If you are considering coach hire in or around the Edinburgh area, contact us for a competitive quote. We only use coach hire operators who are local to the Edinburgh area which means that we are able to take advantage of the coach operators local knowledge.
In addition, we have gathered some information that you may find useful.
Edinburgh is an astonishing capital that both enchants and excites. The city is steeped in history and tradition - the medieval Old Town and the elegant Georgian New Town both forming part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage - yet the city explodes with all the attractions of a modern metropolis. Edinburgh truly captures the spirit of Scotland.
Heritage
Stroll through Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns and you are immediately immersed in the rich culture of Scotland’s dramatic capital city. Both royal and ghostly associations mingle amongst the medieval architecture of the Old Town and its Royal Mile. Edinburgh is a walkable, breathtaking city – the jewel in Scotland’s crown. No wonder it has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status twice over.
Festivals
As home to the world’s longest running Arts Festival and venue for the MTV Europe Music Awards in November 2003, Edinburgh has an international reputation for a truly eclectic calendar of events and festivals. The city is constantly buzzing with one celebration or another.
While the Edinburgh International Festival caters to highbrow cultural tastes (ballet, opera, chamber music), the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with its Comedy Awards and street theatre is off the wall and full of surprises.
For Scottish culture, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a sell-out spectacular. Edinburgh's Ceilidh Culture presents traditional Scottish music in a relaxed environment that encourages your participation! The city is a Mecca through winter also, not least when the 8-day Winter Wonderland Festival hosts as its centrepiece Edinburgh's Hogmanay– an enormous street party held beneath the grandeur of Edinburgh Castle during which the whole city is lit up by a fabulous fireworks display. It’s a blast, and the best!
Magic & Mystery
Scotland is known for its mysterious quality. Nowhere is this more potent than in the City of Edinburgh. Most recently, J K Rowling (an ex-resident of Edinburgh) found her inspiration here for the Harry Potter novels – castle ramparts, ghostly tales and the mysterious network of “closes” in the Old Town were surely the inspiration for Diagon-Ally!
Edinburgh has been home to creepy characters for centuries – from the witches who were thrown from the Castle into the NorLoch (now Princes Street Gardens) to Jekyll and Hyde (creations of Edinburgh writer Robert Louis Stevenson) and Burke and Hare, famous Edinburgh body snatchers or grave robbers. The ghost tours taking place among the dark closes of the Old Town will send shivers up your spine.
Royal Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle, perched high on its volcanic rock, looks down on the twisting medieval lanes of the Old Town, and is the focal point of the city. Explore inside its massive walls and see the sumptuous staterooms, the crown jewels and the great Stone of Destiny. Time your visit so you hear the 1 o'clock gun salute, which is fired each day (except Sunday) from the ramparts. From here you can follow the Royal Mile, an ancient cobbled road that leads to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Along the way there are souvenir shops in which to buy the famous tartan and many attractions to visit including: the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre; Gladstone's Land, a magnificent 17th century house, and the High Kirk of St Giles, whose beautiful crown-shaped spire is an Edinburgh landmark. When the Royal Family are not in residence the Palace of Holyroodhouse opens its doors and allows visitors a fascinating look inside the elegant state rooms and the historic apartments, where tragic Mary Queen of Scots witnessed the murder of her lover.
Over in Leith, the Royal Yacht Britannia lies moored. Take a tour of this floating example of living history. The yacht played host to an array of well-known dignitaries including world leaders, and was much loved by many members of the Royal Family.
Youngest Parliament City
With the Devolution Act of 2000, Scotland regained a status lost to it since the Act of Union with England in 1707 and with that, Edinburgh has become the World’s youngest Capital. Resembling Scottish fishing boats and designed by Master Architect, the late Enric Miralles, you’ll find the Parliament located next to the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the foot of the Royal Mile. Be one of the first to visit!
Shopping
Explore the narrow streets and alleyways of Edinburgh's medieval old town, which wind their way off the Royal Mile. They are full of unusual shops, restaurants and cafés as well as specialist stores selling woollens, tartan and cashmere.
Stop for a rest at the square known as the Grass Market - a former execution place - before continuing your shopping trip in Edinburgh's new town, starkly contrasted to the old town with its meticulously planned squares with beautiful Georgian buildings.
Top day-time must dos
1. Take in the history of Edinburgh Castle.
2. Discover the Royal Mile/Palace of Holyroodhouse.
3. If you dare, go on one of Edinburgh's spooky ghost tours.
4. From Edinburgh International Festival to Winter Festivals and traditional music sessions - enjoy Edinburgh Festivals.
5. Visit the New Parliament Building.