The Flame will travel around Greece until the Handover Ceremony that will take place on May 17th at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens. From May 19th it will start its 70-day journey passing through 1,019 communities in the UK, at least within 10 miles of 95% of its population!! The excitement is great as this will be an excellent opportunity to show how beautiful the UK is and how much it has to offer to those visiting it.

Evening celebrations will take place in 66 towns and cities throughout the Flame’s journey and will be provided by Samsung. A caravan with LED screen showcasing runners and messages will follow the Olympic Torchbearers around the UK. The aim of these celebrations is to bring the Olympic spirit high and cheer up everyone to get involved.

The Flame Relay in Edinburgh takes place on June 13 and 14th. Don’t miss the opportunity of seeing and share the excitement of this great occasion!

Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in Scotland and from here you can easily travel to anywhere in the country.

The city itself has lots to see and do. Dedicate at least 3 days to get to know Edinburgh and visit its main attractions and from here take day trips to Scotland’s most important towns.

Perth

One of Scotland’s oldest burghs, Perth was once considered the capital of Scotland, where the Kings of Scots were crowned.
It was home to the Stone of Destiny, a block of red sandstone used for centuries in the coronation of the monarchs of Scotland and later the monarchs of England, Great Britain and the United Kingdom.
Like Edinburgh, Perth has its own New Town. During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, parts of the northern suburb became more sophisticated with the terraces of Atholl Street, Atholl Crescent and Charlotte Street.
A lovely town to explore.

Things to see and do in Perth:

Scone Palace

Scone Palace is a must visit attraction, the heart of Scottish history. Scone was the crowing place of Scottish Kings. From the time of Kenneth MacAlpin, who created the Kingdom of Scone in the 9th century, all the Kings of Scots were crowned on the Moot Hill, seated upon the Stone of Destiny. Nowadays a replica stands where the original (which is now in the Edinburgh Castle) used to be.
Although King Edward I took the Stone of Destiny away in 1296, the Moot Hill continued to be the crowning place of the Kings of Scots. It was there in 1306 where Robert the Bruce declared himself as Kings of Scots. The last coronation at Scone was of King Charles II in 1651.
The gardens are impressive and definitely worth a visit.
Opening hours:
Apr – Oct        daily    9.30am – 5.45pm (last admission at 5pm, except Saturdays when last admission is 4.00pm)
Admission charge Palace + grounds:
Adult £10.00, concession £9.00 and children £7.00

Balhousie Castle - The Black Watch

The Black Watch is one of the most famous fighting units in the world, the Scottish elite military regiment with a history of almost three centuries. Its museum is housed in the beautiful and historic Balhousie Castle. The collection includes objects that illustrate the history of the Regiment, fine paintings, photography; all is complemented by audiovisual exhibitions.
Opening hours:
Apr – Oct        Mon – Sat    9.30am – 5pm,  Sun   10am – 4pm
Nov – Mar      Mon – Sat    9.30am – 5pm,  Sun closed
** Please note the museum is going to be closed from end of August 2012 to Spring 2013
Admission charge:
Adult  £5, concession  £4, children (5-16yo) £2.50 and children under 5yo free

Perth Museum & Art Gallery

Their collection gives an insight of the natural and social history of Perthshire. It is also home to pieces of fine art. They have been officially designated as a Recognised Collection of National Significance to Scotland.
Opening hours:
Mon – Sat        10am – 5pm
Admission Free

The Fergusson Gallery

It celebrates the life and work of the artists John Duncan Fergusson and Margaret Morris.
The collection tells the story of John Duncan Fergusson, one of the celebrated Scottish Colourist painters and Margaret Morris, a pioneer in modern dance.
Artwork, sketchbooks, costume, correspondence, photographs and other extensive archives are part of the exhibition.
Opening hours:
Mon – Sat        10am – 5pm
Admission Free

Perth’s Farmers Market

The first farmer’s market in Scotland. Once a month, on the first Saturday of each month, on King Edward Street and St John’s Place, Scottish farmers sell their produce directly to customers. There are between 35 and 40 stalls where you can buy a wide range of fresh quality products.
Opening hours:
First Saturday of each month    9am – 2pm
Admission Free

