Scotland Peter Irvine’s the best
A day out in Edinburgh From the wild to the wonderful... enjoy a world of adventure and education in Scotland’s capital
Edinburgh Castle
Go to Princes Street and look up! The city’s must-see main attraction does not disappoint. St Margaret’s 12th Century chapel is simple and beautiful; the rolling history lesson that leads up to the display of Scotland’s crown jewels is fascinating. The Scottish National War Memorial is one of the most genuinely affecting places in the country – a simple, dignified testament to shared pain and loss. The Esplanade is a major concert venue in July, just before the International Tattoo, the largest nightly event of the Festival in August.
National Museum of Scotland
One of the UK’S most visited attractions. The restored-to-former-victorian-grandeur atrium, thousands of objects in state-of-theart displays and interactivity, and integration
with the adjacent Museum of Scotland (opened in 1999), this is a celebration of the ingenuity, industry and influence of a small country that changed the world. Not to forget the big animals and all that went before! A roof terrace reveals the city skyline.
Royal Botanic Garden
Enter from Inverleith Row or the landmark John Muir gateway in Arboretum Place. Seventy acres of ornamental gardens, trees and walkways; a joy in every season. Precocious squirrels everywhere. The Botanics have talks, guided tours, and events. They also look after other important outstanding gardens in Scotland. Total integrity and the natural high. Houses the National Biodiversity Interpretation Centre and garden.
Arthur’s Seat
Best approach through Holyrood Park from the foot of Canongate by Holyrood Palace. The igneous core of an extinct volcano with the precipitous sill of Salisbury Crags presiding over the city and offering fine views for the fit. Top is 823ft. Surprisingly wild, considering proximity to city.
Peter Irvine is the author of the essential travel guide Scotland the Best published by Collins, priced £15.99