CASTLES AND PALACES
Edinburgh Castle
This imposing castle above the western end of Princes St has
become a symbol of Scotland's nationhood and has played a pivotal
role in Scottish history. Castlehill, Tel. +44 0131 225 9846,
Fax. +44 0131 220 4733. Admission 7.50, open 9.30am-6pm daily
April-Sept, 9.30am-5pm daily Oct-Mar. Discounts for children.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
This is the Queen's official residence in Scotland and is closed
when the royal family is visiting. It was founded as a monastery
in 1128. The guided tour leads you through Holyfrood Abbey,
the royal apartments, state rooms, Great Gallery and Mary Queen
of Scots' Bed Chamber.
Canongate, Royal Mile EH8 8DX, Tel. +44 0131 556 7371, Fax.
+44 0131 557 5256. Admission 6.50, Open 9.30am-6pm daily Apr-Oct,
9.30am-4.30pm daily Nov-Mar.
Lauriston Castle
A 16th Century tower house with 19th century extensions. It's
set in peaceful grounds overlooking the Firth of Forth. Rich
collections of furniture and decorative art give a peek at Edwardian
life in a Scottish country house. Visits by guided tour only.
Take bus no 40 from Hanover St to Cramond Rd South. Cramond
Road South, Davidson's Mains, Edinburgh EH4 5GD, Tel. +44 0131
336 2060, Fax. +44 0131 312 7165. Admission 4.50, Open 11am-1pm
& 2pm-5pm Sat-Thur Apr-Oct, 2pm-4pm Sat&Sun Nov-Mar
TOP
MONUMENTS
The Scott Monument
This was built in the memory of the Scottish writer, Sir Walter
Scott. It has an internal spiral staircase of nearly 300 steps
with a view of Edinburgh from the top. There are 64 niches on
the monument, each houses a statuette of a character from Scott's
works. Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2EJ, Tel. +44 01315 294
068
Rosslyn Chapel
This chapel was founded in 1446 by Sir William St Clair. It
is a stunning example of 15th century gothic architecture with
unusual carvings and masonic symbolism. Roslin, Midlothian EH25
9PU
TOP
PARKS AND GARDENS
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Twenty eight hectares of gardens have made this a popular attraction.
It was first established in 1670 and is now home to over 6%
of all known plants. The grounds include Victorian palm houses,
beautiful flower gardens and a world-famous rock garden. Inverleith
Row & Arboretum Place, 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh EH3
5LR, Tel. +44 0131 552 7171, Fax. +44 0131 248 2901, info@rbge.org.uk
Malleny Garden
This three acre walled garden is dominated by four 400 year
old yew trees. It contains fine herbaceous borders, a large
collection of roses and the national bonsai collection for Scotland.
Appointments required for groups. Balerno, Edinburgh EH14 7AF,
Tel. +44 0131 449 2283
Holyrood Park
A 650 acre park just out of the city with two impressive natural
features: Arthur's Seat and the Salisbury Crag's. Arthur's seat
is the remains of an ancient (and extinct) volcano 823 feet
above sea level with a great view over Edinburgh and the Forth
of Firth.
Calton Hill
This is one of the main hills in the city centre. There are
two observatories and the famous unfinished replica of the Parthenon
in Athens. There are also fantastic views over the city.
TOP
OTHER
The Royal Mile
This is the main thoroughfare through Edinburgh's Old Town and
probably the oldest street in the city. The mile long stretch
of cobble stones runs from the Edinburgh Castle to the Palace
of Holyroodhouse.It is divided in four sections; Castlehill,
Lawnmarket, High Street and Canongate.
Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre
This centre brings 300 years of Scotch Whisky history to life.
Discover the making of whisky from barley to bottle and smell,
taste and see it.
354 Castlehill, Royal Mile, Tel. +44 0131 220 0441, info@whisky-heritage.co.uk,
Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre. Admission 6.50, open 9.30am-5.30pm
daily.
