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Edinburgh Attractions
Edinburgh regularly features in surveys of the top cities to visit in Europe and one of the main reasons why it is such an appealing destination is the quality and diversity of its attractions. Whatever your particular interest, from art and architecture to wildlife and whisky Edinburgh promises an unrivalled selection of galleries, museums, castles, cathedrals, zoos, gardens and interpretation centres that are guaranteed to entertain and inspire, inform and enthuse..
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is an ancient stronghold perched on top the craggy remains of an extinct volcano. It was believed to have been the site of an Iron Age fort. Among its attractions are the Great Hall, a great siege gun Mons Meg, and the tiny room where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to James VI of Scotland and I of England. It has been in use by assorted military forces since prehistoric times and only transferred from the Ministry of Defence recently.
| Hotels near Edinburgh Castle | ||
| Apex International Hotel and Restaurant |  | from £66.00 |
| The Apex City Hotel | | from £63.00 |
| Portsburgh Court | from £92.50 | |
| Festival Apartments |  | from £185.00 |
| Edinburgh Castle Apartments | | from £100.00 |
Craigmillar Castle
Classic Gothic-looking castle that was built by extremely wealthy merchant family, the Prestons in 1635-1639. Mary Queen of Scots stayed here and the Stuart family used it much like a holiday home from Holyrood Palace. Offers educational tours. Open 9.30am-6.30pm.
| Hotels near Craigmillar Castle | ||
| Arden Guest House | | from £40.00 |
| The Cameron BandB | | from £45.00 |
| Prestonfield House |  | from £150.00 |
| Kildonan Lodge Hotel |  | from £119.00 |
| Alba House Guest Accommodation | | from £70.00 |
Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo opened in 1913, in leafy hillside parkland just ten minutes from the centre of Edinburgh. Recognised as one of the world's leading zoos, it is involved in many conservation breeding programmes, and gives the highest priority to the welfare, both physical and behavioural, of the animals in its care.The Zoo in Winter:Even when the weather's cold or rainy, there's always so much to see and do at Edinburgh Zoo! There are numerous animal talks which happen daily, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about their favourite animals. The famous 'Penguin Parade' takes place daily, where our penguins take a stroll (or a waddle!) around the outside their enclosure. Also be sure to check out the world's largest chimpanzee enclosure, Budongo Trail and learn about our nearest relatives; or choose to touch the rainbow and feed our beautiful rainbow lorikeet birds in our Australian themed walk-through aviary. There are also animal handling opportunities in our 'Close Encounters sessions.
| Hotels near Edinburgh Zoo | ||
| Holiday Inn - Edinburgh | | from £59.00 |
| Glenlivet House | from £40.00 | |
| The Agenda Hotel and Restaurant | from £50.00 | |
| Featherhall Garden Court | from £60.00 | |
| Corstorphine House Hotel | | from £59.00 |
Other Attraction near Edinburgh
- Rosslyn Chapel - Built in 1446, the chapel is steeped in symbolism, mysticism and references to the Knights of the Templar, Freemasonary and the pagan "Green Man".
- Dynamic Earth - Brand new purpose-built exhibition tented amphitheatre that attempts to chart the evolution of the earth from early beginnings using elevent art earthscapes.
- Calton Hill - One of Edinburgh's many hills, it is unmistakable with its Athenian style acropolis poking above the skyline.