UK 09

Edinburgh and Scotland Information Centre

• 3 Princes Street
• tel:+44 131 473 3800
• Visit website
• Edinburgh, EH2 2QP

Whitehorse Close

• Canongate
• Royal Mile
• tel:+44 131 625 8625(Tourist Information)
• Visit website
• City of Edinburgh, EH8 8BU

2-Day Loch Ness and Inverness Small Group Tour from Edinburgh

• Canongate
• Royal Mile
• Visit website
• Edinburgh

Highland Lochs, Glens and Whisky Small Group Day Trip from Edinburgh

• Canongate
• Royal Mile
• Visit website
• Edinburgh

4-Day Inverness, Skye and the Highlands Tour from Edinburgh

• Canongate
• Royal Mile
• Visit website
• Edinburgh

Secrets of Edinburgh's Royal Mile Afternoon Walking Tour

• Canongate
• Royal Mile
• Visit website
• Edinburgh

Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond Day Trip from Edinburgh

• Canongate
• Royal Mile
• Visit website
• Edinburgh

Whisky Distillery and Highland Waterfall Small Group Day Trip from Edinburgh

• Canongate
• Royal Mile
• Visit website
• Edinburgh

Craigmillar Castle

• A68
• tel:+44 1131 661 4445
• Visit website
• Edinburgh, EH16 4SY

Craigmillar is one of Scotland's most perfectly preserved castles. It began as a simple tower-house residence. Gradually, over time, it developed into a complex of structures and spaces, as subsequent owners attempted to improve its comfort and amenity. As a result, there are many nooks and crannies to explore. Of equal importance were the surrounding gardens and parkland, and the present-day Craigmillar Castle Park has fascinating reminders of the castle's days as a rural retreat on the edge of Scotland's capital city.

At the core lies the original, late-14th-century tower house, among the first of this new form of castle built in Scotland. It stands 17m high to the battlements, has walls almost 3m thick, and holds a warren of rooms, including a fine great hall on the first floor, and the so-called 'Queen Mary's Room' beside it, where Mary is said to have slept when staying there as a guest of the Prestons. In all probability, Mary resided in a multi-roomed apartment elsewhere in the courtyard, probably in the east range.

Also here is a labyrinth of dark spaces, including a grim basement prison where an upright skeleton was found walled up in the early 19th century. The west range was rebuilt as the Gilmour family's residence after 1660. Beyond the well-preserved 15th-century courtyard wall, complete with gunholes shaped like inverted keyholes, lie other buildings, including a private family chapel.

Highlights include:

• The tower house – one of the oldest in Scotland, and with fascinating features, including a fine great hall and the so-called 'Queen Mary's Room'.
• The views from the tower – over the city of Edinburgh, including Holyrood Park and Edinburgh Castle.
• The nooks and crannies – a great castle to explore because of the many dark and mysterious chambers.
• The grounds – including the remains of an unusual fishpond laid out in the shape of a letter P, for Preston.

read more about Craigmillar Castle

Cramond Village

• Five miles NW of city centre
• tel:+44 845 225 5121
• Visit website
• Edinburgh

Edinburgh Dungeon

• 31 Market Street
• tel:+44 (131) 240 1001
• Visit website
• Edinburgh, EH1 1QB

Edinburgh's gruesome and brutal past is celebrated at the Edinburgh Dungeon. Torture and sadistic methods of punishment are documented here in a macabre display of bleeding wax models, authentic pungent smells and disturbing sounds. Witness one of the Edinburgh Dungeon trials acted out by the dungeon guides and see the array of instruments for extracting confessions. Located near the main train station Edinburgh Dungeon is a great if gory start to your Edinburgh visit. read more about Edinburgh Dungeon

Edinburgh Castle

• Castlehill
• Castlehill
• tel:+44 (0)131 225 9846
• Visit website
• Edinburgh, EH1 2NG

Information from Historic Scotland.

