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 The folly on the hill |
Regent Road Edinburgh EH1 3DG United Kingdom +44 131 200 2000 |
Calton Hill is open to all during daylight hours and is free of charge. Take the steps up from Regent Road and then choose between more steps or a more gentle walk along the path. There are magnificent views of Fife, Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth from the summit, and the definitive view of Princes Street. The hill is the stage for the epic Beltane Festival celebrations at midsummer, with drumming, partying and a colourful pageant ushering in the new season. Monuments at the top include the Nelson Monument and a part-reproduction of the Parthenon, intended to commemorate the war dead in the Napoleonic wars. Alas, it ran out of funding and has become known as Edinburgh's Folly. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paul Davidson |
 Photo: Michael Koch |
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 Kirk of Holyrood House |
Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh EH8 8BN United Kingdom +44 131 226 5138 |
This beautiful stone-built church on the Royal Mile is the Parish Church of the Canongate as well as the Kirk of Holyroodhouse Palace - it is therefore the place of worship of the Royal family when they are in residence. It was built by the order of James VII in 1688 and is well worth visiting in order to admire its exquisite architecture and to soak up some of the Royal Mile's infectious atmosphere. Visitors can also walk around the pleasant graveyard, where such luminaries as the economist Adam Smith and the master-mind behind the New Town developments, Lord Provost George Drummond are buried. David Rizzio, the murdered Secretary of Mary Queen of Scots, also rests here. There are occasional classical music concerts staged in the kirk, including choral recitals by the Edinburgh University Renaissance Singers - phone for the latest details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: subberculture |
 Photo: Son of Groucho |
 Photo: Todd Martin |
 Photo: Seth Rudy |
 Photo: John Dunlevy |
 Photo: Paul Kentish |
 Photo: subberculture |
 Photo: Andrew Wm. Robson |
 Photo: Girlypie |
 Photo: Andrew Shumway |
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 Home for the arts |
8 Advocates Close 357 High Street Edinburgh EH1 1PS United Kingdom +44 131 225 9721 |
Hidden away down a little closie just off the Royal Mile is one of Edinburgh's oldest houses. This charming medieval tenement now houses the DOM - Home For The Arts. This unique European arts center was set in 1996 and has regular exhibitions of artists with international standing, alongside program of readings and recitals. The ethos of DOM is to display work outside the mainstream that has metaphysical and spiritual sensibilities. There is a great little gift shop too —which offers some original items. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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3-D journey through Edinburgh's history |
City Observatory Calton Hill Edinburgh EH7 5AA United Kingdom +44 131 556 4365 |
The Edinburgh Experience is housed in the historic City Observatory, which sits astride Calton Hill. This wonderful building was built in 1818 by the celebrated architect William Playfair. Nowadays, visitors can put on cardboard glasses and view a 20-minute 3-D multimedia extravaganza, showing images of Edinburgh and its dizzying sights. Take a journey through the history of Scotland's capital from its volcanic origins to the present day. Admission: adults £2; concessions £1.20. Group and family discounts available. Parking nearby. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tinus Stander |
 Photo: lizzie daggar |
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Edinburgh Festival Fringe |
180 High Street (Organisor) City of Edinburgh EH1 1QS United Kingdom +44 (0)131 226 0026 (Organisor) http://www.edfringe.com/ |
The Fringe is a welcoming forum for both the established star and the unknown genius of tomorrow. For three weeks in August each year, the city is alive with a frenzy of creativity, hosting more than 2,000 shows held at various venues throughout the city. More than 30% of the program is smade up by theater. The rest is rounded out with comedy, music, dance, children's shows and exhibitions. Expect anything from the profoundly serious to the deliriously silly. The program is launched in June, with tickets available through August; book early if you want to get to your first-choice program. Ticket prices vary according to venue and performance. If you're tight on cash or someone who's always looking for a bargain, keep in mind that over 300 of the shows are free to the public. Call or check the website for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: FiPZiE.CoM |
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Information, currency exchange and ticket service |
3 Princes Street Edinburgh EH2 2QP United Kingdom +44 131 473 3800 http://www.edinburgh.org/ |
