Guide to Edinburgh Attractions

The Edinburgh attractions listed below are very popular with our Euro Hostel guests.

The Queen was seen to publicly shed a tear -- not a common event -- when the Royal Yacht was put to pasture at the docks in Leith in 1998. Originally launched from John Brown's Clydebank Shipyard in 1953, some are still surprised at how modest the ship is.

Founded as a monastery in 1128, the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh is The Queen's official residence in Scotland. Situated at the end of the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace is closely associated with Scotland's turbulent past, including Mary, Queen of Scots, who lived here between 1561 and 1567. Successive kings and queens have made Holyrood Palace the premier royal residence in Scotland. Today, the Palace is the setting for State ceremonies and official entertaining and is open to the public when the Queen's not in!

Tickets cost £8 for an adult and £4 for under 17's.

 

The new National Museum of Scotland, completed in November 1998, is a fine example of traditional and modern architecture working in harmony. Inside the displays are fascinating and beautifully presented, with interactivity and evocative exhibits including the oldest locomotive engine, Roman treasure, a viking skeleton and much more.

This verdant oasis in Edinburgh's New Town area, and Scotland's answer to Kew gardens, is not only a place to learn about exotic flora, but its lush surroundings make it the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon. There is no admission charge and it is cleverly landscaped so that you can get lost in its few acres. Tip: go immediately after a rain shower: the flora is at its most fragrant, and the people most scarce.

One of Edinburgh's many hills, it is unmistakable with its Athenian style acropolis poking above the skyline. Looking back towards the castle at sunset, taking in the old town, is a sight not to be missed. A photographers dream that is Free of charge.

Simply wandering the streets of The Old Town is an easy and cheap way to take in the amazing history of Edinburgh. It's labyrinth of streets and closes have a million historic secrets to tell. One great way to hear many of these secrets is take a night "Ghost Tour". You can purchase tickets for a Mercat Tour from reception.

A chance for visitors to experience life in the 17th Century. Comprising of six rooms dating back to various time periods, the House is richly furbished with period furniture and objects. 17th Century retail is depicted in the luckenbooth that dates back to 1620. The hall dates back to 1550 and was the home of the guild -officer for a short time. The first floor shows how the upper class lived during the 17th century and is full of ornate decor and a painted ceiling that dates back to 1620. The 18th century Green Room has an exhibit dedicated to the revolutionary changes in technology. The House also contains a used bookshop that sells books at 50p and £1.

 

The Gladstone's Land is open between: 10am-5pm from 31st March - 30th Jun, 10am-7pm from the 1st July - 31st August, 10am - 5pm
1st September - 31st October.

The House is located in Edinburgh City Centre at the top of the Royal Mile.

 

Inveresk Lodge is a secluded garden surrounded by woodland and brimming with wildlife. It also has a Victorian Glasshouse and an Aviary. The best times to visit are Autumn and Winter. Plants such as Acer, Sorbus and Euonymus along with the orchard come into bloom and show off their distinctive colours during Autumn.Goldfinches appear as well as Tawny Owls. In the Winter the garden is brightened up by winter flowering plants such as daffodils, snowdrops and aconites.

 

Open all year between 10am - 6pm

The Inveresk Lodge Garden is located in Inveresk Village south of Musselburgh, just six miles east of Edinburgh and accessible by train from
Edinburgh to Musselburgh train station.

 

Newhailes is a superb example of James Smith's domestic Palladian Architecture. The house and its surroundings were extensively added to by the Dalrymple's, an influential family in 18th century Scottish law and Politics. Rated as 5* by the Scottish Tourism board, the property houses an array of decorative arts and personal collections. The surrounding landscape boasts vast areas of park lands, the remains of a water garden, a shell grotto and a classical summer house.

 

The Estate is open all year round. The house is open on between May 1st to 30th September, Thursday to Monday between 12 and 5 pm.

Newhailes is located on Newhailes Road in Musselburgh a short distance from Edinburgh

A restored 18th Century Georgian town house typical of Edinburgh's New Town, with a facade designed by Robert Adam in 1771. The house contains a myriad of treasure from the Georgian period including furniture, silver, porcelain and fine paintings.

 

Open 1st to 31st March from 11am to 3pm, 1st April to 30th June from 10am to 5pm, 1st July to 31st August from 10am to 7pm, 1st
September to 31st October from 10am to 5pm, and 1st to 30th November from 11am - 3pm

The Georgian House is located in the city centre of Edinburgh, in Charlotte Square.

Remember to ask at reception for directions to any of these Edinburgh attractions.