The Royal Scottish Geographical Society

The oldest surviving house in Perth, the Fair Maid’s House is home to the visitor centre of the RSGS. There you will see oldest rock in Scotland, learn about deserts, maps, earthquakes, volcanoes, etc.
Opening hours
Apr – Oct        Mon – Fri    12.30pm – 4pm
Admission Free

Elcho Castle – 5 miles from Perth

A fortified mansion built in the 16th century on the banks of the River Tay.
One of Scotland’s best preserved tower houses its windows still have their original iron grilles in place.
Built in the 16th century and idyllically set on the banks of the River Tay, Elcho Castle is a handsome and remarkably complete fortified mansion with three projecting towers. The windows still have their original wrought iron grilles in place. Visitors can also enjoy the replanted orchard.
Opening hours:
Apr – Sep        daily     9.30 am – 5.30 pm
Admission charge:
Adult £4.00, concession £3.20 and children £2.40

Huntingtower Castle – 3 miles from Perth

It comprises two tower houses built in the 15th and 16th centuries (joined in the 17th century). Huntingtower Castle was a lordly residence for 300 years, from the 15th to the 18th century and has hosted some famous visitors as Mary Queen of Scots who stayed there in 1565, during her honeymoon with Lord Darnley.
The fine painted ceiling in the hall of the eastern tower is one of its highlights.
Opening hours:
Apr - Sep        daily    9.30am - 5.30pm
Oct                   daily     9.30am – 4.30pm
Nov - Mar      Mon-Wed and Sat-Sun    9.30am - 4.30pm
Admission charge:
Adult £4.50, concession £3.60 and children £2.70

How to get to Perth from Edinburgh:

By train from Edinburgh Waverley Station. It takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes. Runs every 15-30 minutes depending on time. Return tickets from £16. You can book tickets in advance at the ScotRail website.

*Please note that opening hours and admission charges may change without notice. The links on this post will take you to each attraction’s official website, please visit them before planning your trip.

The neo-classical and Georgian style architecture is beautiful and impressive. In 1995 it was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Start visiting the National Gallery of Scotland, home to one of the best collections of fine art from the early Renaissance to the end of the 19th century. Masterpieces from internationally renowned artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, El Greco and Velázquez are exposed there. Works from all major Scottish artists are also part of this impressive collection. The shop, restaurant and café are worth a visit. Admission to the Gallery is free. 

Near the National Gallery you will find the Walter Scott Monument, a beautiful Victorian gothic monument to Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s greatest writers. The monument is open for visits. If you have time and energy to climb up a series of narrow spiral staircases with a total of 287 steps you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh.

The Princes Gardens is the main public park in the centre of Edinburgh. A beautifully kept garden that attracts lots of people on sunny days. In the west end of the park you will find the famous Ross Fountain, the best place to take your souvenir photo of the castle.

From Ross Fountain spot, walk back to the Princes Street and take the first street north called South Charlotte Street where Alexander Graham Bell, pioneer of the telephone was born (check for a sign on your left to see the exact place).
South Charlotte Street will take you to the beautiful Charlotte Square, one of the most privileged addresses in town. Visit the Georgian House to get see how was life in 18th century prestigious and wealthy New Town.

Rose Street and George Street in New Town, feel like two different worlds. Rose Street is a small unpretentious lane, a bit of Old Town in New Town. It has though a very lively atmosphere with shops, pubs and restaurants. On sunny days, restaurants and pubs set their tables out for a truly al-fresco dining. Rose Street is casual while George Street is more sophisticated.
George Street is home to luxury brands, elegant restaurants and prestigious night clubs. Stop at the Dome for a drink and admire its stunning architecture

St Andrew Square located in the east end of George Street is the mirror of Charlotte Square but it’s open to the public and quite often has exhibitions on its grounds. Cross the square to reach the famous Harvey Nichols and Multrees Walk, a pedestrian shopping area address of luxury brands such as Calvin Klein, Pandora, Emporio Armani, and Louis Vuitton

Why not end your tour with a dinner in one of the many excellent restaurants in New Town.
The following are some of the options that offer great views!

