If you are looking for a memorable vacation or weekend break full of historical attractions, countless great cultural experiences, and other fun things to do, Scotland should rank highly on your list of great places to visit in the UK. Those seeking world-class cultural events should head to Edinburgh, the country’s capital.
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and home to well-preserved architecture from a number of different periods of history, including medieval times (Edinburgh Castle and the incredible shop-lined Royal Mile), to the more recent New Town area, much of which was built in the 18th century. Even though there are several activities you can do in Edinburgh, here are some topmost rated activities.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is a world-famous icon of Scotland and part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site. A mighty fortress, the defender of the nation and a world-famous visitor attraction – Edinburgh Castle has dominated the skyline for centuries.This most famous of Scottish castles has a complex building history. The oldest part, St Margaret’s Chapel, dates from the 12th century; the Great Hall was erected by James IV around 1510; the Half Moon Battery by the Regent Morton in the late 16th century; and the Scottish National War Memorial after the First World War.
Climb to Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat is the highest point in the 640-acre Holyrood Park and he spectacular views from the top encompass the whole city all the way to the mouth of the Forth. The easiest way up is from Dunsapie Loch, where there’s a good-sized car park. Alternatively, you can walk from the Old Town, heading up past the Dynamic Earth science center onto a path that leads from Queen’s Drive.
Walk along Prince Street
Princes Street is the New Town’s main thoroughfare and extends for almost a mile and is lined with colorful gardens and elegant shops, including the tradition-conscious Jenners of Edinburgh, founded in 1838 and one of the world’s oldest department stores. Also good for shopping is the Princes Mall, popular with its small shops set among fountains and cafés and plenty of places to browse. As well as these temples to consumerism, you’ll find restaurants, from fast food to gourmet bistros.
Take beautiful scenery from Calton Hill
You will see a panoramic view of the city, with Princes Street, the castle, and the Old Town silhouetted against Arthur’s Seat from Calton Hill. To the east and north you can see the Firth of Forth and the docks at Leith. At the foot of the hill stands the 13th-century Royal High School, where Sir Walter Scott was once a pupil.Perhaps the most important of Edinburgh’s many memorials is the impressive National Monument on Calton Hill, erected to remember the dead from the Napoleonic Wars. Henry Playfair designed the memorial using the Parthenon in Athens as his inspiration.