9 minute read
Scotland: Vibrant Edinburgh
Scotland’s historic and spirited capital is popular with visitors day and night, some lured by the many cultural events, some seeking to re-connect with their ancestral past and others simply content to stroll the streets admiring the unspoilt architecture.
Edinburgh, Sometimes referred to as the “Athens of the North”, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It has two distinct areas: the Old Town, dominated by a medieval fortress; and the neo- classical New Town, dating from the 18th century. The harmonious connection of these two contrasting historic areas, each with many important buildings, is what gives the city its unique character and saw it awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO in 1995.
Both beautiful and fun, Edinburgh is a city known not only for its impressive history and heritage, but for its festivals and culture. From Fire Festivals to the Fringe, The Edinburgh International Festival to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Edinburgh truly comes alive as a destination during the summer months.
Throughout the entire month of August The Edinburgh International Festival takes over the city and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, (which due to the pandamic has been cancelled in 2021, back from 5 – 27 August 2022) takes place on the Castle Esplanade. The Edinburgh International Festival started in 1950 to raise spirits in the midst of post-war austerity. It has grown over the decades to become one of the world’s leading multi-genre arts festivals showcasing the greatest contemporary artists performing a diverse range of art forms.
Edinburgh Castle and the Ross Fountain in Princes Street Gardens
Street performers during the Edinburgh International Festival
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo includes nearly 1000 performers from all over the world. If you do plan your visit to experience this magnificent event, Dream Escape can arrange visits to Edinburgh Castle for an exclusive preopening breakfast, and dining experiences in splendour at the Castle enjoying amazing views of the city, and even a private recital by cast members.
The experience continues with a stroll to a restored fifteenth century tenement building, now a renowned restaurant adjacent to the castle where guests can enjoy the finest Scottish cuisine complimented with castle views while soaking up Edinburgh’s history.
You might then enjoy whisky tasting in the extensive whisky bar while taking note of the cannonball embedded in the castle-facing wall!
Take your VIP seats, where you are able to mingle with guests and performers in the Royal Gallery then sit back and enjoy the show. This spectacular event attracts members of Scottish Clans across the globe which can tie in with those on a personal ancestral discovery. Take part in your own ‘Clan Gathering’ – meet a Clan Chieftain and enjoy a mini Highland Games, complete with haggis hurling and caber tossing. Prepare for the event with a private workshop to create a unique and personalised tartan. A bespoke kilt making session will ensure you can wear your tartan with pride. Follow with a visit to one of the many Summer Highland Games including The Braemar Gathering attended by The Royal Family.
Between the fun of the festivals, allow yourself plenty of time to explore the city attractions. Edinburgh Castle is Scotland's most-visited tourist attraction. Poised on the peak of an extinct volcano, every day at 1pm, a gun is fired over the castle ramparts - a timekeeping tradition dating from 1861 that echoes across Edinburgh.
The Castle has stood guard over the city for 900 years and is brimming with tales, from its near destruction on the order of King of Scots, Robert the Bruce to its role as a garrisoned fortress through the Glorious Revolution and the Jacobite Risings.
The surrounding Old Town, Edinburgh's oldest quarter, retains much of its medieval street plan. The Royal Mile, which lies at the heart of the Old Town is arguably one of the most famous streets in the world. Today, it is peppered with stores selling gifts with a Scottish flavour such as cashmere, tartan, whisky, shortbread and hand-crafted silver jewellery.
However, in centuries gone by it was a different story, delving into the Old Town is like leafing through the pages of a dusty historical novel, as each era unfolds with its own legends and characters.
Dream Escape programmes can take guests on a private tour to visit the famous Princes Street Gardens, with the gothic excesses of the The Scott Monument, up to the symmetrical beauty of the grand squares and shopping avenues of the Georgian sector, centred on sensational George Street.
Burns Monument
IMAGES © VISITSCOTLAND / KENNY LAM
The Scott Monument is a tribute to author Sir Walter Scott (see our 250th Anniversary special on page 15), it is the largest monument to a writer in the world, and it has dominated Princes Street since 1846. For views over Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside, visitors can climb the 287 steps to the monument's top.
There are many museums well worth a visit, the National Galleries of Scotland has an astounding collection of art, and a short stroll away there’s the National Portrait Gallery, one of Edinburgh’s most remarkable buildings – a great red sandstone neo-Gothic palace and home to the national collections of portraits and photography collections. Or, you might decide to head west to visit the National Gallery of Modern Art, which is set across two buildings in a magnificent sculpture park.
