Nearby Attractions
PLACES TO VISIT
Edinburgh has many place to visit – including historic sites.
Below are just a few examples.
Leith Links Park – which is close to our vibrant cottage style flat – was originally designed as golf course, it is a large open space with tree lined avenues
The Shore, the old Leith harbour, has many award winning restaurants and lovely cafe’s – also provides access to the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Edinburgh Castle has played a pivotal role in Scottish history, both as a royal residence – and as a military stronghold.
Calton Hill and the National Monument are situated in Central Edinburgh, east of Edinburgh’s New Town.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse commonly referred to as Holyrood Palace, is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, Queen Elizabeth II.
Daniela Nolte
LEITH LINKS PARK
This public park was originally common grazing land, but is more famous as the birthplace of modern golf. Although St Andrews has the oldest golf course in the world, it was at Leith Links in 1744 that the first official rules of the game were formulated by the Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers. A stone cairn on the western side of the park bears a plaque describing how the ancient game was played over five holes of around 400 yards each.
It has a nice playground and is a great place to walk your dog, too.
THE SHORE
The Shore is quite simply one of the most beautiful areas in all of Edinburgh. Situated at the mouth of the Water Of Leith, it used to be the heart of industry within Edinburgh. More recently it has been converted into a more upmarket area, bustling with bars and restaurants.
Like most coastal areas in Scotland, there is an abundance of seafood restaurants. There is even a bar on a boat called Cruz, and I once saw Scottish anarcho-punk legends Oi Polloi play in its basement!
You don’t have to spend money to have fun at The Shore, though. The views are absolutely stunning, and there is always plenty going on.
EDINBURGH CASTLE AND
THE ROYAL MILE
Edinburgh Castle has played a pivotal role in Scottish history, both as a royal residence – King Malcolm Canmore (r 1058–93) and Queen Margaret first made their home here in the 11th century – and as a military stronghold. The castle last saw military action in 1745; from then until the 1920s it served as the British army’s main base in Scotland. Today it is one of Scotland’s most atmospheric and popular tourist attractions.
The Royal Mile runs through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, connecting the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, perched high on a base of volcanic rock, with the splendorous Palace of Holyroodhouse, resting in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat. The Mile is overlooked by impressive, towering tenements, between which cobbled closes and narrow stairways interlock to create a secret underground world.
Peppered with superb attractions such as The Real Mary King’s Close or the Scottish Storytelling Centre, historical sites including St Giles’ Cathedral and some of the best eating and drinking spots in the city, the Royal Mile offers much to see and do. For a glimpse of recent history, be sure to visit the ultra-modern Scottish Parliament, a striking building boasting a cutting-edge design.
CALTON HILL
Calton Hill and the National Monument are situated in Central Edinburgh, east of Edinburgh’s New Town.
Marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Calton Hill has some of the city’s best views and if you get up early, the best sunrises.
Calton Hill is also resident to some iconic Scottish monuments and buildings. Monuments include the National Monument, Dugald Stewart Monument, Nelson’s Monument, the Old Royal High School, Robert Burns Monument, Political Martys’ Monument and also the City Observatory.
HOLYROOD PALACE
Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Her Majesty The Queen’s official residence in Scotland. Standing at the end of Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, this fine palace is the home of Scottish royal history.
At the Palace of Holyroodhouse, visitors can explore 14 magnificent historic and State Apartments, the romantic ruins of the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey and remarkable royal gardens, all with a complimentary audio tour.
Best known as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, the Palace was the setting for many dramatic episodes in her short reign.
Today, the State Apartments are used regularly by The Queen for State ceremonies and official entertaining.