For sure, the number one attraction of a British Isles cruise for me has always been a visit to Edinburgh.  It ranks high on my list as one of the most beautiful cities anywhere. Where in this world can you stand on a street with modern shops and stores behind you... look into a chasm below and see a gorgeous park with gardens of flowers and greenery a mile long. Then move your eyes upward and across and take in the sight of a beautiful majestic castle perched  high on a craggy volcanic rock--all while standing in the same spot?

     With its stunning Georgian and Victorian architecture, and winding medieval streets, it’s easy to see why Edinburgh has been listed as a World Heritage Site.

EDINBURGH ON YOUR OWN
     You can easily do Edinburgh on your own.  Choose a cruise tour that includes just a motor coach round-trip ticket that will take you to the city center, where you'll disembark at Waterloo Place, a central point for shopping and sightseeing. If you arrive by train you will exit at Waverly Train Station nearby.

     Usually, you have approximately five hours to spend as you please and to have lunch on your own. Remember, the "On Your Own"  excursion is unguided and does not include entry fees. But this is a very easy city to explore on your own.  City maps are usually provided for your convenience. Be sure to rejoin your motor coach at the predetermined time in Waterloo Place for the drive back to your pier, or be at the train station on time in order to get back to your ship.

PRINCES STREET

     Princes Street separates the Old and New Towns.  It borders the south edge of the "New Town" main shopping street in Edinburgh and is about 6 blocks from the Old Mile. Princes Street is unique in that the shops along its length are only on the north side of the street, so from them you have an uninterrupted view of the Castle. George Street (behind and parallel to Princes Street) is full of boutiques and bars; along with St Andrew’s Square and Multrees. 

     On Princes Street is Jenner’s, the world class department store often referred to as Edinburgh’s Harrods. Housed in a Victorian building, this multi-storey store offers class and style with elegant chandeliers and dark wooden banisters. If you are feeling hungry, the café in Jenner’s does a mouth watering and very reasonably-priced Scottish meal. But save your shopping and lunch for the end of your tour and head for the Castle instead.

Some interesting landmarks that you will notice if pointed out...

                           The Scott Monument                                      The Scott Monument and Jenner's Department Store

     This 200 foot high monument in the centre of Edinburgh was officially inaugurated on 15th August 1846, some 14 years after the death of Sir Walter Scott. Open to the public, its pinnacle is reached after a climb of 287 steps. His statue, carved by Sir John Steell in carrara marble is twice life size.

Edinburgh's floral clock can be found in the NE corner of West Princes Street Gardens, beside the steps leading into the gardens from the foot of the Mound, and beneath the statue of Allan Ramsay.

It is believed to be the oldest floral clock in the world. 

Each Spring, the clock is replanted to a different design

The Park: Floral clock is to lower left (not seen here)--walk down the steps to the park.    Right: Princes' busy street that overlooks the park and castle

The Royal Mile

     Edinburgh’s Old Town is dominated by Edinburgh Castle, which rests on a hilltop at the end of the Royal Mile (Edinburgh's main street in medieval times). The City of Edinburgh grew outwards from the Castle rock, and the first houses in Edinburgh were built on the area in front of Edinburgh Castle, which is now known as the Lawnmarket.  The house building continued down High Street and The Cannongate towards the Royal Palace of Holyrood House. These streets collectively form a single street known as The Royal Mile. The Royal Mile acquired its name over the ages as Scottish and English kings, queens and royalty in general, have travelled to and fro between the Palace of Holyrood House and Edinburgh Castle - hence the name The Royal Mile.

     The best walking route to Old Town and its backbone, the Royal Mile, is via the North Bridge.  Passing the east side of the Balmoral Hotel and crossing over the railway line to High Street you'll come out midway along the Royal Mile. Where North Bridge meets High Street, turn right to what becomes Lawnmarket and then Castle Hill, the main tourist artery leading up to Edinburgh Castle. The principal sights begin with St. Giles' Cathedral and the High Kirk of Edinburgh, dominated by its late 15th century finely crafted crown spire. Behind the cathedral is Parliament Hall, where the Scottish Parliament met until 1707.

THE ROYAL MILE

Click HERE for description of each numbered attraction. 