This center is easy to find and offers a comprehensive ticketing service for major theaters, Scottish evenings, walking tours, coach tours, coach travel and entry passes. There's a handy Bureau de Change on site - so you can change your currency, book into a hotel and plan an itinerary in one quick visit. A huge selection of guide books, maps and leaflets will give you ideas on what to see next and the souvenir shop stocks T-shirts, Scottish produce, caps, tartan accessories, novelty items, videos and camera film. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kat Kam |
 Fine architecture and rich history |
2 Princes Street Edinburgh EH2 - 3AA United Kingdom +44 131 535 1314 |
This fine example of Scottish architect Robert Adam's work is the home of the National Archive of Scotland, founded in 1774. The entrance is dominated by a notable statue of the Duke of Wellington. Marvel at the imposing and ornate turrets, cupolas and Corinthian columns that tower overhead. The interior is similarly rich. You can research your Scottish roots here by appointment and find out just how closely connected to Mary Queen of Scots you really are. It also acts as a grand venue for cultural exhibitions - the times shown are for these events. Call for access to the legal and historical records. Admission: is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Seventeenth century home |
477B Lawnmarket Edinburgh EH1 2NT United Kingdom +44 131 226 5856 |
This 17th century former abode of the merchant Thomas Gledstone was rescued from the bulldozer in 1934 and has been wonderfully restored by the National Trust for Scotland. Soak up the atmosphere amongst open fireplaces, remarkable painted ceilings and period furnishings. A reconstructed shop booth displays replicas of 17th century goods. As you would expect from the Trust, the guides and displays are very informative. Compare the style and living conditions with the opulent New Town Georgian House. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: hazelstitch |
 Photo: Kristen Wroth |
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Where Greyfriar's Bobby kept his vigil |
Greyfriars Place Edinburgh EH1 2QQ United Kingdom +44 131 226 5429 http://www.greyfriarskirk.com/ |
The kirkyard, dedicated on Christmas Day 1620, stands on the site of a 15th century Franciscan Friary. It has a fine collection of 17th century Scottish monuments and a rich musical tradition. You can also view the National Covenant, adopted and signed here in 1638. There are many fascinating tales and ghost stories connected with this historic church. 1,400 covenanters were imprisoned in the kirkyard in 1679 for their beliefs, a sorry fact remembered by the martyrs' monument. Furthermore, there is the famous memorial to Greyfriar's Bobby, the devoted Skye Terrier owned by John Gray, a local police constable. When Gray died in 1858, Bobby loyally sat watch over his master's grave in this kirkyard for 14 years, until he himself died. Services include the only weekly Gaelic worship in this part of the country. Recitals and concerts are also staged throughout the year. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Richard Whittaker |
 Photo: Ariane Bromma |
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New Year First Footing |
City Centre Edinburgh United Kingdom +44 131 529 3914 http://www.edinburghshogmanay.... |
Hogmanay's New Year "First-Footing" started with the legacy of a tall, dark stranger appearing on the doorstep at midnight brandishing a lump of coal, which means good fortune for the new year. Since such a meeting was unlikely, locals started visiting each other's houses with food, coal and the odd alcoholic beverage for a party. Today the celebration culminates at "the bells" at midnight with a fireworks display over the Edinburgh Castle. There is also a program of events on New Year's Day, including a "Loony Dook" plunge into the Forth, a Triathlon, and street theatre. See website for yearly details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ed Tarwinski |
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Royal intrigue and beauty |
Holyrood Road Edinburgh EH8 8AE United Kingdom +44 131 556 1096 http://www.royal.gov.uk/output... |
Built by James IV, Holyrood has traditionally been a favourite stopping-off point for monarchs traveling to and from Balmoral. The Monarch is strongly associated with the Palace is Mary Queen of Scots, and you can view her private apartments here. It was at Holyrood that (allegedly) she watched helplessly as her friend, David Rizzio, was murdered by noblemen. She was oblivious to the fact that her husband, Lord Darnley, had given his consent to this foul deed. There are many other intriguing stories in the Palace's history and plenty more things to see including the Great Gallery, which is adorned with over 100 paintings by Dutch portrait artist Jacob de Wit. Admission: adults £5.50; senior citizens £4; under-17s £2.70; family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) £13.50. Group discounts available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Tenements to view |
