Southern Scotland Blog

VIDEO Song Of The Clyde

2010-08-16T09:39:00.000-07:00

VIDEO River clyde

2010-08-16T09:38:00.000-07:00

Glasgow City Guide - How to Make the Most of Glasgow By Justin Arnold Platinum Quality Author

2010-08-16T09:35:00.000-07:00

Few things are as essential as a Glasgow city guide, simply because there is just so much of Glasgow to see. Ranked as one of the top 20 cities in the world, until recently the 4th largest city in Europe and home to almost half the population of Scotland, a Glasgow city guide could easily fill a bookshelf.

However, that would make it slightly awkward to carry as you explore the amazing variety of shopping, entertainment, architecture, music and dining for which the city of Glasgow is renowned.

Known as the "Second City of the British Empire" the name 'Glasgow' actually derives from the Middle Gaelic word 'cognate', which means 'green hollow', and certainly the city is situated in an outstanding area, gathered around the River Clyde and enjoying the fertile and picturesque surroundings of the west central lowlands of Scotland.

The city's maritime history is clearly evident, and any Glasgow city guide will almost certainly encourage an exploration of the many Victorian structures which were key in the development of the city we see today.

Although your Glasgow city guide is likely to detail the city's ancient past, much of this has been replaced over the centuries as the city has continued to develop, rebuild, expand and take advantage of new opportunities and demand.

However, it's worth using your Glasgow city guide to seek out the two main Medieval landmarks which still remain - the 15th century Provand's Lordship and the earlier 13th century St Mungo's Cathedral, named after the patron saint of Glasgow, although the church is often referred to as the High Kirk of Glasgow in some Glasgow city guide publications.

There is a very great deal to see and do in Glasgow, and it is worth making sure that your Glasgow city guide is able to point you in the right direction for suitably located Glasgow accommodation. Because of its size it helps enormously if where you happen to be staying is conveniently close to the areas which interest you most.

You may decide that it's the city centre itself which you wish to explore, and whilst the centre is based largely on a fairly straightforward grid system of streets which run along the northern bank of the River Clyde, don't assume that this makes it any easier to find your way around. The grid spans many acres, and so a Glasgow city guide will still prove useful in planning your explorations and identifying those places you want to visit most.

If it's shopping you're after then Glasgow will certainly not disappoint, with the south and western regions comprising the major shopping precincts, including Argyle Street, Sauchiehall Street and of course the winner of the Great Street Award in 2008, the distinctly chic Buchanan Street. You'll also find a couple of excellent shopping centres close by too, including Buchanan Galleries and the St Enoch Centre.

Once you've exhausted your credit card you may wish to relax a little, and your Glasgow city guide should be able to point you in the right direction for this. The west end of the city is where you'll be delighted to find a wide selection of cafes, tea rooms, bars, clubs, hotels, restaurants and parks. For Glasgow accommodation the west end is definitely a popular choice for many people wishing to enjoy the city from a convenient and attractive base.

Whatever you're looking for in a trip to Glasgow it will be essential to make the most of a comprehensive Glasgow city guide simply because there is so much to experience, from the opera and ballet to art galleries, parks and museums, and from one of the largest libraries in the world to sports, theatre and live music.

Formerly the European City of Culture, Glasgow offers a huge choice of experiences and delights, which is why it pays to make the most of your time by using a reliable and comprehensive Glasgow city guide.

Glasgow Search is an online Glasgow city guide, city portal, and local search engine all rolled into one. Packed with all the latest Glasgow information and resources, the site caters for locals, visitors and tourists alike, including information about Glasgow accommodation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Justin_Arnold

Glasgow's Top 10 Attractions - Museums, Fine Buildings and Impressive Gardens By Mairead Foley

2010-08-16T09:33:00.000-07:00

Burrell Collection

Glasgow is famous for its collection of wonderful museums and art galleries. The Burrell Collection is the city's most famous and popular tourist attraction, drawing hundreds and thousands of visitors each year.

Sir William Burrell (1861-1958) gave his marvellous art collection to the city of Glasgow in 1944. John Meunier, Brit Anderson and Barr Gasson were responsible for the design of the modern gallery which was opened by the Queen in 1983. From magical artifacts dating back as far as the Bronze Age and much more, the Burrell Collection will certainly amaze you.

The Burrell is located on the south side of the city in the middle of Pollok Country Park. It's easy enough to get to by public transport.

By Train: take the train at Central Station to Pollokshaws West Station. Here you'll see signposts for the short walk to the park.

By Bus: take bus numbers 45, 47, 48 and 57 to Pollokshaws Road.

By Car: if you're coming from the M77, exit at Junction 2 and follow the signs.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is Scotland's most popular and visited free tourist attraction. In 2003 it closed its doors for refurbishments and opened three years later in July 2006. In the first 6 months it attracted an overwhelming '2 million visitors', putting The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum top of Glasgow's tourist attraction list.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is located in the spectacular Kelvingrove Park at the West End of Glasgow.

How to get here by public transport:

By Bus: take bus number 9, 16, 18, 18A, 42, 42A or 62 from Hope Street at Central Station, and all stop directly outside. Please note: bus number 42 leaves from Bath Street.

The Museum of Transport

The Museum of Transport in Glasgow is one of the most popular museums of transport in the British Isles. Founded in 1964, the museum houses many exhibits of national and international importance, attracting over half a million visitors each year. The museum showcases a huge collection of vehicles and models telling the story of transport over the years, by land and sea, with an exclusive Glasgow flavour.

The Museum of Transport is located across the road from 'Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum' in the City's West End.

