Enjoyment
Once you've got here,
and you've disposed of your travel stress in a hot bath or shower in the grand selection of hotels and guest houses,
an enquiring mind who ask, "where do I go?". Where indeed!
I'd probably head for any one, of the hundreds of pubs
- some of which, are mentioned in another page.
However, the most obvious attraction is of course The Castle which towers above Princes Street and any trip to Edinburgh
would be sadly lacking, if you didn't "make like a tourist" and visit there. In it you will find Edinburgh's oldest church, as well as various militaria to look at and learn about.
The view from the ramparts to the New Town, northwards, it is beautiful - you did bring the camera?
You can see The Kingdom of Fife, over the River Forth.
Fife is, of course, where you can find those hardy souls bracing themselves in all weathers
(and outfits of dubious taste!)
at St.Andrews.
Turning around on the Esplanade
affords a southwards view over The Old Town and towards the Pentland Hills.
It has its own attraction for me: My old school.
George Heriot's was all-boys' fee-paying ("private" in Scotland, "public" in England) when I attended.
The foundation stone was laid in 1628. But it was commandeered by Cromwell, when habitable. It opened in 1659.
Those boys that attended when I was there who's Dads were dead had the fee waived, if they wanted. Times change though: The fees are as sky-high as before but the school lets girls attend. I'm sure they are an improvement in the bath after rugby?
If do you visit my old school, seek out a Prefect via the Headmaster,
and they will give you a tour of the building
- Monday to Saturday morning, throughout the year - for free.
Mind and stop buy the gift shop.
Currently they are updating the systems within the school but further information can be found here.
Near to Heriot's (and connected to the old Chapel within it, by a 'secret' tunnel) is Greyfriar's Church. The statue to the wee terrier - Greyfriar's Bobby - is outside the gates, up from Chambers Street.
And there's a pub there, with a real imaginative name: Greyfriar's Bobby..
Continuing looking southwards, you can see the Edinburgh Observatory and Hillend's artificial ski-slope.
In addition to The Castle, then there's the joys of "tourist traps" in The Royal Mile.
The High Street between Edinburgh Castle and the Queen's residence in the Capital, really is a mile long, however the numerous shops will make your journey to Holyrood seem very short. It may not be cheap though!
Most of the shops, of course, have a tartan 'feel' about them.
And the silverware and "highland" stuff is always something nice to take back 'to the folks back home'. In addition to the stores, there are a few pubs of course.
At The Mound, at the first set of traffic lights down from The Castle, you can see the HQ to Bank of Scotland. A photograph of this building can be seen on Carol's homepage. Inside, there is a wee museum.
Also on The Royal Mile, you can seek the haven of peace found inside the spectacular Catherdral of St.Giles. A shot of one of the windows is in my photo gallery.
This is very distinctive and difficult to miss but its in Parliament Square on the right side, as you go towards the Palace.
Opposite St.Giles is a wonderful whisky shop and it has a marvellous range of blends - but go for a malt!
Continuing down the High Street, which might be slightly unsuitable for those tender underfoot, we have more shops and there's a kilt shop just next to John Knox's house. This is another museum. It was also the home to James Mossman: Goldsmith to Mary, Queen of Scots.
As enjoyable but not so old, across the road is The Museum of Childhood.
If you look left (northwards) at the set of traffic lights down from Knox's House, the tower you see is Nelson's Memorial and nearby The Disgrace of Edinburgh, stands on Calton Hill (at the east of Princes Street), which can be seen from Princes Street in the "Looking Eastwards" shot, in my photo collection.
Holyrood Palace is very popular with some, though I can't say visited more than twice - and the last time was only to shoot it for the friend of a cyberpal, that was unfortunate to have her photographs of Edinburgh spoiled.
The Palace is in The Queen's Park.
This lovely area surrounds Edinburgh's very own extinct volcano - some hardy souls still climb it. But who can blame them, considering the fantastic view offered from its peak?
On May 1st, some are still to be found in the Park, continuing the ancient custom:
"Washing" their faces in the morning dew.
In addition to The Queen's Park, there are a number of other green spots.
The Royal Botanic Gardens shouldn't be missed; Edinburgh's answer to Central Park - The Meadows - is a pleasant walk south of the City centre; Princes Street Gardens are lovely too; and there are other parks or you can 'escape' on one of the golf courses.
On the west of the city, on The Glasgow Road, is The Zoo.
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