Archive for September, 2006
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.
Stockbridge
September 26th, 2006Located within the New Town, Stockbridge is a wonderful area to visit for anyone with an interest in the culture of Edinburgh. This area has a charming, village-style atmosphere and it is famed as the city’s bohemian centre. Stockbridge is filled with interesting galleries, unusual boutiques, gourmet food shops and antique stores. The area is dotted with numerous coffee shops and cosy restaurants, and it is a wonderful place to relax and watch the city pass by. The area also boasts the impressive Fettes College, which is a ghostly Gothic building, topped with plenty of turrets.
Broughton Street
September 25th, 2006The area around Broughton Street, in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town is a fun destination for visitors. This liberal area is home to an abundance of unusual boutiques and cosy cafes, and it is a wonderful spot to pick up some quirky gifts. Broughton Street also boasts the lovely neo-Norman Mansfield Park Church, which is home to beautiful murals by Phoebe Traquair. This bustling, artistic area is also considered to be the heart of the city’s gay community.
Penicuik village
September 19th, 2006Anyone staying in the city of Edinburgh should allow themselves some time to explore the lovely towns and villages located close to the city. One such village is Penicuik. This quiet village was the centre of the lead-mining and glass industries, and visitors to Penicuik can explore this fascinating history at the Edinburgh Crystal Visitor Centre. Here visitors can watch talented artisans blowing, cutting and engraving stunning pieces of glassware. There are also plenty of lovely examples of the finished article in the museum.
Sandy Bell’s Pub
September 19th, 2006For anyone with an interest in music, a trip to Sandy Bell’s pub is recommended. The pub itself is quaint and charming, but it’s the nightly folk sessions that really make it stand out. Popular with locals rather than tourists, Sandy Bell’s is the perfect place to enjoy real Edinburgh folk music. Sessions are led by an enigmatic fiddler named Freddie, and pub goers are more than welcome to join in the revelry. The bar is the perfect place to end a day exploring the city’s hectic Old Town.
International Starters Restaurant
September 19th, 2006Located in the beautifully renovated area of Leith, the International Starters restaurant offers a lovely and unusual dining experience. As the name suggests, this restaurant serves only starters, and diners have a choice of cuisine from across the world. Those with a taste for an American menu may try the fried chicken wings, while those who’d prefer a little Indian dining can try delicious onion bhajis. Visitors to International Starters should take the opportunity to walk off their meal along the area’s attractive waterways.
The Dean Gallery
September 17th, 2006Located in the heart of Dean Village in the New Town, Dean Gallery is a wonderful attraction for anyone with an interest in art. Formerly a hospital, the gallery was opened in 1999 specifically to house the work of wonderful Scottish sculptor Eduardo Paolozzi. Visitors to the Dean Gallery can see wonderful examples of Paolozzi’s work, as well as a fascinating recreation of the artist’s studio. The gallery also boasts an impressive collection of surrealist works, including paintings by Salvador Dali. Admission to the gallery is free.
Our Dynamic Earth
September 17th, 2006One attraction in the city of Edinburgh that is popular with both children and adults, is the fascinating Our Dynamic Earth. Housed in the massive exhibition centre at the end of the Royal Mile, this attraction takes visitors on a trip across the Earth’s varied landscapes, from polar icecap to rainforest. Our Dynamic Earth also has fascinating models of the Earth’s core and volcanic regions. Throughout the year, the centre also plays host to a variety of exhibitions focusing on the wonder of the Planet Earth.