The Essential Guide to Edinburgh
Edinburgh is one of Britain’s best-looking cities and a fantastic mini-break destination, whatever the weather. I’ve been up there twice this year already.
The first time was to see the new residents at Edinburgh Zoo, two giant pandas on loan from the Wolong Panda Breeding Centre in Sichuan Province, China. Tian Tian (it means Sweetie) and Yang Guang (Sunlight) are here for 10 years and will – paws crossed – produce some cubs. Needless to say, they’re adorable. Viewing of the pandas is included in the price of the zoo entry ticket, but numbers for each 20-minute viewing session are controlled so you must pre-book your slot.
My second visit was to see the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle. It’s such a fantastic, blood-stirring spectacle. Book your tickets now for 2013’s event, running from 2 to 24 August: www.edintattoo.co.uk
In fact, your main difficulty will be fitting everything into just a few days. First, set yourself up for the day with a hearty Scottish breakfast with black pudding, bacon, sliced sausage and even a bit of haggis. There are plenty of nice cafés around, just follow your nose.
I recommend buying a day ticket for the hop-on, hop-off city tour bus service. Do the whole circuit before sightseeing to get your bearings and decide which attractions you must do. There’s the newly renovated National Museum of Scotland and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. Take a step back in time at the charming Museum of Childhood.
Allow plenty of time for an in-depth tour of Edinburgh Castle, of course, including the jewels in the Crown Room.
The Royal Yacht Britannia at Ocean Terminal, Leith, a short drive from the city centre, is well worth a visit. The Queen’s former royal floating palace was home to Her Majesty and the Royal Family for more than 40 years.
Greyfriars Bobby
I couldn’t resist visiting the grave of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal little dog who sat on his late master’s final resting place for years – people still leave chew toys and sticks for him.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is great value for money – there are five floors of interactive puzzles and optical tricks. It’s a great place to head if it rains. Shops make great shelters, too, and there’s retail therapy galore in Harvey Nichols, Jenners and dozens of other high-end boutiques on Multrees Walk.
There’s no shortage of nice hotels either. I stayed at The Glasshouse Hotel, home of the city’s only rooftop garden with great views – it’s a five-minute walk from Princes Street, one of the city centre’s main thoroughfares. Rooms cost from £150 per night: 0131-525 8200, www.theetoncollection.co.uk
Edinburgh has great restaurants, too. The Kyloe Restaurant and Grill opened last year and specialises in gourmet steaks – among the best I’ve ever tasted – including eight different cuts of Aberdeen Angus, as well as other Scottish fare, such as succulent Loch Creran oysters. The restaurant is in Rutland Street and you can’t miss it – there’s a life-sized model cow hanging out of the window.
Easyjet flies to Edinburgh from Belfast, Bristol, Luton, Stansted and Gatwick from £28.99 one way: www.easyjet.com For more information, visit: www.visitscotland.com
Tango supper The Waldorf Hilton has relaunched its famous Argentine Tango tea of the early 1900s as the Tango Supper, staged in the hotel’s Palm Court. From £390 for two, the package includes a 45-minute dance class and performance by professionals Leonardo Acosta and Tracey Tyack- King, cocktails, dinner and an overnight stay. Available on 28 October, 18 November and 23 December. 020-7836 2400, www.hiltonworldwide.com
Just the ticket Stay at selected Radisson Blu Edwardian London hotels and receive two tickets to the Hollywood Costume Exhibition at the V&A, which opens on 20 October. The package, from £130 per room, per night, includes room and breakfast for two. 020-7761 9000, www.radissonblu-edwardian.com/hollywoodcostume
Best of B&Bs Find your perfect B&B on one website featuring more than 1,500 B&Bs, inns and boutique hotels in the UK and beyond. Prices from £20 to £300 per room, per night. www.enjoybedandbreakfast.com
The first time was to see the new residents at Edinburgh Zoo, two giant pandas on loan from the Wolong Panda Breeding Centre in Sichuan Province, China. Tian Tian (it means Sweetie) and Yang Guang (Sunlight) are here for 10 years and will – paws crossed – produce some cubs. Needless to say, they’re adorable. Viewing of the pandas is included in the price of the zoo entry ticket, but numbers for each 20-minute viewing session are controlled so you must pre-book your slot.
My second visit was to see the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle. It’s such a fantastic, blood-stirring spectacle. Book your tickets now for 2013’s event, running from 2 to 24 August: www.edintattoo.co.uk
In fact, your main difficulty will be fitting everything into just a few days. First, set yourself up for the day with a hearty Scottish breakfast with black pudding, bacon, sliced sausage and even a bit of haggis. There are plenty of nice cafés around, just follow your nose.
I recommend buying a day ticket for the hop-on, hop-off city tour bus service. Do the whole circuit before sightseeing to get your bearings and decide which attractions you must do. There’s the newly renovated National Museum of Scotland and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. Take a step back in time at the charming Museum of Childhood.
Allow plenty of time for an in-depth tour of Edinburgh Castle, of course, including the jewels in the Crown Room.
The Royal Yacht Britannia at Ocean Terminal, Leith, a short drive from the city centre, is well worth a visit. The Queen’s former royal floating palace was home to Her Majesty and the Royal Family for more than 40 years.
Greyfriars BobbyI couldn’t resist visiting the grave of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal little dog who sat on his late master’s final resting place for years – people still leave chew toys and sticks for him.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is great value for money – there are five floors of interactive puzzles and optical tricks. It’s a great place to head if it rains. Shops make great shelters, too, and there’s retail therapy galore in Harvey Nichols, Jenners and dozens of other high-end boutiques on Multrees Walk.
There’s no shortage of nice hotels either. I stayed at The Glasshouse Hotel, home of the city’s only rooftop garden with great views – it’s a five-minute walk from Princes Street, one of the city centre’s main thoroughfares. Rooms cost from £150 per night: 0131-525 8200, www.theetoncollection.co.uk
Edinburgh has great restaurants, too. The Kyloe Restaurant and Grill opened last year and specialises in gourmet steaks – among the best I’ve ever tasted – including eight different cuts of Aberdeen Angus, as well as other Scottish fare, such as succulent Loch Creran oysters. The restaurant is in Rutland Street and you can’t miss it – there’s a life-sized model cow hanging out of the window.
GETTING THERE
Easyjet flies to Edinburgh from Belfast, Bristol, Luton, Stansted and Gatwick from £28.99 one way: www.easyjet.com For more information, visit: www.visitscotland.com
Breaks with style
Tango supper The Waldorf Hilton has relaunched its famous Argentine Tango tea of the early 1900s as the Tango Supper, staged in the hotel’s Palm Court. From £390 for two, the package includes a 45-minute dance class and performance by professionals Leonardo Acosta and Tracey Tyack- King, cocktails, dinner and an overnight stay. Available on 28 October, 18 November and 23 December. 020-7836 2400, www.hiltonworldwide.com
Just the ticket Stay at selected Radisson Blu Edwardian London hotels and receive two tickets to the Hollywood Costume Exhibition at the V&A, which opens on 20 October. The package, from £130 per room, per night, includes room and breakfast for two. 020-7761 9000, www.radissonblu-edwardian.com/hollywoodcostume
Best of B&Bs Find your perfect B&B on one website featuring more than 1,500 B&Bs, inns and boutique hotels in the UK and beyond. Prices from £20 to £300 per room, per night. www.enjoybedandbreakfast.com