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.
Arthur’s Seat
September 15th, 2006The city of Edinburgh is located on the site of extinct volcanoes, and the most obvious testament to this is the large mass known as Arthur’s Seat. This large outcrop can be seen from anywhere in the city, and it is a handy navigational landmark for newcomers to the Edinburgh. Arthur’s Seat is 250m tall, and its peak offers lovely views of Edinburgh, Fife and the Highlands. The area is popular amongst nature lovers as it is home to numerous examples of Scottish flora and fauna. Located on the far side of Arthur’s Seat is the charming village of Duddingston, which boasts lovely wildlife, as well as Scotland’s oldest pub.
The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
September 13th, 2006Located in the heart of the New Town, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is a delightful attraction for visitors to Edinburgh. The museum focuses on work dating from the 19th century onwards, and it boasts some stunning work. The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is located in beautiful gardens that feature sculptures by the likes of Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore. Inside, visitors can view work by the likes of Andy Warhol, Francis Bacon and Lucien Freud. The museum also houses an impressive collection of Scottish colourists such as Joan Eardley and Sir William Gilles
The Witchery by the Castle restaurant
September 13th, 2006Visitors to Edinburgh should stop by The Witchery by the Castle, a lovely restaurant in the heart of the Old Town. Located at the foot of Edinburgh Castle, this restaurant has a dark, cosy atmosphere, and it’s the perfect place to relax after a long day sightseeing. The Witchery by the Castle emphasises the delights of local produce, serving delicious dishes such as oysters, wild salmon and Scottish beef. The restaurant is a popular spot for celebrities staying in the city, and some past diners include: Jack Nicholson, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones.