Edinburgh Journals

Elusive Edinburgh

A May 1998 trip to Edinburgh by akakd

antique bed w/ period fabric Photo - Dalhousie Castle,

Quote: For awesome scenic views, unbelievably friendly people, historic sites, artistic treasures, lovely gardens, & accommodations in a real castle--Edinburgh is sure to please. The Scots' motto is to welcome tourists with a smile, go out of your way to help people who are lost, & extend Scottish Hospitality to all--AND THEY DO!

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Elusive Edinburgh

Overview

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If you've ever wanted to stay in a real castle, you can get that chance @ Dalhousie Castle, just outside Edinburgh near Bonnyrigg. It is difficult to imagine the turbulent past of this now peaceful structure overlooking the River South Esk. Dalhousie Castle dates back to the 13th century. Come experience a bit of living history, staying in a castle @ the end of a day of exploring Edinburgh Castle & many other wonders of Edinburgh.

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Forte Posthouse

Hotel

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It is difficult to make an accurate recommendation since we haven''t seen Forte Posthouse after its extensive renovation. When we were there, it was in the process of renovation so we were stepping over electrical cords, walking on wooden planks, & putting up w/ construction noise. It should be a nice hotel now. It''s located next to the zoo & on a street w/ easy access to bus service into the heart of town.

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on February 17, 2001

Forte Posthouse
Corstorphine Road
Edinburgh, Scotland

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Dalhousie Castle

Hotel

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History & Mystery. That sums up Dalhousie Castle overlooking the meandering River South Esk w/ panoramic views of the Lammermuir Hills beyond. Here you will find an imperial staircase, period furniture, ornate ceilings, a comfortable Drawing Room, an unbelievable Library, a hidden door leading to a small Bar, a dungeon where several course meals are served, luxurious guest rooms & suites (we stayed in the Queen Victoria Suite), & calming views. King Edward I, Queen Victoria, Oliver Cromwell, & Sir Walter Scott all spent time in this castle. Give it a try. You''ll feel like royalty!

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on February 17, 2001

Dalhousie Castle

Edinburgh, Scotland
187-582-0153

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Ciao Roma

Restaurant

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Ciao Roma--a deliciously romantic restaurant with quality service & wonderful food. If you ever get there (& you're a female), check out the lady's room! Wow!

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on February 17, 2001

Ciao Roma
64 South Bridge
Edinburgh, Scotland EH1 1LS
+44 131 557 3777

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Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre

Attraction | "The Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre"

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Journey back through time to discover the history & art of Scotch Whisky making. The tour includes a short, lighthearted film, a Distillery model w/ working parts, a resident "ghost", a ride in a whiskey barrel through 300 years of Scotch Whisky history, and ends w/ the Scotch Whisky Tasting Bar. The entire tour can be conducted in 8 different languages & tailored to suit individuals or groups. A barrel of fun!!

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on February 17, 2001

Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre
354 Castlehill
Edinburgh, Scotland EH1 2NE
+44 131 220 0441

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Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

Attraction | "Camera Obscura & Outlook Tower"

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Ironically, & unfortunately for us, the Camera Obscura was obscured by heavy fog & rain the day we were there. However, it was still well worth the visit to enjoy the extensive display of incredible holography, 3 dimensional pictures created w/ the use of lasers. The objects appeared to jump right out of the pictures. Impressive. The gift shop had a nice range of unusual gifts. It is actually a "Retail Quality Award Winner".

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on February 17, 2001

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Castlehill, The Royal Mile
Edinburgh, Scotland
0131 226 3709

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Greyfriars Bobby (Bar and Statue)

Attraction | "Greyfriar's Bobby"

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In 1858, a Skye Terrier is said to have loyally followed the coffin of his master, John Grey, to the graveyard. Up until his death 14 years later, the dog refused to leave the graveyard & a kennel was built for him there. A year after the little dog died, this memorial was erected in his honour--speaking to the faithfulness of man's best friend.

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on February 17, 2001

Greyfriars Bobby (Bar and Statue)
34A Candlemaker Row
Edinburgh, Scotland EH1 2QE
+44 131 225 8328

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Edinburgh Castle

Attraction

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Edinburgh Castle dominates the city skyline. In the Middle Ages, the Castle was known as "Castrum Puellarum" (Maiden's Castle) because it was a safe refuge for a princess. The Castle is home to the Scottish Crown Jewels known as "The Honours of Scotland". Displayed with the Crown Jewels is the Stone of Destiny, the Coronation Stone returned to Scotland after 700 years in London's Westminster Abbey. The Stone of Destiny, a thick, solid block of sandstone, is a symbol of strength & power. To find it within the equally strong Castle walls feels just right.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on February 17, 2001

Edinburgh Castle
Castlehill
Edinburgh, Scotland EH1 2NG
+44 (131) 225 9846

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National Gallery of Scotland

Attraction

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If you appreciate fine art, you won't want to miss the beautiful National Gallery of Scotland. The Gallery exhibits an outstanding collection of Scottish & European works from the Renaissance to Post-Impressionism. The recently acquired Canova "Three Graces" was prevented at the last moment from being whisked away by the J. Paul Getty Art Museum in California! Our loss, their gain. Admission to The National Gallery of Scotland is FREE.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on February 18, 2001

National Gallery of Scotland
The Mound
Edinburgh, Scotland EH2 2EL
+44 131 624 6509

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Holyrood Palace

Attraction | "Palace of Holyroodhouse"

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"Holyrood is a house of many memories. Wars have been plotted, dancing has lasted deep into the night, murder has been done in its chambers...Now, all these things of clay are mingled with the dust...but the stone palace has outlived these changes."--Robert Louis Stevenson, 1878. The Palace of Holyroodhouse is said to have evolved from a medieval fortress into a baroque palace fit for a Queen. Indeed, it is one of three official residences of the Queen, whose personal standard flies when Her Majesty is in residence. (The Queen's other official residences are Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle.) In addition to the Palace itself, the Queen's Garden is lovely & worth a stroll among the gorgeous flow...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on February 18, 2001

Holyrood Palace
The Royal Mile
Edinburgh, Scotland EH8 8DX
+44 (131) 556 5100

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GNER Train from London to Edinburgh

Story/Tip

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If you're planning to take a train from London to Edinburgh on a weekend, you can take advantage of a "Weekend First". Once at the train station (we left London from Kings Cross Station), you can purchase a "Weekend First" supplementary ticket for very little money (nine British pounds when we were there) to upgrade you to First Class service. This was very little to pay for such a comfortable journey.