Roxburghe Visitor Guide

Perched on the craggy remains of an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline of this historic capital city. The ideal city-break destination, Edinburgh offers world-class historical and cultural attractions, a diverse selection of restaurants and bars, and unparalleled shopping opportunities. Visit during August and experience the cultural explosion that is the Edinburgh Festival or join in the winter festivals that culminate in a giant Hogmanay celebration.

Sports & Leisure

With a wide selection of original and modern courses, Edinburgh and the Lothians is one of Scotland's finest golfing regions. Play a game on Musselburgh Links, the world's oldest playing course. Visitors can also engage in a range of outdoor activities, from clay pigeon shooting to sailing, in the area surrounding the capital.

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  Sports & Leisure

  Musselburgh Links

  Be part of golfing history and play a round on the world's oldest course. Documentary evidence suggests that the first game was played in 1672, but Mary Queen of Scots is rumoured to have teed off on the course as early as 1567. The host of 6 open championships, Musselburgh Links offers players a challenging yet rewarding game.

  Opening Hours

  Tee times vary

  How to Book

  Visit www.musselburgholdlinks.co.uk to book online or call 0131 665 5438

  Mavis Hall Park

  Incorporating 40 acres of rolling parkland and a tranquil loch, Mavis Hall Park is the ideal destination for everything from a family day out to a corporate team-building day.

  Engage in a wide variety of traditional country pursuits, such as archery and falconry or opt for adventure with quad biking and off-road driving.

  Opening Hours

  Please call Mavis Hall Park for details

  How to Book

  Call 01875 833733

  Edinburgh International Climbing Arena

  Built around the breathtaking natural rock face of a disused quarry in the west of Edinburgh, the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena is home to the world's largest indoor climbing area. Perfect for climbers of all abilities, from beginners to experts, the three walls offer over 250 routes and 15,000 holds. In addition the arena boasts a well-equipped gym, spa and children's play area.

  Opening Hours

  Monday to Friday - 10.00 am to 10.00 pm
  Saturday and Sunday - 10.00 am to 7.00 pm

  How to Book

  Visit www.edinburghleisure.co.uk or www.eica-ratho.com Call 0131 3336333

  Other Sports and Leisure Attractions

  Duddingston Golf Course www.duddingston-golf-club.com Tel: 0131 6614301
  Coast to Coast Adventure Sports www.c2cadventuresports.com Tel: 01368 869734
  Pentland Hills Regional Park pentlands.enquiry2@edinburgh.gov.uk Tel: 0131 4453383

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Families

Combine fun and learning at Edinburgh's Our Dynamic Earth where kids can discover the history and future of our planet. For a scarier adventure take them to the Edinburgh Dungeon where they can explore the Haunted Labyrinth or visit the diverse array of animals at Edinburgh Zoo.

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  Families

  Edinburgh Zoo

  Opened in 1913, Edinburgh Zoo is located in a leafy park just 10 minutes from the centre of the city. Children will love visiting the newly built chimpanzee enclosure and taking part in an animal handling session. Watch the famous penguin parade or visit the UK's only koalas.

  Opening Hours

  See www.edinburghzoo.org.uk for details

  How to Book

  Book online at www.edinburghzoo.org.uk or call 0131 3349171

  Our Dynamic Earth

  Plan a family day out to Our Dynamic Earth and discover the story of our planet's past, present and future. Explore the Tropical Rainforest, feel the chill in the Polar Extremes and take a trip to the birth of the world in the Time Machine. Discover Scotland's geological heritage in the brand new gallery, Earthscape Scotland.

  Opening Hours

  Monday to Sunday -10.00 am to 5.00 pm

  How to Book

  Book online at www.dynamicearth.co.uk or call 0131 550 7800

  The Edinburgh Dungeon

  Take the kids on a gruesome journey to the depths of the Edinburgh Dungeon, where live actors, shows and interactive special effects ensure a truly bone-chilling experience. Join a boat ride into the lair of the cannibal Sawney Bean, witness 18th Century medicine in the Anatomy Theatre and brave the Haunted Labyrinth.

  Opening Hours

  See www.thedungeons.com for details

  How to Book

  Book online at www.thedungeons.com

  Other family attractions

  East Links Family Park Tel: 01368 863607
  Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World www.edinburgh-butterfly-world.co.uk Tel: 0131 663 4932
  Jim Garrahy's Fudge Kitchen Tel: 0131 5581517
  Museum of Childhood Tel: 0131 5294142

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Attractions

Whether you're visiting during the festival or here over a long weekend, Edinburgh's countless attractions are sure to keep you occupied. Visit Scotland's most famous castle, walk the Royal Mile to the Queen's residence, Holyrood Palace and take an open-top bus tour around the city. Discover museums like the National Gallery of Scotland and indulge in world-class shopping.

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  Local Attractions

  Edinburgh Castle

  With its oldest sections dating back as far as the 12th century, Scotland's most famous castle is steeped in history. Visitors can join a guided tour, hosted by one of the knowledgeable castle stewards, or set off to explore attractions such as the Honours (Crown Jewels), the National War Museum of Scotland and St. Margaret's Chapel.

  Opening Hours

  Monday to Sunday 9.30 am to 6.00 pm (summer)
  Monday to Sunday 9.30 am to 5.30 pm (winter)

  How to Book

  Visit www.edinburghcastle.gov to book online or call 0131 2259846

  The Palace of Holyrood House

  Located at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile against the backdrop of Arthur's Seat, this palace is Her Majesty The Queen's official residence in Scotland. Perhaps best known as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, the Palace offers a unique insight into the history of the Monarchy in Scotland. Visit The Queen's Gallery to view the programme of changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection.

  Opening Hours

  Hours vary throughout the year. Please check website.

  How to Book

  Visit www.royalcollection.org.uk or call 0131 5565100

  Edinburgh Bus Tours

  Departing frequently from Waverley Bridge, these tours are the best way to see the city. Brave the open-top and tour the city, from the medieval Old Town and Grassmarket to the Georgian New Town, while a knowledgeable guide provides insights into Edinburgh's history. Alternatively join the 'Majestic Tour' and see some of the north of the city's highlights such as the Royal Botanic Garden and the Royal Yacht Britannia.

  Opening Hours

  Schedules vary please call 0131 2200770

  How to Book

  Email sales@edinburghtour.com or call 0131 2200770

  Other Edinburgh attractions

  National Museum of Scotland www.nms.ac.uk Tel: 0131 2474422

  St. Giles' Cathedral www.stgilescathedral.org.uk Tel: 0131 2259442

  The National Gallery Complex www.nationalgalleries.org Tel: 0131 6246200

  The Royal Scottish Academy www.royalscottishacademy.org Tel: 0131 2256671

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