Short Breaks in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland and is situated in the central eastern area of the country on the edge of the Firth of Forth. The city has much to offer including the impressive Edinburgh Castle which sits on an imposing base of volcanic rock, the Queen's official residence in Scotland, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Botanic Garden, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and the Museum of Scotland. A little north of the city at Leith, you can visit the Queen's yacht, The Royal Yacht Britannia.
Edinburgh has its own beaches not far from the city centre, Cramond and Portobello beaches being popular with visitors for walking, swimming, surfing and sunbathing. If you're looking for something more unusual then there is much to choose from: be it guided tours that show the creepy side of Edinburgh through ghost and horror walks taking you to underground vaults and dark alleyways or hot air balloon rides to see stunning views from above the Lothians, departing from just south of the city. Walking enthusiasts will find many interesting and beautiful walks in the area, such as the Water of Leith Walkway, the hike up to Arthur's Seat which, at 251 metres, dramatically rises as a back drop to the City of Edinburgh or a walk to Rosslyn Glen to the historic Rosslyn Chapel made famous in Dan Brown's novel the Da Vinci Code.
In summer, the Edinburgh Festival brings much excitement to the city as a host of musicians, comedians, actors, artists and dancers gather in the city for its highly regarded and very popular annual arts festival.