Visitors to Edinburgh can indulge in traditional culinary delicacies, such as haggis (minced offal of sheep’s offal with onions, spices and oatmeal served with neeps and tatties) and cranachan, an extravagant dessert consisting of whipped cream, raspberries, oatmeal and whisky.
Auld Reekie, the historic street area stretching from Edinburgh Castle down to Holyrood House and John Knox’s house may appear desirable and attractive today, but in its earlier incarnations it was home to filth and poverty.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle stands as the centerpiece of Scotland’s capital city, resting atop an outcrop of Castle Rock near the edge of town. Over its long history, Edinburgh Castle has served as an important royal residence, military garrison, fortress, banquet venue, execution ground and host for state events including banquets and executions. As one of Europe’s premier architectural landmarks dating back to medieval times, Edinburgh Castle features magnificent structures from medieval to contemporary times within its walls – offering breathtaking views.
During the 19th century, Castle Mount took on a more public role as a symbol of national pride and memorial to those who died in war. For example, there was a competition to design a monument commemorating those killed during World War One; its winning design involved using parts of North Barracks shell to form an intricate national monument within Castle Mount itself – plans which caused considerable debate; some, like Walter Scott called for more modest memorial to be established instead.
The castle is an incredible and impressive structure that visitors should not miss seeing. It houses the Honours of Scotland (Crown Jewels), Stone of Destiny and Scottish National War Memorial as well as hosting concerts such as Military Tattoo and concerts held here yearly. Additionally, its grounds contain an expansive open area called Esplanade used for grandstand seating during Military Tattoo performances.
King James IV completed the Great Hall in 1511, creating an outstanding room adorned with wooden beams and carved stones adorned with symbols of Scotland. Additionally, visitors should stop by Mary Queen of Scots’ antechamber to witness where her son later united Scotland and England as James VI and I.
Mons Meg, one of the world’s most powerful medieval cannons, can be seen during any tour of Edinburgh Castle and guests can gain insight into its role in its defense. If they visit around lunchtime they might catch sight of its signature One O’Clock Gun firing daily for navigational purposes – originally intended to help sailors anchored in Leith Port check their time keeping for navigation purposes.
The Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is Scotland’s capital city’s historic spine. Stretching from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, this ancient stretch of streets brims with history – war museums, royal palaces, medieval tenement houses – there’s something here for everyone – learn about Scottish politics at the Scottish Parliament Building or see life from ordinary citizens’ viewpoints – it is an invaluable way to discover all of Edinburgh’s best attractions!
From the top of Royal Mile, visitors can overlook all of Old Town. Edinburgh Castle stands as an icon of Scottish resiliency and power; still an active military base today, visitors to its walls can witness a vast collection of historic armor, the Honors of Scotland, as well as various museums including Scottish Parliament built in 1999 and first debated in 2004. Additionally, on Royal Mile itself are various attractions including historical character reenactments at The Real Mary King’s Close or mind-boggling Camera Obscura World of Illusions.
On the Royal Mile you will also find plenty of places to eat and drink, from traditional Scottish fare restaurants to pubs with beautiful old buildings housing pubs. Don’t miss the stunning stained glass windows at St Giles Cathedral as well as hearing a piper play outside!
If you want a bit of additional history, head down the hill from the castle towards the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Once home to several Scottish monarchs and iconic historical figures like Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie.
While strolling down this part of the Royal Mile, take note of Jeffrey Street. Once part of Edinburgh’s old city walls, brass cobbles mark where its gates once stood; at its end is The World’s End pub – one of Edinburgh’s oldest establishments.
The Georgian House
The Georgian House is an outstanding example of Robert Adam’s townhouse designs from Edinburgh’s late 18th-century New Town district, located at No 7 Charlotte Square – now run as a popular visitor attraction by National Trust for Scotland.
The house has been carefully furnished and decorated as it would have been when first occupied by John Lamont, 18th Chief of Clan Lamont in 1796. Exquisite collections of china, silver and furniture adorn each room on three floors to give visitors an insight into life in Georgian families.
As early as 1870, Edinburgh’s prosperous elite began moving away from the overcrowded and substandard conditions of Old Town into more luxurious surroundings such as this in the New Town. Widely considered one of Robert Adam’s best urban works and part of his ambitious Charlotte Square development plan.
Edinburgh was one of the world’s densest and poorest cities during the early 1700s, boasting tightly packed high-rise tenements that housed wealthy and poor alike. While those residing in wealthier parts enjoyed intellectual flourishing associated with Scottish Enlightenment intellectual flourishing while those in less fortunate sections struggled daily for survival.
An international competition was organized to design an aristocratic suburb that would draw Scottish nobility back to Edinburgh; James Craig’s grid-like plan failed to pique public enthusiasm, leaving architect Robert Adam as the victor.
Adam’s New Town plan focused on two large squares – St Andrew’s and Charlotte – connected by George Street as its main street. Charlotte Square number 7 was specifically designed to meet John Lamont, 18th Chief of Clan Lamont; construction of this square began in 1796 and it was finished by 1802.
Georgian House was owned by various members of the Lamont family until 1966 when it passed into public ownership and is currently managed by the National Trust for Scotland. Adjacent is No 6 Charlotte Square (better known as Bute House), home of both Secretary of State for Scotland (since 1999) and first Minister.
Gladstone’s Land
Gladstone’s Land stands as one of the oldest structures on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and can tell an intriguing tale. Over its 500 year history, this building has served as a home, shop and business and provided insight into Edinburgh’s Old Town’s fortunes.
Thomas Gladstone purchased this property in 1617, expanding it to attract wealthier tenants. Today it remains an exceptionally rare example of its type in Scotland – each room in this building reflects different periods of occupancy in which it stood. A visit is like taking a step back in time!
Visitors can take self-guided tours using room guides. Specialized tours include ‘Tables through Time: Food in Gladstone’s Land” and “Intimate Lives: the History of Sex and Desire in Edinburgh (16+).”
Lower floor: cafe and ice cream parlour that reinvents building’s trade heritage; drawing inspiration from an original 17th-century inventory of spices, ginger, sugar and pepper and reproductions of original containers used to store them – the latter two products can also be found at this level of the building.
One space features a draper’s shop complete with costumes for visitors to try on. This reconstruction is based on Mary Wilson, who advertised her apartment in 1911 as suitable lodgings for “two or three respectable men.”
One room on display above is the reconstructed living area of Gladstone’s Land owner. It includes an open fireplace with wood-paneled surround, Georgian sofas, and a portrait by famed Scottish artist Sir Godfrey Kneller; in addition, a decorative plaster ceiling that recalls Renaissance frescoes is featured.
Gladstone’s Land serves as a celebration of Edinburgh’s rich architectural and cultural legacy, with the lower floor featuring one of Scotland’s oldest examples of tall narrow fronted dormer-gabled tenements with curved stone forestairs – something rare enough for that type of structure to survive in Scotland!
So visitors can explore original timber framing and exposed wall structures while admiring a room restored to its former glory – without worrying about any “don’t touch” signs! – and truly experience its past glory.