Visit historic
EDINBURGH
NAVIGATE AROUND THE CITY
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Royal Mile
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Edinburgh Castle
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Scott Monument
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Heritage 11 Art 12 Accommodation 13
SCOTLAND 15
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In spring, the trees along Princes Street bloom with the glory of life and happiness.
AROUND THE CITY
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E D I N B U R G H ’ S
ROYAL MILE The Royal mile is the throughfare at the heart of Edinburgh Old Town. It runs from Holrood Palace at the base, up to Edinburgh Castle at the top of the hill; both locations are highly important to Scottish history. It runs parallel to Princes Street down in New Town, both of which are the busiest tourists streets in Edinburgh. Along the Mile lie many historical buildings, as well as along the winding closes that meander down on either side from the spine of the Mile. The street can be somewhat of a tourist trap, full of tartan shops and pipers, but it is a must-see starting place for your visit to Old Town.
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SCOTT MONUMENT
EDINBURGH CASTLE Edinbugh Castle is Scotland’s most-visited tourist attraction, with at least 1.2 million visitors in 2011 alone. Archaeologists have discovered proof of some form of occupation on this spoot since at least
the 2nd century CE. Most of the current castle dates from the 16th century, although St. Margaret’s Chapel was erected in the 12th century. This is the oldest building in Edinburgh!
Built in the Victorian Gothic style, and completed in 1846, this staggering figure on the skyline is a monument to reknowned Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. As an author, Scott was a novelist, specifically historical novels, as well as a playwright and poet. Outside of literature, Scott was an advocate, judge and legal administration, as well as a Sheriff. He was born in Edinburgh Old Town, hence the monument erected in the city in his name. Importanltly to the city, Scott led the team that unearthed the lost traditional Honours of Scotland, the missing Crown Jewels, from under edinburgh Castle. After all that, this momnument was the least Sctoland could do to honour him. Visitors to the monument can climb the 287 steps to the top for breathtaking views of central Edinburgh.
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M U S I C
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All of Edinburgh is a testament to the old and new of Scottish culture. This is never more true than during the summer festivals, including the Fringe Festival. Edinburgh hosts the Edinburgh International
HERITAGE
Festival, a juried performing arts festival, each summer. In 1947, the Fringe Festival began. An unjuried festival, Fringe is known for supporting independent and alternative performances, as well as for experimental work that would not get a chance elsewhere. Fringe takes place all over the city, with hundreds of venues hosting various styles of performance art, from music to installation to theatre. Timing your visit for the August festival is an amazing way to experience the future of Scottish and international art in a beautiful setting!
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ART
If experimental art isn’t quite your bag, Edinburgh still won’t disappoint. Full of statues and museums, as well as private collections, the city hosts the best of the best of Scottish art.
ACCOMMODATION Sleep in Luxury and awake in the beautiful city of Edinburgh! The city offers multiple beautiful hotels and world-class restaurants, ensuring your stay is delightful from morning to night.
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SCOTLAND
THE BEAUTIFUL AND BRAVE
A PRODUCTION OF VISIT SCOTLAND PHOTOS BY MARIAH TIMMS AND DANA CRAFT WORDS BY MARIAH TIMMS +44 131 496 0814 | edinburgh@scotland.uk | visitscotland.couk