The Forth Floor Restaurant
Harvey Nichols
30-34 St Andrew Square
Tel: 0131 524 8350
Stuart Muir, the restaurant Executive Chef, is recognised by the Scottish Chefs Association as one of the 12 best chefs in Scotland. He always uses local produce to create his dishes.

Oloroso
33 Castle Street
0131 226 7614
Oloroso is owned by chef Tony Singh who creates dishes from locally sourced and seasonal food. It features a bar and a restaurant – from the bar you get a special double aspect view of Edinburgh out to both the Castle and the Firth of Forth.

Cranston’s Restaurant
The Old Waverley Hotel
43 Princes Street
0131 556 4648
This restaurant is located on Princes Street on the first floor of a traditional building with beautiful views of the city. With a sophisticated menu and elegant atmosphere.

The park is a protected area home to farms and forestry developments; it’s also open to the public for recreational activities such as hiking, cycling, horse riding, fishing and golfing.

There you will find easy walking and cycling routes suitable for families as well as challenging hiking routes and steep and rough cycle paths.

It doesn’t matter if you are coming for a family picnic or for hiking all hills, remind yourself this is a huge park and it’s easier to get lost than you can imagine. You should take the necessary steps to ensure a memorable and safe visit.

If you want to enjoy the most of your visit, we recommend you to follow these steps:

• Check the Weather Forecast

You could head to the hills on a nice sunny morning just to find out that the weather changes all of a sudden and it starts raining. The best is to check a detailed forecast where it specifies what to expect at different times of the day. Avoid times where gusts are expected.

•  Wear Appropriate Clothing

Wind and waterproof clothing is essential. Walking in the valleys is not the same as strolling on the hills, so be prepared. Dress in thinner layers is the best way to go. Fleece, hat and gloves are important as well.

Don’t underestimate the importance of good footwear!

• Know Where to Go

The best way to start is by visiting one of the 2 visitor centres in the park, where you will find maps, cycling routes and other important information about the area. Always carry a map with you. Although you will find signs in parts of the routes, it’s important to know exactly where you are.

If you don’t have good map reading skills choose shorter routes and/or just choose a destination and when you reach it return through the same route.

• Time it

If you are going uphill, your hike may take longer than you expect. Always be aware of the time, especially the hour of sunset.

• Be Prepared   

A small backpack with food and water is of course important, but you should also consider bringing a first aid kit, a torch and a whistle.

In emergency, the distress signal is six whistle blasts (or torch flashes), at one minute intervals.

• DO NOT RELY ON MOBILE PHONES

We all rely so much on our mobile phones either to contact people or to simply check online Maps and use as a GPS.

The only problem is that there are many areas where mobile reception is low or zero. Don’t take the risk. Let your family or friends know exactly what time you expect to return and your planned route.

• Respect the Nature

Be careful not to alarm farm animals, horses or wildlife. Additional care should be taken during lambing season (April to June), bird nesting season (April to July) and tupping (November to December).

We don’t need to mention that whatever you bring, please take back with you.

How to get there: 

Take the bus 44 Balerno at Haymarket Train Station OR take the bus 101 or 102 Dumfries on Home St (Tollcross)

The Royal Mile is the most famous street in Edinburgh and must be your start point. You will become very familiar with it since it’s very likely you will go up and down this mile more than once during your visit.
On one end is the Edinburgh Castle and on the other, the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The castle is the most visited attraction in Scotland. The palace was once home to the famous Mary Queen of Scots and now is the official residence of the Queen and the Royal Family when visiting Edinburgh. No need to say that both are must-visit attractions.
If you can, visit them on different days so you have time to check out other interesting attractions on the Royal Mile.

Start visiting the Edinburgh Castle in the morning. You should be finished by midday.

Just coming out of the castle on your right, you will see signs to Grassmarket historic market square. There will be some good flights of stairs to go down (better than up…). Grassmarket was Edinburgh’s main market area from 1477 to 1911. It was also the place for announcements and hangings… There you will find historic pubs and nice places to have lunch.

