Beautiful Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland. It is a beautiful city with many interesting things to do and see. It has a medieval Old Town and an elegant Georgian New Town.

Edinburgh Castle is the most famous landmark in the country as well as one of Britain's most visited tourist attractions, Among the highlights are the famous One O'clock Salute from Half Moon Battery when cannon fire commemorates the tradition of helping ships to synchronize their clocks, the Scottish National War Memorial and the National War Museum, and the collection of Crown Jewels.

Don't forget the Stone of Destiny also known as the Stone of Scone, stolen by Edward I and placed under the English throne in London and then returned to Scotland 700 years later in 1996.

Holyrood Palace or The Palace of Holyroodhouse is pictured above. It was the official residence of the Queen when in Edinburgh. The palace was built in 1878 and was the place where James II and James IV were married, where James V and Charles I were crowned, and where "Bonnie Prince Charlie" held court in 1745. While the Queen is away typically 51 weeks of the year and only in residence for "Royal Week" each summer the palace is open to the public. You can see the Historic Apartments and the State Apartments.

The Great Gallery displays portraits of Scottish kings both real and legendary. The Queen's Gallery hosts changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection. The Holyrood Abbey was founded by King David I and dates back to the 12th century. Children enjoy dressing up in costumes in the Family Room, For refreshment and relaxation there is a cafe and you can enjoy a proper afternoon tea. Guided tours are available.

The Royal Mile includes the streets that link Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. It is lined with townhouses, churches, and historic landmarks. You can stroll the mile and enjoy the shops, museums, cafes, and restaurants.

St John's Highland Church has the tallest church tower in the city.

Stop by to see Lady Stair's Close which is home to The Writer's Museum. Here you'll find memorabilia from poet Robert Burns and writers Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

Arthur's Seat at 820 ft is the highest point in Holyrood Park. You can get spectacular views from all around. From there it is a nice climb to the dramatic Salisbury Crags, a series of 151-ft cliffs.

Other features in the park are ancient cultivation terraces and the picturesque ruins of St, Anthony's Chapel.

The Royal Yacht Britannia is one of the most popular attractions in Britain that is associated with the monarchy The Queen has welcomed heads of state and famous people from all around the globe to this luxurious yacht. Today the 60-year-old yacht is anchored in the port area in Edinburgh and the highlight of the Britannia Visitor Centre. You can explore all five main decks including the Royal Apartments, the sun lounge, and the Royal Deck Tea Room where you can enjoy tea and cakes.

The National Museum of Scotland includes national archaeological collections; medieval artifacts; and displays focusing on natural history, geology, art, science, and technology. There are 16 galleries with over 8,000 artifacts including Dolly the Sheep, the world's first cloned mammal, and the elaborate stage costumes of Elton John.

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh was founded in 1670. It is the second oldest such garden in Britain. The garden has an amazing 13,200 plant species. You can see the biggest palm house in Britain and a tropical house with exotic orchids, There are giant rare trees from the Himalayas, North America, and China. Among the highlights are the woodland garden with azaleas, hydrangeas, camellias, and rhododendrons and an aquatic house with tropical water plants.

Prince Street is the main thoroughfare of New Town and is lined with colorful gardens and elegant shops. You can find Jenners of Edinburgh here one of the oldest department stores in the world. There are fountains, cafes, and restaurants.

New Register House is home to the Scottish National Archives dating back to the 13th century. Among the historic landmarks on Prince Street are the 200-foot-tall Sir Walter Scott Monument and the David Livingstone Memorial honoring the missionary and African explorer.

At Prince Street Gardens you'll find the world's oldest floral clock.

The Scottish National Portrait Gallery has paintings of historic figures from the 16th century to the present day. It was founded in 1859 and displays Scotland's biggest collection of European paintings and sculptures.

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art or "Modern One" includes paintings by Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso; surrealistic works by Rene Magritte, Joan Miró, and Max Ernst; and contemporary paintings by Bruce McLean, Callum Innes, and Gwen Hardie. It is also known for its sculpture collection. The extensive grounds are lovely.

Across the road, you'll find "Modern Two" housed in an old hospital from the 1830s. There are works by Surrealists among them sculptor Eduardo Paolozzi and artwork by Dada.

St Giles Cathedral also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh is the city's principal church. It has an impressive 161 ft tall central tower with eight arched buttresses, These form a huge crown, the Crown Steeple. Inside there are memorials to fallen soldiers from WW I, lovely stained glass windows, and a statue of John Knox, leader of the Protestant Reformation.

The Thistle Chapel is known for its oak carvings, heraldic emblems, and seals of the "Knights of the Thistle." This is Scotland's oldest order of knights, You can take a rooftop tour and listen to a choir concert.

Calton Hill offers amazing views of the city. On the hill is the National Monument erected in honor of those who died in the Napoleonic Wars. Opposite Calton Hill is a memorial to Scottish poet Robert Burns.

Edinburgh Zoo sits on the edge of Edinburgh and was established in 1913. It is the only UK zoo to house koalas and pandas and was the first to breed penguins, You can see chimps and wallabies and view amphibians and insects in an area known as Wee Beasties. There are special events and animal interactions as well as Animal Antics shows.