142-146 Canongate The Royal Mile Edinburgh EH8 8DD United Kingdom +44 131 529 4143 |
Huntly House comprises three tenements that were amalgamated in 1570. It was dubbed "The Speaking House" by a Victorian antiquarian, in reference to the Latin inscriptions on its facade. Informative displays inside tell the history of Edinburgh, from prehistoric times through to the nineteenth century. Visitors are able to see collections of colourful shop signs, pottery and Edinburgh silver and glass. The tenements themselves are the real attractions here. They are laid out as they were before the Scotland-England Union - the cramped living spaces are startling. Check for details of temporary exhibitions of art and artefacts. Admission: is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Reformation regalia |
43-45 High Street Edinburgh EH29 9 United Kingdom +44 131 556 9579 / +44 131 556 2647 |
It's not certain that John Knox, the 16th century Reformation leader, actually died here - but he might have, so there's a museum inside this 15th century house dedicated to all things Reformatory. Find out all about John Knox's concerns about Catholicism and his inimitable way of dealing with such qualms. The subject matter is such that the museum can get quite heavy-going, but even a little persistence is richly rewarded by insights into this area of Scottish history. Particularly interesting is an audio re-enactment of Knox's debate with the Catholic Mary, Queen of Scots. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: lildebbie_77 |
 Photo: Jenni Sophia Fuchs |
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Literary history |
Lady Stair's Close, Lawnmarket Edinburgh EH1 2PA United Kingdom +44 131 529 4901 |
This house is named after the gorgeous but foulmouthed heroine of Sir Walter Scott's My Aunt Margaret's Mirror. Built in the 1620s, the house now houses a museum celebrating the Scottish writers Scott, Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson. The collection consists mainly of locks of hair, paintings and various literary scripts. It is the painting, Parliament Square and Public Characters of Edinburgh, hung in the Burns Room that is really worth a look. Admission: is free Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andrew Myers |
 Photo: Darjeeling Wanderer |
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16th century chapel |
41 Cowgate Edinburgh EH1 1JR United Kingdom +44 131 220 1450 |
This 16th century chapel has the only surviving pre-reformation stained glass in Scotland left "in situ". The glass is in four brilliantly colored heraldic roundels on the south wall. The chapel was built by Maichale MacQueen and was later bequeathed to the Hammermen, a guild of metalworkers, who then adorned the space with their work. This wonderful building has been recently restored and is now owned by the Scottish Reformation Society. It plays occasional host to concerts—call for the latest details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fandabidozi nostalgia trip |
42 High Street Edinburgh EH29 9 United Kingdom +44 131 529 4142 |
This is bound to put a smile on your face and kids will love it. Toys, games, books, memorabilia and countless other objects are crammed into the four fandabidozi floors. It has come a long way since its foundation in 1955 - there are displays charting the childhood experience down the ages, space to play and themed temporary exhibitions. Some of the pieces are relatively recent, so the visit can be a nostalgia trip too. Mementoes are on sale in the shop, so you can play away at home. Admission: is free to minors and majors. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: eris radcliff |
 Photo: Claire Louise Weale |
 Photo: Chia-Yi Lin |
 Photo: Karen Muskett |
 Photo: Trela Sexton |
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National Museum of Scotland |
Chambers Street City of Edinburgh EH1 1JF United Kingdom +44 131 247 4422 http://www.nms.ac.uk/ |
Next door to the Royal Museum, the stunning new Museum of Scotland (opened 1998) details the history of the Scottish people. From the beginning of time through present day, the history of Scotland is explained through galleries and displays in a wonderful, informative exhibition. Wander through the halls and wonder at the fossils, the ancient jewelery and artifacts. Travel back in time to the industrial revolution and the Scottish position in the British Empire. Marvel at the technological advances that have taken Scotland to modernity. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: James Chiou |
 Photo: Ruuy Lestrade |
 Photo: Heather Kennedy |
 Photo: Roselea |
 Photo: Jim Forest |
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Miles of manuscripts, microform and maps |
George IV Bridge Edinburgh EH1 1EW United Kingdom +44 131 226 4531 http://www.nls.uk/ |
