Edinburgh and Stirling

Dominated by spectacular castles perched on dormant volcanic rocks, Edinburgh and Stirling are bustling cities that are steeped in Scottish history. As well as the castle, Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, can boast of the Palace of Holyrood House, the Queen’s official royal residence at the bottom of the Royal Mile and St Giles Cathedral in the medieval Old Town, and the elegant New Town, the largest and most complete Georgian development in the world. Edinburgh’s cobbled streets, crammed with pubs, restaurants and shops that ooze old world charm, are a joy to explore on foot. Or shop in picturesque Princes Street overlooking the castle, then relax in the beautiful gardens below.  But Edinburgh is not just about history. The city is transformed in August when it hosts the world’s biggest arts festival, and the capital’s latest attractions include Our Dynamic Earth and the architecturally stunning Scottish Parliament.

 

A monument to ‘Braveheart’ William Wallace overlooks Stirling, which was once home of the Scottish kings. Just outside the city, the Bannockburn Heritage Centre celebrates Robert the Bruce’s famous victory over the English in 1314. Stirling Castle includes the magnificent renaissance palace dating from mid-16^th century, and the Chapel Royal where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned in 1543. And Stirling Jail gives a vivid insight into what life was like in a Victorian prison.