Go back to the Royal Mile, following the street heading north east called West Bow, then turning left on George IV Bridge until you get to the Royal Mile.
Now, back on the Royal Mile, if you go back towards the castle you will find Gladstone’s Land on your left (on your right if you are coming down from the castle). It’s very easy to miss it. It’s the best surviving example of an Old Town house (around 1620). It doesn’t take long to have a look around but it’s a very interesting way to picture life in the Old Town at that time.

If you choose not to visit Gladstone’s Land, instead of turning left towards the castle when you reach the Royal Mile, head down.

Then you will see the magnificent St Giles Cathedral, with its beautiful architecture in gothic style and an important history that dates back to the Middle Ages.

Cross the street and look for Advocate’s Close, where Mary King’s Close is.
A street buried in time. Today, it’s a very popular tourist attraction. A guide dressed up as one of its inhabitants in the period in which it was a lively and overpopulated will tell the stories of the people that once lived, traded and died there.

Visit the John Knox House. Going down the Royal Mile on your left you will see the Scottish Story Telling Centre; there you will find the John Knox House. John Knox, a Protestant reformer, lived in this house that dates back to 1470 and has been associated with the most dramatic events in Scotland’s history.

Now, approaching the other end of the Royal Mile are the Museum of Edinburgh and the Canongate Kirk  where the Queen attends service while in Edinburgh. Both are worth a quick visit.

At the end of the Royal Mile you will find the beautiful Palace of Holyroodhouse which was the residence of Mary Queen of Scots between 1561 and 1567. Visit the royal and the historic apartments. Its garden with ruins of the 12th-century Abbey is also open to the public.

In front of the palace is the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh’s most controversial building! Its modern architecture has not pleased the traditional Edinburgh people.

By the time you reach the bottom of the Royal Mile, it’s possible you won’t have enough time to visit the Palace. In low season (Nov-Mar), it closes at 4.30pm and during high season (Apr-Oct) it closes at 6pm. The visit should take between 1 and 1.5 hours and the last admission is one hour before closing. If you can and decide to leave it for the next day, the Palace opens at 9.30am.

You can end your tour by going up the Royal Mile straight to one of the many pubs for supper:

The World’s End
4 High Street (The Royal Mile)
Tel: 0131 5563628
Nice, friendly and cosy pub with good food at affordable prices.

Or

Deacon Brodies Tavern
435 Lawnmarket (The Royal Mile)
Tel: 0131 225 6531
Traditional pub in the heart of the Royal Mile. Popular among tourists. Fairly priced although it is in prime tourist location.

If you prefer to indulge yourself in a fine dine, these are excellent options:

Wedgwood The Restaurant
267 Canongate (The Royal Mile)
Tel: 0131 558 8737
Wedgwood the Restaurant has just been awarded Restaurant of the Year 2011 by Scottish Licensed Trade News (SLTN) for the second year running.

Or

The Witchery
Castlehill (The Royal Mile)
Edinburgh EH1 2NF
Tel. 0131 225 5613
It’s on the top of the Royal Mile, next to the Castle. It has beautiful interiors and exquisite menu.

Booking in advance highly recommended for both restaurants.

Edinburgh Castle

There are many interesting castles to visit near Edinburgh, so if you have the chance, go and visit them. Following is a list of castles in Edinburgh and The Lothians area. From £28 you can buy the Explorer Pass that gives you access to all attractions. For more details visit Historic Scotland website.

Blackness Castle

It was built in the 15th century by the Crichtons, one of Scotland’s most powerful families. In 1453 it became a royal castle due to its strategic position on the Firth of Forth. One of the most beautiful views from the towers to the Forth.

Craigmillar Castle

It’s one of the best preserved medieval castles in Scotland. The tower house, which is the core of the castle, dates from the late 14th century.
It hosted Mary Queen of Scots. You can visit the Queen Mary’s Room where Mary is said to have slept. The views from the tower are stunning!
Some great dark and mysterious chambers to explore. The basement prison is one of the darkest areas of the castle, where an upright skeleton was found in the early 19th century.
The courtyard and gardens are of equal importance.

