Fortifying experience
Capital city is a treasure trove of culture
WATERFALL ■Salmon leaping upstream
WITH its fairy-tale skyline of turrets and spires set among craggy hills with views out to sea, Edinburgh is one of Europe’s most spectacular cities.
Cultured and cosmopolitan, its medieval streets are a treasure trove of museums, galleries and gardens. At the top of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle oversees proceedings from its perch high on a volcanic rock.
One of the world’s great showcase cities, it provides an inspirational backdrop for artists, writers and scientists who gather for its annual festivals.
Home of the exhilarating Edinburgh Military Tattoo, as well as the bucketlist Hogmanay party, there’s lots to savour...
SEE Edinburgh Castle
Dominating the city for 900 years, the 11th century castle, which has served as a military fortress, royal palace and state prison, is now Scotland’s most popular tourist trap.
Explore its cluster of museums, vaults and chapel. The Crown Room houses the Honours of Scotland, the oldest crown jewels in Britain. edinburghcastle.scot Royal Yacht Britannia Retired in 1997, the Queen’s floating holiday home is moored at Leith’s Ocean Terminal. Voted Scotland’s best visitor attraction for the past 12 years there are five decks to explore including the state apartments. royalyachtbritannia.co.uk
Real Mary King’s Close The lower levels of this medieval alley have remained unchanged for 250 years and they give an insight into life in a bygone era. real marykingsclose.com
DO
Take a walk around the Old Town. Find Greyfriars Kirkyard, an evocative and peaceful spot right in the city centre. Many famous Edinburgh residents are buried here, including William Smellie, the first editor of the Encyclopedia Britannica. Join a guided tour of Deanston Distillery, a one-hour drive away in Stirling. Brave souls should try the New Make Spirit, whisky direct from the still and not yet matured, which comes in at a stiff 63.5 per cent alcohol. deanstonmalt.com
EAT
If you fancy a tasty lunch at the birthplace of a multimillion-pound franchise, head for the Elephant House Cafe at 21 George IV Bridge. This is where J.K. Rowling wrote her first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
There are articles and photos galore of the renowned author on the walls. From the back room, where Rowling used to sit, there is an amazing view of Edinburgh Castle, which is thought to be the inspiration for Hogwarts. elephanthouse.biz
DRINK
At number 8 Young Street you will find the Oxford Bar, famously the watering hole of Detective Inspector John Rebus, the copper at the centre of Ian Rankin’s hugely popular series of novels.
It’s an old-fashioned, down-to-earth, front room-type pub.
When Ian Rankin drinks there he enjoys local brew, Deuchars IPA, made nearby in Edinburgh’s most historic brewery. oxfordbar.co.uk
STAY
For the brave, try whisky direct from the still that comes in at a stiff 63.5%
The Glasshouse is a five-star hotel with 77 rooms in the heart of the city centre. Formerly the 170-year-old Lady Glenorchy Church, it was converted to this luxury abode in 2003. Its crisp, modern interior is in marked contrast to the Gothic church facade at the front. It has a huge outside space in a roof terrace garden with views to Calton Hill. Rooms from £200. For a really special treat, go for the Glasshouse’s Elite Whisky Experience weekend. The package for two includes two nights’ B&B in one of its four most luxurious suites, a seven-course, finedining and whisky-tasting dinner, a whisky distillery tour of your choice, lunch and a dinner for £1800. theglasshousehotel.co.uk
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