Enchanting Edinburgh Awaits!

It has never been easier or more affordable to travel from Manchester or London to grand old Edinburgh. A city that blends the best of both old and new. A gorgeous mix of medieval buildings in the Old Town combines with the slightly more modern and majestic Georgian architecture in the New Town. Edinburgh is the thriving pulse of the arts and culture scene, formerly known as the Athens of the North, the city has a wonderful array of activities and festivals all year round.

In the Old Town, discover a wonderful array of medieval relics. Visit the Abbey and Palace at Holyrood House. This is one of the Queen's official residences and holds the Royal Collection of Art. This site was also where Mary Queen of Scots lived during her reign.

Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Royal Mile is a magnificent and enormous fortress that was built on top of an extinct volcano and it has been the epicenter of life in the capital for the past thousand years. Home to the Edinburgh Tattoo, military museum, a chapel and many layers of history to be peeled back at a visitor's leisure. Entry is £15 for adults, then purchase a headset for £3 to get a guided tour.

All along the Royal Mile are dotted tartan shops, cashmere wool retailers, high-end pubs, kilt-makers and distillers. The area has many stand-out restaurants and pubs that really show people how to have a good time. Wander downhill to the Mitre, where they have excellent grub and a good selection of whisky. Another good place to rest the weary bones after a day of sight-seeing is Café Truva, a wee café where the coffee is good and the service is friendly.

For those with a shopping itch to scratch, head across the bridge over to the New Town, where Princes Street has a usual fare of High Street retailers and George Street is teeming with specialist boutiques, high-end fashion retailers and stylish restaurants. Take a stroll down to the exclusive Stockbridge area and discover eclectic antique and designer shops and the leafy and lush Water of Leith trail. Edinburgh is a collection of treasures waiting to be discovered, and there is something for everyone to love!