Edinburgh Castle is not the most beautiful of all Scottish castles but it is Scotland's most famous castle, its number one visitor attraction. The number of visitors to this medieval-like fortress reaches approximately one million people every year. This makes the castle quite crowded during Scottish summers but it's well worth a visit, nonetheless.
Few visitor destinations around the world can pride themselves with such an amazing historical attraction at the heart of the very compact Edinburgh City Centre but even fewer can say that their number one attraction sits on an extinct volcano.

Holyrood Palace or Holyroodhouse is the Queen's official residence in Edinburgh. It sits at the bottom of the Royal Mile, the mile long street that links it to the other royal establishment -- Edinburgh Castle. It's no surprise then that the new Scottish Parliament was built in such distinguished company.
Founded in 1498 by James IV, Holyrood Palace has witnessed some of the most dramatic episodes in Scottish History. One famous face linked to Holyrood Palace is that of Mary Queen of Scots.
Holyrood Abbey is now a ruin with a history that spans 800 years. The Abbey witnessed many royal events - weddings, births, crown ceremonies and funerals. Restored in 1758, Holyrood Abbey became a ruin once more when the stone roof collapsed due to a hurricane and has been like that ever since.
Most museums and galleries are located in or close to the City Centre. The two central galleries in Edinburgh, the Royal Scottish Academy and the National Gallery of Scotland are located halfway along Princes Street so you can easily include them in your sightseeing tour.
Other attractions include the Museum of Scotland and the Royal Museum that are located in the Old Town as are the Museum of Childhood and the Writers' Museum on the Royal Mile. Another Edinburgh gallery is located a short walking distance from the City Centre in the New Town -- The Dean Gallery of Modern Art.

Edinburgh has two extinct volcanoes. One is the Castle Rock onto which Edinburgh Castle is built and the other one is Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park. Then there's Calton Hill at the heart of the city with stunning views over Princes Street.
Visiting Edinburgh would not be the same without the unique perspective these vantage points give over the city.

Royal Botanic Garden
The Botanics captures the imagination of everyone who visits and is world renowned for its horticultural excellence. Over 70 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds provide a tranquil haven just one mile from the city centre.

The Georgian House was built in the late 18th century and recently restored by Scotland's National Trust. The home combines Greek and Roman influences in architecture, as was the trend at the time, and all the home furnishings mirror the Georgian period. In the bedroom, you will find a four-poster bed with an original 1700's canopy. The kitchen is adorned with Wedgwood china.