Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh Castle dominates the Edinburgh sky line and can be seen from most parts of the city. Built in a naturally defensive position on top of a large ancient outcrop of volcanic rock it is thought to date from the 12th century during the reign of David I. Used for various purposes over the years including a military base it is now Edinburgh's permier tourist attraction. Edinburgh Castle is located at the top of the Royal Mile, at the west end of Edinburgh's Old Town and is very easy to find due to its prominent postion. Entry prices and opening times are as follows:

Opening times
Summer
9:30am - 6pm
1 Apr - 30 Sep
Winter
9:30am - 5pm
1 Oct - 31 Mar

Admission
Adult 11GBP
Child 5.50GBP

If you are wondering what this attraction is all about and are expecting some sort of ancient chair, you may be suprised to leant that Arthur's Seat is actually the main peak of a group of hills. Its attraction is that it looks very dramatic and wild in the centre of Edinburgh. It is surrounded by a park called Holyrood and reaches a height of 251m (820ft). You can climb it from any direction but the easiest route to the top of Arthur's Seat is from the East due to the gradual slope to the peak.

Admission
This is a public hill so there is no charge to access it.

Opening times
Open all year round.

The Royal Yacht Britannia was the Queen's official yacht for state visits and entertaining diplomats, but due to cost was finally retired and converted in to a tourist attraction at Edinburgh's waterfront shopping and leisure development, Ocean Terminal, in the port of Leith. The Royal Yacht Britannia is moored just 2 miles from the city centre so is easy to visit by bus or can even be walked. Onboard the Royal Yacht visitor centre you can see what life was like on board and then step on board and tour the five main decks of Britannia, with the aid of a complimentary audio handset.

Opening hours:
January, February, March, November, December* 10.00am 3.30pm
April, May, June, October 10.00am 4.00pm
July, August, September 9.30am 4.30pm

Admission
Adult 10GBP
Child 6GBP

The National Museum of Scotland is situated in Chambers Street, in the heart of the Old Town, a few minutes walk from the Royal Mile. Chambers Street links George IV Bridge and South Bridge. The National Museum of Scotland is a landmark building in the centre of Edinburgh's Old Town. The museum's exhibits and collections are designed to tell the story of Scotland, its land, people and culture. The museum is currently being re-developed and have the complex is now closed including the Victorian main hall but should be re-opening in 2011. There is still lots to see though so dont be put off.

Opening times
Daily: 10:00-17:00

Christmas opening times

Closed Fri 25 Dec 2009
Open Sat 26 Dec 2009 12:00-17:00
Open Sat 1 Jan 2010 12:00-17:00

Admission
Free

Edinburgh's Royal Mile is the street that leads up to Edinburgh Castle. Its popular with tourists because there are many different attractions located along the mile (actually more like 1.5 miles) and in the small alleyways that connect The Royal Mile to the other back streets of Edinburgh, tourist attractions include museums, bars, restaurants and tourist shops. The Royal Mile is also a major feature during Edinburgh's Festivals and is where many of the performances and activities take place.

The Royal Mile starts at Holyrood Palace at the base of the hill and ends at Edinburgh Castle where you can take in some spectacular views over the city.

Opening times
Open 24 hours

Admission
The Royal Mile is a public street and free to enter.