Spotlight on Edinburgh
Published on December 11th, 2008.
Inspire me!
Edinburgh is one of Britain’s most beautiful cities, featuring a stunning backdrop with rocky hills overlooking the sea. The city is home to 4,500 historic and architectural listed buildings which is the highest concentration in the world. Edinburgh is also a modern, dynamic city of art and culture with its museums, galleries, universities and festivals.
Taking the train
Edinburgh is reached by frequent direct train services from London, and other main English towns and cities. The journey from London to Edinburgh can be as little as 4½ hours.
What’s on
Homecoming Scotland 2009 is a year-long celebration with events to highlight Scotland’s great contributions to the world, inspired by Robert Burns ’ 250th anniversary weekend in January. Other topics of interest are: golf, whisky, great minds & innovations and Scotland’s rich ancestry and culture. You can view all the events which are taking place throughout this celebration, from Highland Games to Celtic Connections at: www.homecomingscotland2009.com
Edinburgh Hogmanay new years celebration Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is said to be the world’s greatest New Years’ celebration! It’s a four-day winter festival that takes place at the end of each year. Check out the torchlight procession, concert in the gardens and the headline event of the festival – Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party where 100,000 party-goers meet into the city centre to ring in the New Year. http://www.edinburghshogmanay.org/
Attractions & Sites
EDINBURGH PASS
The Edinburgh Pass is your ticket to experience all of Edinburgh’s delights. Get entrance into 27 of Edinburgh’s top attractions at a great value without having to wait in line for tickets. www.britrail.com
EDINBURGH CASTLE
Towering on an extinct volcano, this instantly recognizable fortress is a powerful national symbol and heritage site with the oldest part, St. Margaret’s Chapel, dating back to the 12th century. Explore inside its massive walls and marvel at the Great Hall, the National War Museum, the Stone of Destiny and the nation’s crown jewels. From here you can follow the Royal Mile, an ancient cobbled road, popular with tourists and lined with shops, pubs and restaurants, that leads to the Palace of Holyrood House.
Address: Castle Hill Edinburgh
Tel: 44 0131 225 9846
ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA
The Royal Yacht Britannia was the royal residence to The Queen and her family during their travels to many exotic and remote locations around the world from the yacht’s launch in 1953 until her decommissioning in 1997. Now permanently docked at Ocean Terminal, she is a floating monument and you can step aboard and tour its magnificent decks.
Address: Ocean Terminal, Leith, Edinburgh
Tel: +44 (0)131 555 5566
www.britrail.com
Featured Lodging
HOLYROOD APARTHOTEL
This aparthotel, features 41 apartments, in a great location adjacent to the Royal Mile. A great bonus is the well equipped kitchens and dining areas, which can accommodate a family or couple perfectly and save on restaurant bills. You’ll also find quiet, comfortable rooms with modern design, and other added features such as wireless Internet connection, LCD television with digital channels and hi -fi systems.
Address: 1 Nether Bakehouse Holyrood, Edinburgh
Tel: 0131 524 3200
Featured Restaurant
APARTMENT
Fantastic food and a cool, youthful atmosphere are featured at this buzzing bistro with generous portions, encouraging sharing tasty treats.
Address: 7-13 Barclay Pl, Central Edinburgh (nearby this months’ featured lodging)
Filled under Attractions, BritRail Products, Lodging & Restaurants, Scotland.