This imposing neo-classical building on George IV Bridge (near Greyfriars Kirk) houses the national collection of books and archive documents. It has over seven million books to choose from and the auspicious air of the learned reading rooms to savour. You can pour over manuscripts, microform and an impressive map collection that includes a 14th century ovoid map of the world. There are changing historical exhibitions, where the library reveals some of its finest literary treasures - for example, they own the last letter ever written by Mary Queen of Scots. Call for current exhibition details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lee Gardner |
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Castle and city views |
Calton Hill Regent Road Edinburgh EH7 5AA United Kingdom +44 131 556 2716 |
Up on Calton Hill sits this monument to Nelson's famous victory at Trafalgar in 1805 (the monument itself was built in 1816). It resembles an upturned telescope and was designed by the architect Robert Burn. Once inside this impressive building, visitors may climb the 143 steps to the top and view Edinburgh in its entirety - behold the great 360 degree views of the city, across to the Firth of Forth, and over to Arthur's Seat, Holyroodhouse Palace and Edinburgh Castle. At the very top is a clever timed device that drops a huge ball to coincide with the one o'clock gun fired from the Castle - it was devised to enable sailors to check their chronometers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lex Hall |
 Photo: Ryan Fant |
 Photo: Ros Pyne |
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 Photo: Irina Kagan |
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Brave old world |
112 Holyrood Road Edinburgh EH8 8AS United Kingdom +44 131 550 7800 http://www.dynamicearth.co.uk/ |
Funded by the Millennium Commission and housed in a striking, spiky, white tent-like structure. Our Dynamic Earth takes visitors on a fantastic journey of discovery through the history of the planet. Interactive displays and amazing facts let you see the world in a new way. The tour begins at the State of the Earth, where video clips give updates on the latest weather and births. In The Restless Earth room, you can experience the awesome power and complexity of volcanoes, earthquakes, oceans, glaciers and rain forests. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nik Bowyer |
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Parliament House |
Parliament Square City of Edinburgh United Kingdom |
This building was the seat of Scottish Government until 1707 when the Act of Union brought together the governments of England and Scotland. Built in 1632-39, it now accommodates the superior courts of Scotland, the High Court of Justiciary and the Court of Session. It is well worth a visit to see the black tin notary boxes in use, the fine hammer beam roof and the be-wigged and robed advocates pacing the great hall. There are also fine portraits by Raeburn and other major Scottish artists. Access to the marvelous Signet Library upstairs is by written request only, as it is in daily use. Address enquiries to: The Librarian, Signet Library, Parliament House, and Parliament Square, Edinburgh. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kal TraumaQueen |
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 Photo: Gordon McKinlay |
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Edinburgh's tale |
163 Canongate Edinburgh EH8 8BN United Kingdom +44 131 529 4057 |
Discover the story of Edinburgh life as it has evolved through the 19th and 20th centuries. Smell the sweat of hard labor and taste the toil, with the help of sights, sounds and evocative odors. Follow the displays, which document the lives of common folk in the organisation of work, improvements in health and changes in leisure time. Step into various scenes, including depictions of workshops, a pub, prison cells, a 1940s kitchen and a fishwife. Read the people's stories in the guidebook and take it home as a sobering reminder that things have been worse! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: lyn fletcher |
 Photo: moodytang_hk |
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A morbid affair |
Nicholson Street 18 Nicholson Street Edinburgh EH8 9DH United Kingdom +44 131 527 1649 |
Disease, infections and deformities this museum is ideal for the pathology student or morbid enthusiast. The pickled specimens are housed in the wonderful Playfair Hall and cutting-edge Victorian medical establishment - the Royal College of Surgeons. Visits are only possible on guided tours, which must be booked in advance for groups of at least 10. This interesting experience is not for the faint - hearted; there's enough here to give an over-active imagination nightmares for weeks! . Review © 2007, Wcities |
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On the beat |
188 High Street Edinburgh EH1 1QS United Kingdom +44 131 226 6966 http://www.lbp.police.uk/about... |
This information center allows visitors to dip into some interesting information and historical details about policing in Scotland's capital. There are also a few gruesome exhibits to fire the imagination, including the skin of the executed serial killer William Burke. If you need to report a crime, enquire about lost property or fancy a chat with a police officer this is the place to visit. Pick up a leaflet on various topics including driving in Scotland, crime prevention and maps of the city. During the festival, the Lothian and Borders police Pipe Band march along Princes Street at 11a before dropping in to the center to play a few tunes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Victorian display |
