinburgh Castle is Scotland’s most-visited tourist attraction. Poised on the peak of an extinct volcano, every day at 1pm, a gun is fired over the castle ramparts – a timekeeping tradition dating from 1861 that echoes across Edinburgh.

The Castle has stood guard over the city for 900 years and is brimming with tales, from its near destruction on the order of the King of Scots, Robert the Bruce, to its role as a garrisoned fortress through the Glorious Revolution and the Jacobite Risings. 

The surrounding Old Town, Edinburgh’s oldest quarter, retains much of its medieval street plan. The Royal Mile, which lies at the heart of the Old Town, is arguably one of the most famous streets in the world. Today, it is peppered with stores selling gifts with a Scottish flavour, such as cashmere, tartan, whisky, shortbread, and handcrafted silver jewellery. However, in centuries gone by it was a different story; delving into the Old Town is like leafing through the pages of a dusty historical novel, as each era unfolds with its own legends and characters.

Dream Escape programmes can take guests on a private tour to visit the famous Princes Street Gardens, with the gothic excesses of the Scott Monument, up to the symmetrical beauty of the grand squares and shopping avenues of the Georgian sector, centred on sensational George Street. 

The Scott Monument is a tribute to author Sir Walter Scott (see our 250th Anniversary special on page 15), it is the largest monument to a writer in the world, and it has dominated Princes Street since 1846. For views over Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside, visitors can climb the  287 steps to the monument’s top.

There are many museums well worth a visit; the National Galleries of Scotland have an astounding collection of art, and a short stroll away there’s the National Portrait Gallery, one of Edinburgh’s most remarkable buildings – a great red sandstone neo-Gothic palace and home to the national collections of portraits and photography collections. Or, you might decide to head west to visit the National Gallery of Modern Art, which is set across two buildings in a magnificent sculpture park.

Further south in the picturesque Old Town, there are seven levels of spectacular exhibitions awaiting you at the fascinating National Museum of Scotland. Packed with intriguing displays and insights into science and technology, fashion, the natural world and art and design, this museum is large enough to fill an entire day. 

Outside you will find another of the city’s most iconic monuments – a small bronze statue – Greyfriars Bobby commemorates a famous local resident – a little Skye Terrier who faithfully guarded over his owner’s grave in nearby Greyfriars Churchyard for 14 years, unveiled in 1873. 

You might wish to stop to see things from a new perspective via Victorian technology at Edinburgh’s oldest purpose-built visitor attraction, the Camera Obscura. With the aid of a mirror, daylight and a giant periscope, live moving 360° images of Edinburgh are projected onto a viewing table inside this Victorian rooftop chamber – it’s truly amazing. 

On your way to the neo-classical ‘New Town’, built to accommodate the city’s affluent residents in the early-19th century, enjoy a stroll along Queen Street passing the private Queen Street Gardens. Here you can enjoy some time exploring the timeless elegance of quiet terraces, sumptuous townhouses and cobbled roads.

Horticulturists should make time to visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, which is split into three themed landscaped gardens and stretches across an impressive 70 acres. Discover seasonal flora and fauna as well as modern sculptures and installations dotted throughout, and coming soon, the eagerly anticipated Edinburgh Biomes project is another must-see.

You will be pleased you packed your camera when you reach the summit of Calton Hill, offering some of the best views of Edinburgh. Aside from the remarkable vistas over the city, this is also where you’ll find some of Scotland’s legendary monuments, including Nelson’s Monument and the National Monument. It’s also home to the Royal Observatory, which hosts astronomy evenings.

The opposite end of the Royal Mile from the castle sits the impressive Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence in Scotland of HM The Queen and The Royal Family. It is also home to the changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection, featuring Old Master paintings, rare furniture, decorative arts, and images from the vast photographic collection.

Discover Edinburgh by foot, bike, or even a custom Mini Cooper experience, uncovering ‘off the beaten track’ destinations, foodie tours, or why not delve underground for an Edinburgh ghost walk? 

Explore Edinburgh at festival time and Dream Escape can design the perfect programme with exclusive experiences and private guided activities and tours to make the most of this vibrant city. Whether you are travelling with family or friends or a multi-generational group, Dream Escape will pair you with the perfect guide to make the most of your Scottish experience. 

Discover Dream Escape’s favourite places to stay here (EDINBURGH HOTELS)

IMAGE CREDIT: ©Visit Scotland / Kenny Lam

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