Quantcast
Channel: Hotel comparison blog » Travel news
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 10

Top Five Edinburgh Attractions

0
0

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh, a beautiful city rich in fantastic architecture, history and culture is now rapidly becoming one of Europe’s most popular destinations. Edinburgh fuses together the medieval Old Town, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Georgian New Town, creating a harmonious balance of traditional and contemporary design. Quiet and mysterious cobbled lanes merge effortlessly with a bustling high street full of fashionable shops,  bars and restaurants. Here’s our run down of Edinburgh’s top five must-see attractions:

Edinburgh Castle

One of the oldest and most dominant structures in the city, Edinburgh Castle has a history that dates back to around 900 BC. The Castle has been home to royal blood since the reign of David I in the 12th century and has been the site of numerous historical battles and conflicts over the years including The War of Scottish Independence and the invasion of Oliver Cromwell in 1650. Today Edinburgh Castle stands as the single most important building in the city and attracts over 1.25 million visitors per year. On display in the castle are a number of historical artefacts including the Stone of Destiny and the giant cannon ‘Mons Meg.’ Edinburgh Castle attracts many visitors for the Military Tattoo, held each year in August as well as for the firing of the One O’ Clock Gun that takes place every day at precisely 1pm.

Edinburgh Dungeon

One of the city’s scariest attractions, the Edinburgh Dungeon is the place to go to learn about the gory history of Scotland’s capital. Discover how those who inhabited the old city centuries ago lived out their lives with a number of gruesome exhibitions and frighteningly real live performances. Delve into the brutal history of the Clan Wars or wander through The Haunted Maze which stretches far out into the tunnels and catacombs of the Royal Mile. Highlights include the cave of Sawney Bean, where visitors travel by boat deep into the heart of the murderous cannibal’s lair and face his horrifyingly bloodthirsty family in the flesh. New for 2010 is the chilling Burke and Hare live experience, as visitors wind up in an eerie graveyard trying to avoid becoming one of the notorious serial killer’s next unfortunate victims.

3D Loch Ness Experience

One of the world’s most famous lakes is brought stunningly to life, as the 3D loch Ness Experience seeks to uncover the mystery of the monster. Presented by scientist Adrian Shine, visitors will experience illusions, hoaxes and real life eye witness accounts of the Loch Ness Monster in a clear, 3D surrounding. The experience raises questions about the existence of Nessie and presents interesting and eyebrow raising facts about the mythical creature’s life over the centuries. Created by the award winning Loch Ness Centre, which was opened by explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the 3D Loch Ness Experience will entertain children as well as adults.

Auld Reekie Tours: Terror Tour

Visited by televisions “Most Haunted” team on Halloween 2006 and described as their scariest location ever, the Auld Reekie Terror Tour is sure to entertain…and scare. A strictly ‘adults only’ tour of Edinburgh’s old underground vaults and passages led by a costumed guide explores the gruesome horrors and paranormal activities that dates back to the 17th century. Visitors will be led by candlelight around the cold and damp underbelly of Edinburgh’s Old Town and discover how torture was common practice among those who inhabited the streets. A small museum dedicated to the infamous instruments of death will turn fear into reality for those who brave the trip, who all the while may be stalked on their journey by the notorious South Bridge Poltergeist. A free Vodka mixer is included afterwards at Edinburgh’s most haunted pub to calm any frayed nerves.

The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour

The award-winning Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour takes visitors on a journey around some of Edinburgh’s best pubs in a 300 year old celebration of some of Scotland’s best loved literary characters and writers. Led by Clart and McBrain, a literary duelling duo, those along for the ride will be entertained by witty and colourful verses from Robert Burns, a spine-tingling reading of the metamorphosis from Stevenson’s Jekyll and Hyde and a humorous account of Muriel Clarke’s divided Edinburgh. Clart and McBrain also engage in a passionate debate over the importance of a pub atmosphere’s ability to produce creative and intellectual thought. An engaging evening where drinking, if anything, is encouraged.


Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 10

Latest Images

Trending Articles





Latest Images