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Visit Scotland's Inspiring Capital

Edinburgh is now seen as one of Europe's most exciting and popular city break destinations, which offers a range of opportunities to its visitors. Until the late 18th century, however, the city consisted mainly of what is now known as the Old Town, where visitors will find the famous castle, the Royal Mile and Grassmarket. Around this time, the Scottish capital was home to a swiftly expanding population of 35,000 people, who lived in tenement blocks housing the rich on the upper floors and the poor down below.

However, the cramped conditions began to drive wealthy people away from the city, who headed to London in search of a more affluent lifestyle. This led to one of the most important moments in Edinburgh's history, when in the 1760s a competition to design a new town was launched, in the hope of attracting rich people back to the city.

The winner of this contest was James Craig, who devised a grid-like system of streets. In 1767, what was then the world's largest planned city development commenced, eventually concluding in 1810. By 1822, when King George IV visited Edinburgh, the city was already Britain's most important financial centre outside London and had come to be known as the Athens of the North, owing to its neo-classical architecture.

While this substantial redevelopment played a huge part in turning Edinburgh into the thriving city it is today, one of the strongest elements of the capital's enduring appeal has its roots way back in the early 16th century. Edinburgh Castle was built by James IV around 1510 and now stands as the iconic image of the Scottish capital. The castle houses the crown jewels of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, the famous 15th century guns of Mons Meg and the National War Museum of Scotland.

Edinburgh is a thoroughly modern city, bustling with life and excitement, but this does not mean that visitors must constantly be surrounded by the hectic buzz of a popular tourist attraction.

South of the city, on the slopes of the Pentland Hills, is Erraid Wood. This forested area offers panoramic views stretching to the north-east, across Edinburgh and the River Forth, and southwards to the Moorfoot Hills. Planted in 1836, the mature mixed woodland includes beech, sycamore, ash, Scots pine and European larch.

Lovers of art and culture will also be able to find plenty to pique their interest in Edinburgh, with institutions including the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, the Royal Scottish Academy and the Museum on the Mound dotted around the city. Among the highlights of the forthcoming programmes is a show called The Scientific Aspect of Surrealism at the city's Modern Art Galleries. This will feature the engaging work of artist Reuben Mednikoff and Dr Grace Pailthorpe, who was primarily a psychoanalyst but was introduced to Surrealist art by Mednikoff.

At the Museum on the Mound, visitors can participate in fascinating pursuits such as learning to crack open a safe, building a model home and exploring the changing face of Edinburgh.

The Scottish capital is a city that has undergone substantial changes over the years, but there is no doubt that the charm and character that has always defined Edinburgh is as compelling today as it has ever been.

This article is provided by Hotels Hotels Hotels suppliers of cheap hotels in Edinburgh

Updated: Fri, 15 Feb 2008 17:08:58

Related Links:
Edinburgh Tourist Board
Edinburgh Airport