The Edinburgh City Break
Scotland is home to several magnificent cities that are rich with cultural heritage and things to do. Edinburgh, the nation's capital, should absolutely be on your list.
The city is smaller than you might think, which means that you can pack a lot into just a weekend. Here are our top five suggestions for a weekend away in Edinburgh:
Visit Edinburgh Castle - It's on all of the must-see lists for a reason, you simply can't miss it. And free half-hour guided tours make it easy to navigate while you take in the sweeping views of the city. A good tip is to be on the lookout for skip-the-line tickets!
Savour local Scottish ingredients - With more restaurants per head than any other city in the UK (including London!), the Edinburgh dining scene is a foodie's dream. From Michelin starred gastronomic delights to buzzing street food markets, Edinburgh has something that will appeal to every palate.
Hike up Arthur's Seat - Get a good sense of an authentic Scottish hill walk without leaving the city by heading up Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park. This massive hill is the remains of an extinct volcano that erupted 350 million years ago, talk about an incomparable walk about!
Stroll the Royal Mile - this stretch of cobbled streets is the heartbeat of the city, running from Edinburgh Castle down to Holyrood Palace through the historic Old Town. It's always buzzing with people, as it's dotted with attractions that are worth a visit like the Camera Obscura, the Scotch Whisky Experience, Real Mary Kings Close, the Museum of Edinburgh, and further down by the hotel, Dynamic Earth. You'll also find plenty of shops for Scottish crafts, cashmere and whisky, as well as some of Edinburgh's oldest cafes and taverns.
Head to the beach - as Edinburgh is perched next to the Firth of Forth, there are beaches to the North and East of the city. Head to Portobello for a stroll along the prom or visit the picturesque fishing village of Cramond.
Enjoy Edinburgh by staying at Macdonald Houstoun House Hotel. Set in 22 acres of beautiful woodland, this historic venue is less than 20 miles from Edinburgh city centre.
