TRAVEL
Our summer staycation in
EDINBURGH
Edinburgh, Auld Reekie, the Athens of the North or Dunedin in Scots Gaelic. Whatever you want to call it, Scotland’s capital city is a world-class destination and the perfect option for a staycation this year.
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teeped in a rich cultural history, the city is as famous for its famous residents, from princes to poets, as it is for stunning architecture - boasting the historic old and new town within the city boundary. As Scotland’s tourism industry begins to open up, so too will the city itself. While things may be slightly different this year, as the city adapts to a new normal, there is still plenty to explore and enjoy. These are our family Staycation highlights. The Royal Mile A thoroughfare running through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, The Royal Mile is a street teeming with historic buildings. The name comes from its tradition as a processional route for kings and queens over the last 500 years. It connects the Queen’s official residence in Scotland, the Palace of Holyrood House, at one end, and
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Edinburgh Castle at the other. Walking it today gives a real sense of walking back through time. The street boasts a wide selection of shops and visitor attractions, including Mary King’s Close, John Knox House, and the Museum of Edinburgh. Edinburgh Castle A visit to Edinburgh would not be complete without a picture outside its most famous landmark, Edinburgh Castle. Strategically perched on Castle Rock at the top of The Royal Mile and enjoying panoramic views across the city, a selfie outside the historical fortress is a must for any tourist. It hosts the famous Royal Military Tattoo every year, a celebration of music, pomp and military regalia from around the world, which is on hiatus in 2020. It also houses the Honours of Scotland, the nation’s crown jewels. WOKINGHAM LOCAL • JULY 2021
