Edinburgh for Nature lovers
October 10th, 2006Nature lovers should have a wonderful time exploring the areas surrounding Edinburgh. Birdwatchers should head to the coast of Forth or the Lothian countryside, which are home to huge seabird colonies and large flocks of migratory birds. The Bass Rock (made famous by the BBC’s Springwatch programme) is home to massive colonies of gannets. Scottish Ornithologists Club has opened a wonderful Birdwatching Resource Centre in Aderlady. Native mammals can be seen throughout the area, but the Lammermuirs and the banks of the Esk are particularly wonderful areas to spot roe deer, otters, red squirrels and badgers.
Thirlestane Castle
October 9th, 2006For a wonderful trip outside the city, visitors should travel to the sleepy town of Lauder. This picturesque area is a perfect place to enjoy some Scottish hospitality and a charming, relaxed pace of life. The area is particularly famed for the stunning Thirlestane Castle, which rests on the outskirts of the town. This impressive castle boasts traditional battlements and turrets, and it is built from lovely red sandstone. Widely recognised as the best-preserved castle in Scotland, Thirlestane Castle also boasts a beautiful interior dating back to the 17th century.
Jenners Department Store
October 6th, 2006Anyone hoping to do some shopping in the city would do well to head to Jenners, an institution amongst Scottish shoppers. The massive department store has stood on the bustling shopping hub of Princes Street since 1838, and it’s certainly as popular as ever. The shop is owned by the renowned House of Fraser group, and it is the perfect place to pick up some fashion or beauty items. The store makes an effort to sell plenty of locally-produced goods, so it is a wonderful place to do some gift shopping.
George Street
October 5th, 2006While Princes Street is famed as the city’s premiere shopping street, visitors might enjoy a trip to George Street, which runs parallel to the bustling shopping area. Here, shoppers can avoid the tourist trap of Princes Street, and explore a more elegant shopping experience. George Street is home to high-end fashion chains such as Karen Millen and Coast, as well as some smaller, unique boutiques. Once all the shopping is done, visitors can relax in one of the areas numerous little coffee shops or bars.
Calton Hill
October 4th, 2006For a wonderful view of the city, visitors should take a trip up Calton Hill, where the unspoilt view stretches all the way to Fife. The hill is home to the National Monument, which is a replica of the Parthenon, and was designed in 1824 by Charles Cockerell in honour of soldiers killed in the Napoleonic Wars. Calton Hill is also home to Nelson’s Monument (which takes the form of a giant telescope), and an interesting observatory.
Charlotte Square
October 3rd, 2006Located in the bustle of Edinburgh’s New Town, Charlotte Square offers visitors a wonderful glimpse into the city’s past. Highlighting the work of 18th century architect Robert Adam, the square is home to some stunning examples of design. The headquarters of the National Trust for Scotland has a beautifully restored façade; while No 7, the Georgian House has been converted into a museum, housing paintings and furniture from Georgian times. Also of note, is the lovely West Register House, which was influenced by the design of St Paul’s Cathedral.
The Scottish Parliament Building
October 2nd, 2006Located in the heart of the bustling Old Town, the Scottish Parliament Building is a fascinating place to visit. Opened in 2004, the building has caused plenty of controversy since then. The architecture of the building was out-sourced to Spanish designer, Enric Miralles (much to the anger of local architects). Some people also argue that the building’s modern design is not in keeping with the Old Town’s traditional architecture. Nonetheless, the Scottish Parliament Building has won numerous architecture awards, and its upturned-fishing boat style roof certainly brightens Edinburgh’s skyline. Admission to the building is free.
Gullane
September 29th, 2006For anyone who feels like a break from the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh, a trip west to the coastal area of Gullane is a welcome change of pace. The area is home to massive sandy beaches that stretch from Yellowcraig to Gullane. For wildlife watchers, Gullane is home to some lovely native flora and fauna, and for golfers the area boasts some wonderful courses. Gullane Golf Club is home to some fantastic sand dunes, while Muirfield Golf Course is recognised as one of Scotland’s finest, although it is, unfortunately, men-only.
Harvey Nichols Department Store
September 27th, 2006Located in Edinburgh’s bustling New Town, Harvey Nichols is a legendary British department store. The Edinburgh branch of this exclusive shop was opened in 2002, and it has been a centre for the city’s trendsetters every since. The store is located on the exceptionally fancy Multrees Walk, which is a label-lovers paradise featuring names such as Armani and Louis Vuitton. Harvey Nichols is a wonderful stop for anyone looking for high-end fashion, home ware, cosmetics or food. The store also boasts a lovely restaurant on its fourth floor.
Newhaven
September 27th, 2006In the western end of Edinburgh’s Leith district, the area of Newhaven is a wonderful location for anyone interested in the city’s history. For centuries, the area was a base for the city’s fishing and naval industries, and today, the area boats a fascinating heritage museum. Located in the former fish market building, the Newhaven Heritage Museum is full of delightful old photos, documents and costumes. The area of Newhaven also offers visitors a lovely view of Fife.