Day Trip to Edinburgh Express
Trains leave for Edinburgh from King's Cross Mainline Station in London at 7.00 am using National Express Network. Unless you stay overnight in the city, the train will depart at 7.30pm, arriving back into London's King's Cross Mainline Station at 10.18pm.
It's a good idea in my opinion to tour the City on an Open Top Bus. The stunning skyline and magnificent architecture, the Scottish city has it all. Edinburgh castle clings dramatically to its rock. Departing from Waverley Bridge (5 minute walk), this city tour will take you to all the main sites including the Royal Mile, Palace of Holyrood House and Greyfriars Bobby. You should also take the time to see the gory Dungeon and visit the Scotch Whisky Heritage centre for a spot wisky tasting too. You will be most captivated by Edinburgh Castle, especially when you visit the Royal Apartments and the Scottish Crown jewels during your visit to the castle. As the capital city of Scotland, it is rich in history of a most dramatic kind, centred first on the castle, and later, at the far end of the Royal Mile, on Holyrood House. In the 18th century the city became one of the most cultured and civilised cities in Europe and was known as 'the Athens of the north'. Writers, poets, painters, philosophers and scientists made it their home and it nourished them; they left behind a rich legacy for visitors, not the least of which is the New Town to the north of Princes Street, whose Georgian avenues and squares contrast sharply with the medieval jumble of the old city. Edinburgh Walking Tour If you do decide to take your own walking tour, which I recommend, I have listed a few places of interest below, that are a must see now that you have ventured this far from London all the way to Scotland............. Wax Museum Housed in the fine Georgian New Assmblies Hall, the Wax Museum contains models of the famous people in Scottish history set in tableaux reflecting their lives. The Georgian House The whole of Charlotte Square is a gem of Georgian architecture, and a close look at one facet of it can be made in the Georgian House at number 7, which was designed by Robert Adam. The Scottish Experience The history of the city is brought to life here by the use of exiting audio-visual devices. St. Giles' Cathedral A beautiful 15th century crown steeple adorns Edinburgh's most famous church. The Gothic nave is hung with the colours of the Scottish regiments and there are many historic memorials in the cathedral, including those of John Knox and R.L. Stevenson. John Knox was minister of St. Giles in the 16th century, a very turbulent period in Edinburgh. The most spectacular part of the cathedral is Thistle Chapel, whose ornately-carved interior was built in 1911. Outside the cathedral a heart-shaped design in the cobblestones, known as the 'Heart of Midlothian', marks the site of the Old Tolbooth prison. Parliament House The home of the Scots Parliament from 1639 until 1707, this is now the High Court. Parliament Hall itself is famous for its magnificent hammerbeam roof. Lady Stair's House Set in a pleasing close (Wardrop's Court), just off Lawnmarket, Lady Stair's House dates from 1622. It is now devoted to exhibitions about Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and R.L. Stevenson. Gladstone's Land The preservation and restoration of this 17th century merchant's house has resulted in a vivid recreation of that period of history. The rooms are filled with period furniture, and colourful ceiling and wall paintings have been uncovered. Outlook Tower Climb the 98 steps to the top of the Outlook Tower and you will be rewarded with wide views over Edinburgh's rooftops. The fascinating camera obscura at the top is still used, and showings are given of scenes from all round the city. The Castle The focus of Edinburgh is, undoubtedly, the castle. Built so commandingly on a great volcanic rock, it can be seen from all parts of the city. The oldest part is the beautiful and simple little Norman chapel dedicated to Queen Margaret. The famous canon, Mons Meg, stands next to the Chapel. The history of the castle is almost a history of Scotland and this is reflected in many of the rooms to be seen, such as Queen Mary's Room and James IV's Great Hall, with its fine hammerbeam roof and displays of weaponry. West Register House An impressive collection of historic documents is displayed here in what used to be St. George's Church. One of the oldest is the Charter of David I dating from 1137, and there are many others telling, at first hand, of great moments in Scottish history. National Gallery of Scotland This is one of the most important small galleries in Europe. It has an excellent collection of paintings by Raphael, Titian, Gainsborough, Cezanne and many others. Scott Monument Characters from Scott's work fill 64 niches in the monument, and it is possible to climb 287 steps almost to the top. John Knox's House This is probably the only surviving Scottish example of a 16th century house complete with timbered galleries. Museum of Childhood Children of all ages will be enthralled by the rich collection of toys, books, games, dolls and dolls' houses imaginatively displayed in this museum. Canongate Tolbooth The projecting clock and outside stairs mark this unusual building which was once used as a courthouse and prison. Now it houses exhibitions, a stone and brass rubbing centre and a collection of Highland dress. Canongate Church Beautifully restored in recent years, this 17th century church is a particularly good example of Scottish-style architecture. Huntly House The varied and fascinating history of everyday life in Edinburgh is most imaginatively displayed in this reconstructed 16th century town house. Palace of Holyrood House The palace is the official Scottish residence of the Queen. It has a history stretching back to 1128, when an abbey was built here, but most of what can be seen today dates from a rebuilding carried out for Charles II. Conducted Edinburgh siteseeing tours of the palace include the extraordinary Picture Gallery where 111 portraits of Scottish kings adorn the walls. These were painted for Charles II but many of them have only the most tenuous links with historical accuracy. The most macabre rooms are those associated with Mary Queen of Scots and the ignominious murder of her secretary Rizzio. All that remains of the Abbey of Holyrood is the ruined nave known as the Chapel Royal, which was founded in 1128. Click to leave Edinburgh for London
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