             Lawnmarket with castle in background 

     Sitting at the top of the Royal Mile, this majestic castle and superb fortress complex,  is where Edinburgh began.  It has dominated the city from its rocky mount for over a millennium. You can get an escorted tour at the Castle or just buy a ticket and pick up you audio- guide and do it on your own.  The audio tour takes the visitor on a tour around the castle, explains its architecture, and tells its dramatic history. This guide is available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Mandarin. The charge for Adults is £3.00, Concessions £2.00, Children £1.00

Edinburgh Castle Map/Plan Key

1.  Edinburgh Castle Gift Shop  2. Portcullis Gate & Argyle Tower  3. Argyle Battery  4. Mill's Mount Battery  5.  One-O'clock Gun  6.  National War Museum of Scotland  7.  Foog's Gate  8. St. Margaret's Chapel  9.  Lang Stairs  10. Pet Cemetery  11.  Scottish National War Memorial  12.  Castle Vaults (Below Great Hall)  13.  Military Prison  14.  Royal Scots Regimental Museum  15. Museum of Scots Dragoon Gards

Castle entrance and ticket booth  on the esplanade, the ceremonial parade ground, outside the castle walls which is also the site for the Military Tattoo and other Edinburgh festivals throughout the year.

 After passing through the entry gate and under the portcullis, you will find on your left the "Lang Stairs." These were the original link between the middle and upper wards of the castle. The fortress itself holds many attractions, including the Honours of Scotland (the Scottish Crown Jewels) and the Stone of Destiny. Although these are the most popular things castle visitors want to see, there is much else. Apart from the architectural features of the castle, there is also a regimental museum and military prison.

Scottish Crown Jewels (note - photography prohibited), these are the oldest regalia in the British Isles, comprising a crown, a sword and a scepter, dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. The first time they were used together was for the coronation of Mary Queen of Scots in 1543 and the last for the coronation of Charles II at Scone in 1651.

Stone of Destiny - Ever since King Edward I stole the Stone of Scone from Scotland (a chunk of sandstone used as a coronation seat for Scottish Kings) and put it on display in Westminster Abby 700 years ago, the icon has been a 336-pound reminder of the history of distrust and suspicion between Scotland and England. At Westminster Abby, it rested for centuries under the Coronation Chair where the monarchs of England and Scotland are crowned... most recently Queen Elizabeth II.  The stone has two iron rings attached so it can be suspended from a pole and carried back and forth from Edinburgh to London for the coronations of all future British monarchs.  

The Day the Stone of Destiny came back to Scotland:
On St Andrews Day, 30th November 1996, Scotland's coronation stone, the Stone of Destiny, was installed in Edinburgh Castle.

      The Mons Meg, a 500-year-old siege canon                           Firing of the One O'clock Gun

      This huge six-ton medieval siege gun, which was last fired in 1681 (when it burst open during firing), is named after the place in Belgium where it was made in 1449.

     Many visitors time their visit to the Castle to see the firing of the One O'clock Gun. Originally used to assist mariners on the Firth of Forth and to allow the townspeople of Edinburgh to adjust their clocks, the firing of the gun is retained now solely as a tourist attraction (daily excluding Sundays).

On one of my visits to Edinburgh, August 4, 2000 it just happened to be the Queen Mum's 100th birthday. As we stood on the Castle grounds, we witnessed the two 21-gun salutes fired from the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle in her honor.  What a thrill (--though loud) it was wonderful to be part of that celebration.

St. Margaret's Chapel                                                 Interior of St. Margaret's chapel

      Enter Crown Square and explore the charming St. Margaret's Chapel.  Here also is the 15th century Royal Apartments where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to her only child, a son, who later became the first king of Scotland and England.  Her son, King David I, built the charming chapel in her memory. It remains to this day, the oldest surviving structure on Castle Rock. It was built as a private chapel for the royal family which King David dedicated to his mother Queen Margaret who died in the Castle in 1093. She was subsequently canonized by Pope Innocent IV in 1250.  The chapel, which can hold around 25 people, continues in use to this day for weddings and other ceremonies.

   

Royal Apartments and Crown Room in Tower                 Royal Apartments and Half-moon Battery