Crichton Castle

Built in the late 14th century as a home for the Crichtons and was a noble residence for around 200 years. In 1484 it became home to the Earls of Bothwell. James, the 4th Earl was the third husband of Mary Queen of Scots.
Its location overlooking the River Tyne, its 14th century tower house, the Great Hall and the beautiful façade are the highlights of this castle.

Dirleton Castle and Gardens

Built in the 13th century. For the first 400 years, it was the residence of three successive noble families. In 1650, the siege by Oliver Cromwell’s soldiers severely damaged the castle.
The garden, a blend of traditional and contemporary plantings, dates from the late 19th and early 20th century.

Linlithgow Palace

Once the royal palace of the Stewarts, today only ruins. Its construction dates from 1424 in a strategic location between Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle.
It served as the royal nursery for James V (born 1512), Mary Queen of Scots (born 1542) and Princess Elizabeth (born 1596).
The palace fell into decline after 1603 when James VI moved the royal court to London. A fire in 1745 marked the end of the castle. Some of the highlights are the 15th century St Michael’s Kirk, the loch (lake) and gardens beside it, the fountain in the centre of its courtyard and the stone-carved sculptures.
Walking around the loch takes around 45 minutes and should be part of the visit as the visitor will have great views of the palace.

Tantallon Castle

It was built in the 14th century atop of cliffs on the Firth of Forth. For 300 years it was home to one of the most powerful families in Scotland, the earls of Angus.
It endured three great sieges, the last in 1651, by Oliver Cromwell’s army left the castle destroyed and abandoned. The highlights are its beautiful location, the stone curtain wall, the wildlife of the area and the replica gun (an exact reproduction of the gun used to defend the castle against James IV in 1491 and James V in 1528.

Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in Scotland and from here you can easily travel to anywhere in the country.

The city itself has lots to see and do. Dedicate at least 3 days to get to know Edinburgh and visit its main attractions and from here take day trips to Scotland’s most important towns.

Glasgow

The largest city in Scotland is famous for its Victorian architecture. One of the most visited cities in the UK, it won the titles of the European City of Culture and the European City of Architecture & Design. Its museums and galleries are renowned worldwide.
A UNESCO City of Music hosting over 130 concerts a week!
It’s a very big and cosmopolitan city but the people of Glasgow are warm and friendly.

Things to see and do in Glasgow:

The best way to see the city is getting one of the hop-on, hop-off bus services. Current ticket prices (valid until April 2012*) are £11 adults, £5 child (5-15 years old) and free for children under 5. The tickets are valid for 2 days so it’s quite a good deal. It stops at all tourist attractions.

If you don’t have much time, just make sure you do not miss:

The University of Glasgow, The Hunterian Museum and The Mackintosh House

The fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world and the second oldest in Scotland, founded in 1451. It is renowned for the schools of medical and veterinary science, and also business and art.
It’s home to The Hunterian, Scotland’s oldest public museum with an impressive collection of over a million items from mummies to art.
Opening hours:
Tue - Sat        10am - 5pm
Sun                  11am – 4pm
Mon                CLOSED
Admission Free

The Mackintosh House the reassembled interiors from the house occupied by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his artist-wife Margaret Macdonald from 1906 to 1914. The interiors are furnished with Mackintosh’s original furniture and fitments and decorated as closely as was possible to the original.
Opening hours:
Tue - Sat        10am - 5pm
Sun                  11am – 4pm
Mon                CLOSED
Admission charge:
Standard: £5.00

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

It’s one of Scotland’s most visited attractions. An impressive building! Many visitors spend as much time appreciating its exteriors with architectural details and sculptures as its collection.
With 22 galleries displaying a collection of around 8,000 objects ranging from natural history to art movements items.
Opening hours:
Mon - Thu & Sat 10am – 5pm
Fri & Sun              11am – 5pm
Admission Free

