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Edinburgh Tourist Attractions


Edinburgh is such a wonderful place it would be easier to tell you what isn’t an attraction here. But, as a starting point, here’s a little tourist information for just a few of the sites that our previous guests have enjoyed.

Edinburgh Castle
One of the most famous Castle's in the world, Edinburgh Castle is the focal point of the city sitting high atop The Royal Mile. This battle-scarred fortress has been inhabited since the 9th century and a Royal Castle since the reign of David I in the 12th Century.

Royal Yacht Britannia
The Queen was seen to publicly shed a tear when the Royal Yacht was put to pasture at the docks in Leith in 1998. With the yacht now a tourist attraction, this is your chance to see the only place she says she ever felt at home.

Holyrood Palace
Founded as a monastery in 1128, the Palace of Holyroodhouse 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, it is the setting for state ceremonies and official entertaining but it is also open as a tourist attraction when the Queen's not here.

Dynamic Earth
Take the Mother Earth of all adventures as you travel back to explore our planet's past, embrace its present and predict its future.

National Museum of Scotland
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. Unfortunately the museum is undergoing another major renovation and will only be open in a limited capacity until 2011. We look forward to seeing the new attraction.

Royal Botanic Gardens
Scotland's answer to Kew Gardens, this oasis in Edinburgh's New Town area is not only a place to learn about exotic flora, but also 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: To experience the flora is at its most fragrant, go immediately after a rain shower)

Calton Hill
One of Edinburgh's seven famous hills, it is unmistakable with its Athenian style acropolis poking above the skyline. The panorama, taking in the old town, as you look back towards the castle at sunset, is a sight not to be missed. What’s more, this tourist and photographers’ dream is free of charge.

The Old Town
Simply wandering the streets of The Old Town is an easy and cheap way to take in the amazing history and tourist attractions of Edinburgh. Its labyrinth of alleys and closes has a million secrets to tell. To learn more, take a night-time Ghost Tour. Ask for information on Mercat Tour tickets from reception.

Gladstone's Land
A chance for visitors to experience life in all its 17th Century glory. Comprising of six rooms dating back to various time periods, this 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 hosts 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. 
 
Inveresk Lodge Garden
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 period. Goldfinches and Tawny Owls can also be seen. In the winter the garden is brightened up by seasonal flowering plants such as daffodils, snowdrops and aconites. You’ll find the Inveresk Lodge Garden in Inveresk Village south of Musselburgh, just six miles east of Edinburgh and accessible by train. Musselburgh train station is your destination.
 
Newhailes
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 while the surrounding landscape boasts vast areas of park lands, the remains of a water garden, a shell grotto and a classical summer house. Newhailes is located on Newhailes Road in Musselburgh, a short distance from Edinburgh.

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


Our reception staff will be delighted to help you with tourist information and directions to any of these attractions.

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