Greyfriars Bobby Statue
IMAGES © VISITSCOTLAND / KENNY LAM
Further south in the picturesque Old Town, there are seven levels of spectacular exhibitions awaiting you at the fascinating National Museum of Scotland. Packed with intriguing displays and insights into science and technology, fashion, the natural world and art and design this museum is large enough to fill an entire day.
Outside you will find another of the city's most iconic monuments - a small bronze statue - Greyfriars Bobby commemorates a famous local resident - a little Skye Terrier who faithfully guarded over his owners grave in nearby Greyfriars Churchyard for 14 years, unveiled in 1873.
You might wish to stop to see things from a new perspective via Victorian technology at Edinburgh's oldest purpose-built visitor attraction the Camera Obscura. With the aid of a mirror, daylight and a giant periscope, live moving 360° images of Edinburgh are projected onto a viewing table inside this Victorian rooftop chamber - it's truly amazing.
On your way to the neo-classical ‘New Town’, built to accommodate the city’s affluent residents in the early-19th century, enjoy a stroll along Queen Street passing the private Queen Street Gardens. →
Here you can enjoy some time exploring the timeless elegance of quiet terraces, sumptuous townhouses and cobbled roads.
Horticulturists should make time to visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, which are split into three themed landscaped gardens and stretch across an impressive 70 acres. Discover seasonal flora and fauna as well as modern sculptures and installations dotted throughout, and coming soon, the eagerly anticipated Edinburgh Biomes project is another must see.
You will be pleased you packed your camera when you reach the summit of Calton Hill, offering some of the best views of Edinburgh. Aside from the remarkable vistas over the city, this is also where you’ll find some of Scotland’s legendary monuments, including Nelson’s Monument and the National Monument. It’s also home to the Royal Observatory which hosts astronomy evenings. The opposite end of the Royal Mile from the castle sits the impressive Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence in Scotland of HM, The Queen and The Royal Family. It is also home to the changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection, featuring old master paintings, rare furniture, decorative arts and images from the vast photograph collection.
Discover Edinburgh by foot, bike, or even a custom Mini Cooper experience, uncovering ‘off the beaten track’ destinations, foodie tours or why not delve underground for an Edinburgh ghost walk?
Explore Edinburgh at festival time and Dream Escape can design the perfect programme with exclusive experiences and private guided activities and tours to make the most of this vibrant city.
Whether you are travelling with family or friends or a multi-generational group, Dream Escape will pair you with the perfect guide to make the most of your Scottish experience.
DREAM ESCAPE'S FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY
Cheval The Edinburgh Grand
Cheval The Edinburgh Grand
If you like the idea of a luxury all-apartment Residence located in the beating heart of Edinburgh, then you need look no further than Cheval The Edinburgh Grand. Situated on St Andrew Square in the city’s New Town area, the Residence pays homage to its former life as an historic banking landmark, The National Bank of Scotland. The wellknown building has been beautifully renovated to house 50 fully equipped serviced apartments, with options to accommodate from one to six guests. Each apartment seamlessly incorporates the building’s historic roots with slick contemporary design, and the interior décor has been intricately chosen to enhance authentic features including original dark wood panelling, fireplaces, brass door handles and decorative cornicing.
The Balmoral
The Balmoral Clock Tower - a prominent landmark in Edinburgh's city centre
The Rocco Forté Collection’s Balmoral hotel is a luxury hotel in the true sense of the word. and a firm Dream Escape favourite. Complete with a Michelin-starred restaurant, tranquil spa and kilted doormen, the hotel is one of the city’s premier properties. Situated in what was once the North British Station Hotel, the hotel lies in the heart of Edinburgh where Old Town meets New, a True Edinburgh icon at an unparalleled address. While many Edinburgh hotels claim to have Edinburgh’s landmarks on their doorstep, few can say their own doorstep is a landmark! Read more in our Sir Rocco interview, p18.
Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh
Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh
The Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian, is one of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks and home to many Dream Escape legendary gatherings. Standing proudly at the West End of Princes Street, this former Victorian railway building nestles in the shadow of the imposing Edinburgh Castle. Its reputation for style and excellence has attracted international visitors and notable personalities for over one hundred years. ‘The Caley’ – as it is affectionately known among Edinburgh locals – has embodied the very best in Scottish hospitality at its finest.
Find out more
Lesley Scott, Head of Planning There isn’t much that Lesley does not know about Edinburgh and as Dream Escape’s head office is also here, our team is certainly the best in the business for creating the ultimate in inspirational experiences around the city. “I love to walk through the streets as there is always something going on, it is so rich in art & culture and offers something for everyone, young and old. Edinburgh is also a very green city and I particularly love Holyrood Park and the spectacular views across the city are just beautiful”.
⬥ lesley@dreamescape.co.uk → dreamescape.co.uk