Glasgow Cathedral

An incredible historic building consecrated in 1197. It has had a regular congregation for more than 800 years. It has one of the finest post-war collections of stained glass windows in Britain.
It’s considered the best preserved example of a large church to have survived from the medieval period in Scotland.
Opening hours:
Apr – Set         Weekdays 9.30am - 5.30pm, Sat 9.30am – 5.30pm and Sun 1pm – 5pm
Oct – Mar        Weekdays 9.30am – 4.30pm, Sat 9.30am – 4.30pm and Sun 1pm – 4.30pm

Glasgow Green – People’s Palace & Winter Gardens

The People’s Palace tells the story of Glasgow and its people from 1750 to the 20^th century through historic artefacts, paintings, prints and photographs, film and interactive computer displays. Visit the Winter Gardens adjacent to it.
Opening hours:
Mon CLOSED
Tue - Thu & Sat        10am – 5pm
Fri & Sun                    11am – 5pm

St Andrews in The Square

A beautiful 18th century restored church, one of the finest classical churches in Britain. The last service was held in 1993. It was offered to the Glasgow Building Preservation Trust and now is a centre for performing arts, particularly Scottish Dance.

The Lighthouse

The building was originally designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1893 as offices for Glasgow Herald newspaper.
Nowadays is a centre dedicated to architecture and design home to the Mackintosh Interpretation Centre. The Mack Centre is an exhibition dedicated to Glasgow’s most famous architect and includes detailed histories and scale models of some of his buildings.
It holds around 15 exhibitions per year, among those at least 3 are of international stature.
Opening hours:
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat         10.30am - 5pm
Tue         11am - 5pm
Sun        CLOSED
Admission Free

Riverside Museum

The Riverside Museum is the Museum of Transport with a display of over 3,000 objects. Visitors can hop on some of the exhibits to have an insight of public transportation across the time.
Next to it you will find the Tall Ship Glenlee (find more information below) which is worth a visit.
Opening hours:
Mon – Thu & Sat        10am - 5pm
Fri & Sun                     11am - 5pm
Admission Free

The Tall Ship Glenlee

The Glenlee is one of only five Clyde built ships still afloat in the world and the only one of her kind in the UK. It first sailed as a bulk cargo carrier back in 1896. Today it’s an independent museum that holds themed events and activities the whole year round. Here the visitors will have the opportunity to discover more about the maritime heritage of the city in a dynamic and interactive way.
Opening hours:
Daily
Mar – Oct       10am – 5pm
Nov – Feb      10am-4pm
Admission charge:
Adults £5.00

Other interesting places to visit are the Merchant City the heart of historic Glasgow, Glasgow Science Centre a great place for families, the Glasgow School of Art and Glasgow Botanic Gardens.

How to get to Glasgow from Edinburgh:

From Edinburgh Waverley Station take a train to Glasgow Central. The service runs every 15 minutes. Return ticket from £15. You can book tickets in advance at the ScotRail website.

*Please note that opening hours and admission charges may change without notice. The links on this post will take you to each attraction’s official website, please visit them before planning your trip.

Why not take a short break and visit Edinburgh?  

Following is a list of things to do when the sun is shining…

1. Do a Walking Tour Your Way

It’s sunny and you want to be out enjoying the blue sky and getting to know the city better. There is a new and very interesting way of doing this. It’s called Walk Talk Tour. You choose one of the tours, download it together with a map and do your own walking tour at your own pace. No rush, no start or end time.

2. Run or Ride a Bike

There are not many capitals in the world where the quality of the air is so good and the grass so green. Our parks are among the best as nature is abundant here.
The Holyrood Park and the Meadows are great places for a run. If you have energy to climb Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park, you will be rewarded with a privileged view of the city.
If you prefer riding a bike, you can hire one for the day. Just have in mind that here we drive on the left! If you are coming from a place where people drive on the right, be careful and keep to the parks and quiet areas.

3. On Saturday, Visit the Farmer’s Market

Edinburgh Farmer’s Market is the largest of its kind in Scotland, where over 55 producers present Scotland’s best seasonal produce. From creamy cheeses, freshly baked breads and game to organic fruits and vegetables. It’s a great way to taste the best of Scotland!

