Edinburgh & The Lothians
Edinburgh & The Lothians is a region of iconic landmarks, world-famous festivals and exciting possibilities. Find excellent attractions, activities and entertainment in Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, and beautiful, peaceful countryside in the Lothians.
We’ll be able to find the best of both worlds in Edinburgh & The Lothians. We will find the vibrant, cosmopolitan and stunningly beautiful capital city of Scotland and the scenic countryside and coastline of the Lothians. Whether the travelers are looking for enthralling history and heritage, dramatic cultural landmarks, fascinating museums, fine food and drink or outstanding natural beauty, they’ll find it all in Edinburgh & The Lothians.
Combining the bustle of the city, the beauty of the coastline and the tranquillity of the countryside, Edinburgh & The Lothians offers wonderful variety combining history, culture and adventure.
From the atmospheric cobbled streets of the Old Town to the beautiful Georgian avenues of the New Town, Edinburgh is a city of contrasts blending shopping, historic attractions, gardens and plenty of restaurants and cafes where you can relax.
From historic properties and wonderful wildlife to world-class golf and exciting outdoor activities, there is so much to discover in the Lothians. Explore evocative ruins, spot distinctive species and play a round on an Open Championship course.
Edinburgh boasts a rich and intriguing history which can be uncovered as you explore the city. Atmospheric cobbled streets, wonderful architecture, old closes and wide avenues allow you to imagine yourself transported back in time. The Lothians is also steeped in fascinating history, filled with castles, stately homes and battle sites.
History in Edinburgh & The Lothians
Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, grew around its Old Town until the late 18th century and this area of the city still has a distinct character from the iconic castle at the top of the Royal Mile to the Grassmarket below, where public hangings formerly took place. The Nor Loch acted as a natural defence for the city at this time before it was drained and converted into the beautiful Princes Street Gardens in later years.
During the Victorian era, Edinburgh earned itself a nickname as ‘Auld Reekie’ due to the smoke from the steam engines and the pollution of the industrial revolution.
After 1583, the city was also a hub for educational and professional development since the world-famous university was founded. The University of Edinburgh still stands today as a symbol of the knowledge and intellectual talent to be found in the city. Many new ventures occurred, marking Edinburgh as a financial capital by the end of the 20th century.
1707 saw the Act of Union, which joined Scotland and England together politically, and moved power from Edinburgh’s old parliament to London’s Westminster. Tenements were an identifying feature of the city by the late 18th century, when the population was expanding rapidly to around 35,000. The rich lived on the desirable upper and middle floors of these buildings while the poor were relegated to the lower levels.
Living conditions were not good at this time and many wealthy residents moved to London. Eventually a competition to design a new part of the city was put in place to try to attract the wealthy back to Edinburgh. James Craig won this contest and his ideas and influences are still visible in the grid pattern of the streets of the Georgian New Town.
Today, Edinburgh combines both modernity and tradition. Modern architecture such as the Scottish Parliament sits alongside wonderful baroque buildings including the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Each community is individual, giving you a unique sense of the past and present as you explore.
In East Lothian, visit attractions such as the stately homes of Newhailes and Lennoxlove House, and museums like Prestongrange, a site of major importance in the Scottish Industrial Revolution, and the National Museum of Flight, where you can climb aboard Concorde.
West Lothian’s rich heritage includes castles, prehistoric burial sites and a famous palace. Follow the Linlithgow Heritage Trail to the evocative ruin of Linlithgow Palace.
Midlothian’s must-see attraction, Rosslyn Chapel, lies within the peaceful village of Roslin, close to Roslin Glen. Visit Arniston House, a wonderful Palladian style mansion, which has been home to the Dundas family for more than 400 years. The whole family will enjoy a day out at the National Mining Museum Scotland where Multi Media Tours bring the attraction to life.
Castles in Edinburgh & The Lothians
Every castle has a different story to tell, whether it’s about the Stone of Destiny, the difficult life of Mary Queen of Scots or one of Scotland’s most powerful families, the Crichtons.
Edinburgh Castle is a must-see. Built into rugged rock overlooking Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh city centre, this is undoubtedly Scotland’s most famous castle and the city’s most popular tourist attraction with the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and fantastic views from the castle’s ramparts. Make sure to visit the nearby Lauriston Castle and Grounds, a charming home set in tranquil grounds.
Around 23 miles east of Edinburgh lies Dirleton Castle, a pretty and romantic castle with architectural history stretching back for 700 years. Best known for its fantastic gardens, first cultivated in the 16th century, be sure to check out the world’s longest herbaceous border, as testified in the Guinness Book of Records.
Tantallon Castle is a formidable stronghold set atop the cliffs on the Firth of Forth. Tantallon served as a noble fortification for more than three centuries and endured frequent sieges but still stands firm, dominating the headland.
Seton Collegiate Church is a beautifully preserved ecclesiastical building in a woodland setting and Craigmillar Castle is one of Edinburgh’s most perfectly preserved castles. Built around 1400, Mary Queen of Scots came here as a retreat after the death of her private secretary.
Located in Midlothian, Crichton Castle is a large and surprisingly sophisticated castle, tucked away beyond the village of Pathhead. With a spectacular façade of faceted stonework in an Italian style, it’s remarkable to see how much is still intact. Be sure to pass by the castle’s stables and nearby Crichton Collegiate Church.
Head to the dark and foreboding Blackness Castle, built in the 15th century. Its enduring roles were those of a garrison fortress and a state prison and its lack of fancy rooms or ornate stonework make this castle even more fun to explore!