Chambers Street Edinburgh EH1 1JF United Kingdom +44 131 225 7534 http://www.nms.ac.uk/royal/ |
The Royal Museum is a huge and wondrous "bird-cage" building in the Victorian mold. Thirty-six galleries host exhibitions covering a whole host of topics, from the natural world—palaeontology, geology etc—to technology and science. Admire the oldest steam engine in the world and marvel at whale skeletons. Children in particular will be drawn to the weird and wonderful specimens in jars. Art from the Orient and north Mediterranean is also on display, including pieces from Korea and ancient Egypt. Next door is the recently opened Museum of Scotland, which chronicles the history of the Scots. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marc Brubaker |
 Photo: brian hutchison |
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 Photo: Jim Forest |
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Harpsichords etc |
Niddry Street Cowgate Edinburgh EH1 1LJ United Kingdom +44 131 650 2805 http://www.music.ed.ac.uk/russ... |
Practising, restoration and studying - this museum looks after all of the above. With fifty-one spinets, harpsichords, virginals, organs, clavichords and early pianos, this exhibition strikes the perfect note for musos and knowledge-seekers. The beautiful instruments, which date from the 16th century, are occasionally played in the hall, Scotland's first purpose-built concert venue. Otherwise, the hall is often filled with music from other sources. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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An interesting operation |
9 Hill Square Edinburgh EH8 9DR United Kingdom +44 131 527 1649 http://www.rcsed.ac.uk/geninfo/ |
This fascinating museum charts the history of surgery in Edinburgh since 1505. Since that time, when surgeons were granted a charter, there have thankfully been huge developments in the practice! This evolution is mapped using displays, which place the story of surgery and the story of Edinburgh side-by-side. On a similar theme, the Menzies Campbell Dental Museum next door is worth a visit as are the pickled specimens at the adjacent Playfair Pathology Museum. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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St Giles' Cathedral |
High Street City of Edinburgh EH1 1RE United Kingdom +44 131 225 9442 www.stgilescathedral.org.uk |
Although there has been a church on this site since 1854, the earliest remains to be found in St Giles' Cathedral are four pillars which date from about 1120. In 1385 the church was destroyed by an English army but soon afterwards was rebuilt in greater splendor. In 1460 the roof was raised and the main body of the church extended eastwards. The famously elaborate crown spire was completed in 1495 and St Giles' was made a Presbyterian cathedral by Charles I in 1633. There is a contemporary contribution to the cathedral - in 1992, the organ was installed and you can view its mechanisms from a glass panel in the back. The Chapel of the Knights of the Thistle, built in 1911 for the Order of the Thistle, is particularly beautiful: each Knight's stall is carved in wood with an impressively intricate touch. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Classical concerts |
Niddry Street (Cowgate) Edinburgh EH1 1LJ United Kingdom +44 131 650 2805 http://www.music.ed.ac.uk/russ... |
St. Cecilia's Hall, Edinburgh's oldest concert hall (1763) is located on the corner of Niddry Street in the Old Town. Many times throughout the year it hosts concerts by various orchestras and ensembles, including The Georgian Concert Society. It now also houses the Russell Collection of Early Keyboard Instruments. Staff will happily demonstrate the wonderful sounding spinets, virginals and clavichords held here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Stirling Castle |
Stirling Old Town City of Edinburgh United Kingdom +44 (0)1786 450 000 http://www.historic-scotland.g... |
Built high on a volcanic outcrop, Stirling Castle offers a fascinating chance to step into a piece of Scottish history. Visitors can tour the Gatehouse, Chapel Royal and Great Hall all built by the Stewart Kings. Amongst the many other interesting features of the castle is the chance to visit the Medieval Kitchen and a special Castle exhibition. The castle boasts a café with a roof top patio and well-stocked souvenir shop. There is partial wheelchair access to the castle – contact for more details. Free guided tours run regularly. See also Braveheart reconstructions through out the summer. A great family day out! Adult £8.00, Child (under 16) £3.00, Concession £6.50. - Julie Knight Review © 2007, Wcities |
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