Edinburgh Useful stuff

Dig deeper into this city’s walks, eateries and history

1 Go west Shrouded in history yet recently rejuvenated, Edinburgh’s West End is a hidden gem. The cobbled shopping lanes of the West End are at the very heart of Edinburgh’s fashion and culinary scene.

2 Hit the hay Staying west, explore Haymarket. Known for its cafes, pubs and restaurants, as well as the city’s second railway station, the area is currently nearing the end of an extensive redevelopment. Edinburgh lends itself to an explorer’s mentality, and you will find yourself glued to your phone, searching for the city’s best-kept secrets.

3 Find Harry Potter For children and adults alike, Edinburgh has become a place of pilgrimage for Harry Potter fans. Discover the history that inspired the famed wizarding world, including Hogwarts School, Diagon Alley (Victoria Street and Candlemaker Row), and Greyfriars Kirkyard, where JK Rowling is thought to have found inspiration for names in the series.

4 Head outside The backbone of the city is undoubtedly the serene Water of Leith. Take a stroll along this family-, cycleand dog-friendly walkway, passing villages as it meanders its way through the heart of Edinburgh.

5 Get a taste of Scotland You won’t be short of great, authentic places to eat here. Whether you want to grab a light lunch or settle down for the night in a hidden restaurant enshrouded by the city’s cobbled streets, there will be something for you. Grab a light bite at Cairngorm Coffee in the heart of the West End.

6 Jubilant history The charm really is in the detail. The nooks, winding side streets and narrow walkways are the veins of Edinburgh. No visit is complete without wandering around the Old Town and up the Royal Mile.

For Sound Walks, visit edinburghwestend.co.uk/westend-sound-walks

Find out about Cairngorm Coffee at cairngormcoffee.com