No trip to Scotland would be complete without a stop at the magnificent Edinburgh Castle on Castle Rock. First erected in the 12th century, the fortress sits on top of an extinct volcano and is the most breathtaking part of the city's skyline. Within the castle walls you see impressive views of most of the New Town, including the Princes Street Gardens, Arthur's Seat and the Salisbury Crags, the famous Balmoral Hotel and more. You can also explore the various rooms, chapels and compartments of the fortress and through interactive displays discover what living and working there might have been like during the medieval era.

The highlight of any tour of the castle is the Honours of Scotland (the crown jewels), on display in the Crown Room of the castle's Royal Palace (built in 1617). These include the ancient crown, sword and scepter, which date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Here you can also see Scotland's most prized treasure: The Stone of Destiny, otherwise known as the Coronation Stone. This has been used in the crowning of Scottish and English monarchs (much to dismay of many Scottish nationalists) for hundreds of years.

Be sure to arrive before lunch, so you can watch the master gunner fire the castle's canon at 1pm (except Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day.); it is a tradition that dates back to1861 when the firing of the gun was used to signal for ships in the Firth of Forth and the port of Leith.

A popular visitor attraction and a World Heritage Site, Edinburgh Castle is now proud host to modern day events including rock gigs and the famous Edinburgh Tattoo.

Ticket Prices:
Adult: £13.00
(aged 16 to 59)

Child: £7.00
(aged 5 to 15)

Concession: £10.40
(aged 60 and over, unemployed)

Child under 5: FREE

Opening times:

Summer
9:30am - 6pm
1 Apr - 30 Sep

Winter:
9:30am - 5pm
1 Oct - 31 Mar
read more about Edinburgh Castle

Royal Botanic Garden

• 20A Inverleith Row
• tel:+44 131 552 7171
• Visit website
• City of Edinburgh, EH3 5LR

For a relaxed afternoon take a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh. Beautiful at any season; enjoy the colourful foliage of autumn or the fresh new life in spring. The Royal Botanic Gardens offer several glasshouses that welcome visitors with seasonal lectures and events. Other glasshouses are for ongoing research and propagation. Everyone is welcome free of charge. The Terrace Café overlooking the Edinburgh skyline is open daily serving delicious hot and cold meals. read more about Royal Botanic Garden

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

• Castlehill The Royal Mile
• tel:+44 131 226 3709
• Visit website
• Edinburgh, EH1 2ND

Camera Obscura is one of the oldest and most unique story telling centers in Edinburgh. Located inside a Victorian rooftop room, the 175-year-old visitor center employs old fashioned illusions and magic from mirrors and light to create a projection. This projection is live footage from somewhere in Edinburgh. The footage is beamed through a giant periscope onto a viewing table. Visitors are then encouraged to touch what they see and interact with a mini-scale Edinburgh. A marvellous and exciting take on sight-seeing.

Following a £1.2m project in 2010 (the visitor center's 175th anniversary year), Camera Obscura was expanded onto five floors. It now also features a c, and a room that distorts the images of those who enter into giants and dwarves. 

read more about Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

Calton Hill

• Regent Road
• tel:+44 131 200 2000
• Visit website
• Edinburgh, EH1 3DG

Calton Hill is made unmistakable by the Athenian acropolis monument, which stands proudly at the peak. Accessed by steep stairs Calton Hill offers to visitors beautiful views as far as Holyrood Park. Historic buildings and statues are located on Calton Hill but the most popular feature is the two Observatories, the first built in 1792 the second in 1818. Both hold regular exhibitions, Open Days and the opportunity to see stars in the night sky. read more about Calton Hill

Royal Mile

• Edinburgh Castle to
• Palace of Holyrood House
• tel:+44 (0)131 229 7615
• Visit website
• Edinburgh

Edinburgh's Royal Mile is the famous road leading upwards to Edinburgh Castle. Cobbled in places and pedestrian friendly the Royal Mile is home to historic buildings which run the length of the street. It is the definitive route to see Old Edinburgh Town. Many of the city's best restaurants and shops line the incline offering traditional Scottish food and memorabilia. Take a moment to wander down one of the narrow and sometimes secret Royal Mile closes, many providing the theatrical atmosphere for grizzly ghost tours. read more about Royal Mile

