Gothic Style and Majestic Castles

This is all that remains of Holyrood Abbey, founded in 1128 by King David I. The abbey’s dimensional existence ended in the middle of the 16th century — the British forces completely ravaged it. Plundered valuables, removed the bells for remelting. They didn’t even regret the roof, which was made of lead, and it all went to guns.
Even now, buildings look amazingly impressive, majestic. Unfortunately, the exact description of what the abbey looked like in its best years did not survive, but you will certainly get an approximate idea.

This is the official residence of the British monarchs in Scotland. The palace was built in the 15th century under the Scottish rulers, it was later rebuilt under the British monarchs, as Scotland lost its independence. Since the 20s. XX century Holyrood Palace becomes the residence, where official events are held.
The most impressive are the private chambers of Mary Stuart. There are many antiques, valuable paintings and tapestries. The rooms are decorated with rich finishes and decorative details.

A must visit in Edinburgh. This is a cozy place with a tree growing in the middle of the dining hall. The food is outstanding, try anything - the cooking won't disappoint you.

For several centuries, the castle belonged to an influential Preston family, whose members were involved in politics and solved social issues of the city. Craigmillar is preserved almost the same as it was built. Other castles were repeatedly rebuilt, destroyed, restored. Of course, some changes happened at the beginning of the 16th, but this is almost all.
Today the castle belongs to the organization "Historic Scotland", which takes care of the monuments of the country. Here you can walk around the colorful fortress courtyard, look into the historic building, and enjoy the beautiful view from the main tower.

For further exploration of the city, leave your car at the parking. You can use this one or, if there is one, you can leave your car at the hotel parking.

The ancient castle in Edinburgh has existed for more than nine centuries and has witnessed Scotland’s long and difficult struggle for independence. Many times passing from hand to hand, this fortress, nevertheless, was able to preserve its authenticity and remain not only a symbol of the city, but of the whole country.
According to legend, the king, who took possession of Edinburgh Castle, receives the keys to the whole Scotland. And there is some truth in this because at the castle the most acute conflicts between the Scots and the British crown flared up.

Mary King's Close is a few gloomy medieval streets, hidden under modern Edinburgh. The narrow streets of this district were entirely in the lowlands under the city, and were cut off from the rest of the capital of Scotland by high, inaccessible walls.
One of the legends says that during the plague epidemic, all the infected were brought here, which is why a “city of the dead” was formed on the territory of the street and adjacent neighborhoods. The impasse Mary King was underground because of the construction in the 18th century of a new building for the city authorities. In 2003, a complex of streets was dug out and open to tourists.

Popular public park in the center of Edinburgh, where many national festivals, concerts, and events are held. The gardens were created as a result of the territory expansion of the capital and the drainage of the Lough Nor lake at the beginning of the 19th century. The park has a fountain, a concert platform, a flower clock, several monuments and the “Eye of Edinburgh”, a 33-meter ferries wheel.
Tourists visit here not only for the relaxation, but also to see the famous flower clock and rise above the city on the big wheel.

The grandiose neo-Gothic monument dedicated to the writer Walter Scott, built in the 19th century according to the project of J. Kemp. The monument was erected from sandstone, so over time its surface darkened.
The monument can be viewed not only outside, but also from the inside, but for a small fee. At different levels, there are three observation platforms, as well as a museum dedicated to the life and work of the writer. The best view opens from the highest platform, located 56 meters above the ground. In order to climb it, it is necessary to overcome the 287 steps. If you want to go inside, remember it opens till 4pm.

If you like Indian cuisine, be sure to check out this restaurant. Have a good time here and order tasty naan cheesecakes, bacon rolls, bacon, and eggs. Many visitors say that Dishoom offers good chocolate pudding, ice cream and yogurt. From drinks here you can try a good Prosecco, Lager, or Gin. Most visitors find the staff helpful and according to customer reviews, the service is amazing.

Tomorrow you will continue to explore the most interesting places in Edinburgh. You are going to visit the Georgian House, which is one of the first structures erected as a expansion result of the capital of Scotland. After you visit the Cathedral which is the main temple of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. Then you go to the Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh. And one of the places in the list is a museum dedicated to the most famous and revered national drink of Scotland.