Why you should visit Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile, Arthur’s Seat, the figurative birthplace of Harry Potter and much more. There are hundreds of reasons why you should visit Edinburgh. Scotland’s capital is renowned not only for its history and culture, but for its bars, pubs and nightlife. It is also plays host to some major annual events, such as the Edinburgh Tattoo and the globally renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Below is a list of places to see and things to do when you win your Wild Flamingos trip to this bustling city.
Edinburgh Castle
Start your visit at the iconic Edinburgh Castle. It offers breath-taking views of the city and is rich in history. Explore the Crown Jewels, the Great Hall, and the National War Museum. This 11th Century castle has played a central part in many Scottish – and later British – conflicts. Its strategic importance has made it so sought after that it is officially he most besieged place in Britain. For more information visit Official Edinburgh Castle Website | Buy Tickets & Plan Your Visit
The Royal Mile
Walk down the Royal Mile, the historic set of streets connecting the Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It’s filled with shops, restaurants, and street performers. There are many buildings of historical interest along the Mile, such as St Giles’ Cathedral, the 500 year old building known as Gladstone’s Land and John Knox House.
Holyrood Palace
Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Explore the palace and the beautiful surrounding gardens. Built between 1671 and 1678 by the architect Sir William Bruce in the classical style, this palace still plays host to many important events connected to the royal family. History fans will love the tour of the throne room, privy chamber and the King’s bed chamber. More information can be found at Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse (rct.uk)
Arthur’s Seat
For a bit of nature, hike up Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano in Holyrood Park. The panoramic views of the city from the top are stunning. Naturally, the name stems from Arthurian legend, being a potential location for Camelot. One of the weirder episodes in the history of this famous hill, occurred in 1836, when five boys hunting rabbits came across 17 miniature coffins in cave. Each of the coffins had a wooden figure in it and one theory is the coffins were connected to the murders committed by notorious grave diggers, Burke and Hare a few years prior – as they also had 16 known victims.
Museum of Edinburgh
Discover the city’s history through a variety of exhibits and displays at this museum. With such a vast number of items related to Edinburgh, the museum provides visitors with a deep and comprehensive insight into the city’s rich heritage. The recognition of four collections by the Scottish government for National Significance underscores the museum’s commitment to preserving and showcasing key aspects of Scotland’s history and culture. More information can be found at Museum of Edinburgh | Museums and Galleries Edinburgh (edinburghmuseums.org.uk)
Taking a Harry Potter tour
Edinburgh is where the magic happened. Many of JK Rowling’s inspirations for the Wizarding World that she created came from her experience of living in the Scottish capital. Her very first Harry Potter book was written at The Elephant House café and many of most famous places and characters were inspired by her surroundings. There are many different tours competing to give you the best Harry Potter experience, so you will be spoiled for choice.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Taking place every August, the Edinburgh Fringe is the world’s largest arts festival. he festival is known for its diverse and vibrant program, featuring a wide range of performances, including theatre, comedy, music, dance, spoken word, and more. The Edinburgh Fringe operates on an open-access principle, meaning that any performer or group can participate. This inclusivity has contributed to the festival’s reputation for showcasing emerging talent and innovative performances. Performances take place in various venues across the city, including traditional theatres, pubs, churches, and even unconventional spaces. This decentralized approach adds to the unique and dynamic atmosphere of the festival. For more information, visit Home | Edinburgh Festival Fringe (edfringe.com)
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Also held in August, and linked to the wider Edinburgh festival, the Tattoo is an annual event held on the esplanade of the castle. It is a world-renowned military spectacle which features military bands, pipers, drummers, and performers from various international armed forces. The event showcases precision drill, musical performances, and displays of traditional and contemporary military skills. Each year, the Tattoo typically has a theme that ties together the various performances. Themes can range from historical commemorations to celebrations of different cultures. For more information visit Home (edintattoo.co.uk)