Holyroodhouse Palace

• Holyrood Road
• Canongate, at the eastern end of the Royal Mile
• tel:+44 20 7766 7300
• Visit website
• Edinburgh, EH8 8AE

Situated at the opposite end of the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle, Holyroodhouse Palace is today the official residence of The Queen when visiting Scotland. Guests are welcome all year round to visit the gallery and take guided tours of the magnificent décor of Holyroodhouse Palace. The tapestries and ornate furniture still used to this day are highlights of the tour and offer the Edinburgh tourist a chance to wander around a modern day palace.

Ticket information: 

Palace of Holyroodhouse
(includes an audio tour)

Adult £10.25
Over 60/Student (with valid ID) £9.30
Under 17  £6.20
Under 5 Free
Family (2 adults, 3 under 17s) £27.00

Joint Palace of Holyroodhouse and The Queen's Gallery

Adult £14.30
Over 60/Student (with valid ID) £13.00
Under 17 £8.30
Under 5 Free
Family (2 adults, 3 under 17s) £38.50
read more about Holyroodhouse Palace

Arthur's Seat and the Salisbury Crags

• Salisbury Crags
• Holyrood Park
• tel:+44 845 225 5121 (Tourist Information)
• Visit website
• Edinburgh, EH16

 Like Castle Rock, Arthur's Seat and the Salisbury Crags were formed by an extinct volcano and carved out by moving glaciers. These hills, lochs (lakes) and cliffs make up Holyrood Park and offer somewhat easy walking trails. Arthur's Seat is the highest point in Edinburgh (251 meters high) and is located at the center of the park while the Crags are located west of it. It is not known if the name is truly related to the mythology of King Arthur. read more about Arthur's Seat and the Salisbury Crags

National Museum of Scotland

• Chambers Street
• tel:+44 131 247 4422
• Visit website
• Edinburgh, EH1 1JF

The National Museum of Scotland is an excellent museum that describes the history of Scotland from the Stone Age to modern times. This museum is a must visit for those interested in the early Celtic and Pictish history of the country. read more about National Museum of Scotland

Cardiff Castle

• Castle Street
• tel:+44 29 2087 8100
• Visit website
• Cardiff, CF10 3RB

Cardiff Castle is one of the Welsh capital's most popular tourist attractions, and gives a fabulous overview of Cardiff's history. Rather than being one complete castle, Cardiff Castle is actually made up of several castles, which have been built throughout the ages. Behind the walls that separate the castle from the city centre, can be found a Roman fort, a Norman castle, and a Gothic Victorian mansion. The buildings and grounds are fun for visitors of all ages to explore, but the castle also hosts a range of events throughout the year, which make visits all the more exciting. These include jousting events, a Mardi Gras, balls and live concerts from the likes of Tom Jones and Green Day. read more about Cardiff Castle

St Fagans National History Museum

• Off A4232
• tel:+44 29 2057 3500
• Visit website
• Cardiff, CF5 6XB

At St Fagan's National History Museum you don't read about history, you see it. The museum consists of re-erected buildings from throughout Welsh history. The museum is set in the grounds of the 16th-century manor house St Fagans Castle, and includes a re-erected farm, school, chapel, as well as several houses, workshops and shops. See people wearing traditional clothing, workmen demonstrating traditional skills and farming tasks, native livestock breeds, and sample traditional food and drink at the "village" bakery. This museum is serious fun for all ages, and incredibly it's completely free to visit. read more about St Fagans National History Museum

Caldicot Castle

• Caldicot Castle
• tel:+44 12 91 42 0241
• Visit website
• Caldicot, NP26 4HU

Coopers Field (Cardiff Castle)

• Castle Street
• tel:+44 292 087 8100
• Cardiff, CF10 3RB

Cosmeston Medieval Village

• Lavernock Road
• Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan
• tel:+44 29 2070 1678
• Visit website
• Cardiff, CF64 5UY