4. Have Lunch & Enjoy the Sun

During lunch time, grab a sandwich at one of Edinburgh’s lovely coffee shops, go to Princes Street Gardens and choose a nice and sunny spot to enjoy your snack.
If you prefer a meal, visit the Grassmarket area where restaurants and pubs place their tables outside so you can enjoy the weather.

5. Visit the Edinburgh Zoo

The sun and the warm weather have also a positive impact in the mood of our lovely friends at the Edinburgh Zoo. Sunshine means they will be out and about and happier than usual, so it’s a great time to visit the Zoo.

6. Walk by the Water of Leith

Visit Dean Village. The village was once home to grain mills powered by the currents of the Water of Leith. Today, it’s a quiet and lovely residential area. With its history that can be traced back as far as 1128, it will feel like you stepped back in time.
Take the river path heading south. You will see some artificial waterfalls and some beautiful birds. Watch for art works as well. The walk takes you to the Scottish Museum of Modern Art which is worth a visit. Its garden is adorned by sculptures and its café is popular on sunny days.
These are just some of the things to do in Edinburgh during spring. There is much more to do and see. Come and visit Edinburgh! You will see what a great destination Edinburgh is this time of year.

Edinburgh International Festival   9 August 2102 – 2 September 2012

Today the programme for the Edinburgh International Festival 2012 is released. Tickets can be booked from 24  March 2012 by phone, or visit the ticket centre at the ‘Hub’

This unique cultural festival started in Post War Britain, 1947, in the hope of raising the spirit in Britain through art, theatre and culture.  While the festival has evolved into a much larger and broader event, it still relevant to its origins today.

Edinburgh changes from a historical and lively city into a world class culture arena.  The variety of events range from dance, theatre, classical music and opera.  The events are international, where artists travel the world to display their unique performances.  Audiences are given the opportunity to see international theatre events in a once in a lifetime experience.

Edinburgh becomes a ‘buzz’.  The Royal Mile (home to both the Edinburgh Castle, and the Palace of Holyrood), is filled with artists and tourists 24 hours/day.  While some events sell-out early, many events can be booked on the day.  It is quite a familiar site to see people chatting and enquiring what to see next.  A day can be filled with buskers, and roaming, while wondering on the next plan of action.

The festival’s end is marked on Sunday 2 September with a spectacular Fireworks Display shown over the historic skyline in Edinburgh.  Visitors and locals find their spot in the city to watch this annual event.  Tickets can be purchased to watch the fireworks from Princes Street Gardens.  In the gardens you will hear the classical music played in time with the fireworks.  Or find your special place to watch the fireworks, which can be viewed from all over the city

The ‘Hub’ is now the official centre for the Edinburgh International Festival.  This historic, gothic building sits on the Royal Mile, just below the castle.  While it is open all of the year, during the festival it turns into a ‘hub’ for the main box office for the international festival.  You can visit the The Hub.  You can visit the website to purchase tickets.  If you have time, pop into ‘The hub’.  It is situated just below the castle on the Royal Mile.  You can sit down, have a coffee, and enjoy your surroundings.

Official venues for the Edinburgh International Festival are:  Usher Hal, Festival Theatre, The Edinburgh Playhouse, Royal Lyceum Theatre, The Queen’s Hall and  The Hub.

Last year was a great success with exhibitions, fashion shows, workshops and a family fund day. This year promises to be even better with a huge range of venues and events. Lauriston Castle  is planning  a Downton Abbey murder mystery and for even more  dressing up,  a Venetian Masked Ball. The City Art galleries are planning a day of creative workshops on the theme of the ”Enchanted Garden”.

The special events for the festival have not all been announced as yet but there are expected to be events at many of Edinburgh’s museums. There is the awesome Royal Museum of Scotland and the National Museum of Scotland complex which reopened after redevelopment in July 2011, and many specialist museums such as the writer’s museum in Lady Stair’s Close, the Police museum on the Royal Mile, the Bank Museum on the Mound.

A wonderful weekend that will have something for all the family – whatever their interests and whatever the weather!