Celebrating old and new in Edinburgh
The Scottish capital is a joy in summer with its majestic castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and towering outcrop, Arthur’s Seat. It even has its own beach out at Portobello, or you can head to the trendy Leith shore, home to the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Princes Street is the main thoroughfare of the New Town, facing Princes Street Gardens and the castle. The Johnnie Walker Experience (johnniewalker.com), opened in 2021, brings to life the story of the famous whisky. Set over eight floors, the 1820 Rooftop Bar offers panoramic city views.
Edinburgh is a very hilly city, making an EZ Bike Tour (ezbiketours.co.uk) a great idea. The City Tour takes in both the Old Town and the New Town, Calton Hill and Arthur’s Seat by electric bike. The Coastal Tour goes through the Dalmeny Estate to South Queensferry.
If art is your thing, the Scottish National Gallery (nationalgalleries.org) reopens this summer with a new suite to show off its renowned collection of art. The Scottish National Gallery Project has works from Scottish artists such as Phoebe Anna Traquair and Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
A day on The Aberdonian (a1steam.com/aberdonian) steam train is a real treat. You can travel from Edinburgh across the Forth Bridge to Aberdeen, with excursions such as a castle visit or whisky tasting.
Edinburgh International Festival (eif.co.uk) and Fringe (edfringe.co.uk), 4 to 28 August, caters for lovers of theatre, comedy, dance, circus, cabaret, musicals and more.
If you want to avoid the hiked accommodation prices and busy streets, go in late summer after the festivals. A great place to stay is the Wilde Aparthotels by Staycity at the foot of the Grassmarket, with views of the castle.
You’re right in the heart of the Old Town here, but there’s nothing old about this place with its modern, self-catering apart-hotel approach.
If you prefer New Town vibes, the Intercontinental Edinburgh The George is housed in five listed Georgian townhouses on the majestic George Street. Classy rooms have high ceilings and a sense of occasion. The new La Petit Beefbar, from restaurateur Riccardo Giraudi, opens this summer, serving street food dishes alongside steaks and sharing plates.
If you’re coming to Edinburgh for a special occasion, check out Prestonfield House. Now a member of POB Hotels (pobhotels.com), this theatrical 17th-century house hotel near Arthur’s Seat is known for its more-is-more decor. The Rhubarb restaurant is a treat for a celebration dinner filled with candles, flamboyant flowers and antiques.