Rhondda Heritage Park (The)

• Coed Cae Road
• Lewis Merthyr Colliery
• tel:+44 1443 68 2036
• Visit website
• Trehafod, CF37 2NP

Rhymney Valley Ridgeway Walk

• 16 Wood Street
• Cardiff Welcome Centre
• tel:+44 8701 21 1258
• Cardiff, CF10 1ES

Cardiff International Food & Drink Festival

• Cilgant Bute
• tel:+44 29 2087 2087
• Visit website
• Cardiff, CF10 4DQ

Roath Park

• Lake Road West
• tel:+44 29 2068 4000
• Visit website
• Cardiff, CF23 5PG

If you enjoy the simpler things in life you will love to while away a sunny afternoon in Roath Park. Situated northeast of the city centre, Roath Park covers 130 acres, and includes a 30-acre lake, which is popular for boating and fishing. It also houses a large play area, a pretty Victorian lighthouse, beautiful floral displays and a famous conservatory. Roath Park was recently awarded a Green Flag award, which shows that its high standards have been recognized. read more about Roath Park

Castell Coch

• Castle Road
• (Tongwynlais)
• tel:+44 29 2081 0101
• Cardiff, CF15 7JQ

The beautiful Castell Coch is the epitome of a fairytale castle, and a magical site to behold as you approach Cardiff on the motorway. Sadly its history is as authentic as the tales it conjures up in your mind. The castle was built on medieval remains between 1871 and 1891 by the third Marquess of Bute and William Burges. Their aim was to construct a gothic castle in a 13th century style. The historical accuracy of some elements, such as the pretty conical towers, has been much debated, but one thing is a guaranteed fact: Castell Coch is a great place to while away a few magical hours. read more about Castell Coch

Twmbarlwm Mountain

• Off Cwmcarn Forest Drive
• tel:+44 29 2022 7281
• Risca, CF10 1ES

Flat Holm Island

• Bristol Channel
• Off Cardiff Bay
• tel:+44 870 121 1258(Tourist Information)
• Visit website
• Cardiff

Flat Holm Island is the most southerly point of Wales, and is 8km from Cardiff. Over the years Flat Holm has been a retreat for monks, a sanctuary for cholera victims, silver miners and smugglers, and home to gun emplacements. Today Flat Holm is a nature reserve managed by the Flat Holm Project Team, and day trips to the island are available from Cardiff between March and October. The island is home to large breeding colonies of Lesser and Greater Black-Backed Gulls, as well as Herring Gulls, and also boasts rare plants such as Rock Sea-Lavender and Wild Leeks, and Slow Worms with unusual markings. read more about Flat Holm Island

Vale of Glamorgan

• Friars Road
• tel:+44 1446 74 7171(Tourist Information)
• Visit website
• Barry Island, CF62 5TJ

Usk Valley Walk

• Caerleon Road
• tel:+44 1633 42 2656
• Visit website
• Caerleon

Big Pit Mining Museum

• Forge Side Road
• tel:+44 1495 79 0311
• Visit website
• Blaenafon, NP4 9XP

Waterfront & Britannia Parks

• Harbour Drive
• Cardiff Bay
• tel:+44 29 2046 3833
• Cardiff, CF10 4PA

Penarth

• Esplanade
• tel:+44 29 20 70 8849
• Visit website
• Penarth, CF64 3AU

When you fancy getting out of the city, jump on a bus or train bound for the nearby town of Penarth. Wander the sleepy streets aimlessly, admiring the yachts that you'll find moored in the marina and the town's numerous art gallerys. Alternatively, have the cobwebs blown off you as you walk out along the cliff tops and pier to admire views over the Bristol Channel towards Weston-super-Mare and the rest of the Somerset coastline. Round your day at the seaside off with a game of crazy golf and an ice cream. read more about Penarth

Pillars

• 29 Queen Street
• tel:+44 29 2039 5074
• Cardiff, CF10 2AG