The Mackintosh Ten

Charles Rennie Mackintosh was a talented Scottish architect and designer, born in 1868. He had a huge influence on Scottish and European architect and design. The following are the top 10 Charles Rennie Mackintosh buildings: Glasgow School of Art, Mackintosh House, The Willow Tea Rooms, Ruchill Church Hall, Queens Cross Church, Martyrs' Public School, The Lighthouse, Daily Record Building, Scotland Street School and House for an Art Lover.

University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow was founded in 1451 and is listed as one of the world's top 100 universities. It's the fourth oldest university in the United Kingdom and has approximately 16,000 undergraduates, 4,000 postgraduates and 4,000 adults in continuing education.

Today it's the only University in Scotland with a full range of departments in Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Law and Dentistry. Steeped in history and set in stunning surroundings, a trip to the university is a must when in Glasgow.

The University's main campus is located on Gilmorehill in the West End of Glasgow, just 3 miles from the vibrant city centre. The University is easily accessible by bus. Route 44 runs through the main campus from the city centre. A seasonal tourist bus also stops at the University

Glasgow Botanic Gardens & Kibble Place

Set in the West End of Glasgow, Glasgow Botanic Gardens are located in a large public park with amazing tropical and temperate plant collections from around the world. There's also a number of glasshouses at the botanic gardens including the Kibble Palace Glasshouse.

Kibble Palace is a 19th century cast iron framed glasshouse designed by John Kibble. In 1873 it was brought by barge to its current location in Glasgow's Botanic Gardens. It's a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

Located on Great Western Road the gardens are easily accessible from the city centre.

By Train: Hillhead Underground Station is just a 5-minute walk away.

Bus: various routes operate from the city centre to Great Western Road.

By car: Follow M8 to Junction 17 and take the A82 (Great Western Road) west for about 1 mile.

The Gallery of Modern Art

The Gallery of Modern Art, also know as the GoMA, is the main gallery of contemporary art in Glasgow. The GoMA was opened in 1996 in a neo-classic building in the heart of Glasgow city centre.

Built in 1778, it was originally home to William Cunninghame of Lainshaw, who was a wealthy Glasgow Tobacco Lord. Over the years the building has undergone a series of different uses before becoming an art gallery. GoMA showcases works by both local and international artists.

Glasgow Science Centre

Glasgow Science Centre is located on the south bank of the River Clyde in Glasgow. The Science Centre is a purpose-built centre that comprises of three buildings: The Science Mall, the IMAX Cinema and the Glasgow Tower.

The Science Mall has three floors of interactive science and learning exhibits, a Science Show Theatre and the Scottish Power Planetarium.

The IMAX Cinema provides entertainment for all the family showing the very latest in movie entertainment.

The Glasgow Tower stands 127 meters tall and gives visitors a bird's eye view of Glasgow city.

People's Palace and Winter Gardens

The People's Palace and Winter Gardens is made up of a museum and glasshouse that tell the story of Glasgow and its people from 1750 onwards. You can see various collections and displays as well as learn more about Glaswegians at home, work and leisure.

The People's Palace and Winter Gardens are located just a short walk from the city centre, within the grounds of Glasgow Green.

Provand's Lordship

The Provand's Lordship is located at the top of Castle Street in the shadows of Glasgow Cathedral. It's only a short walk from the city's main bus station and shopping district.

It's one of the very few buildings from Glasgow's medieval period. Provand's Lordship was built in 1471 as part of St Nicholas's Hospital and was more than likely used to house clergy and other staff for the Cathedral at the time.

In 1978 the building was offered to the 'City of Glasgow' by the Provand's Lordship Society. Today the house is furnished with 17th century Scottish furniture which was donated by Sir William Burrell.

Mairead writes for Novacarhire.com, an independent car hire reservation website where you can book low cost car hire at over 5000 locations worldwide.

Visit Novacarhire.com's Car hire Glasgow Airport page and get an instant quote which will offer you the best deals from top car rental providers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mairead_Foley

VIDEO Lone Piper - Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2009

2010-07-15T05:07:00.000-07:00

VIDEO Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2009 opening night, massed pipes and drums pt. 1

2010-07-15T05:06:00.000-07:00

VIDEO Pipes and Drums at Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2009

2010-07-15T05:03:00.000-07:00

Edinburgh Festival in Scotland's Capital City By Eric Sutherland

2010-07-15T04:55:00.001-07:00

Military Tattoo based on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade at night allows the lighting to show up the national dress of the visiting acts. Finishing with the lone Piper on the Castle.

The best walk for visitors on a short visit is to take in the views from the Castle Entrance and then walk down the Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace at the bottom. Nearly every entrance has some Historical background, indicated by the name plates.

On the first Sunday the Pipe Bands march along Princess Street and show how far around the world the Scots have settled.

The Opera is popular and attracts full houses, an opportunity to try out new Opera's before taking them to London or New York.

Film Festival apart form a good mix of budget films, there are classes on different aspects of film making and raising funds. French silent movies and the use of mime will make the film goers grabbing of the movements to understand the message and to put them together to follow the film.

Music, Plays and Comedy Acts are all Fringe shows that end up in every possible hall around the City, with Universities, School Halls, Pubs and Church Halls being used. Some are outside in the Parks or on the Pavements. The recent move to go mobile asks a lot of the people to view a smaller stage (i.e. inside a camper van).

The main attraction at the Book Festival is to hear Authors speak or explain their ideas that led to writing their books.

© Eric Sutherland

Eric Sutherland T/A Trog Associates Ltd

Business Networking on ecademy Marketplace : http://www.ecademy.com/user/ericsutherland1

Author and Publisher Services : http://www.trogassociatesltd.biz/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Sutherland

4 Things You Have to See in Edinburgh By Matthew Sorrow Platinum Quality Author

2010-07-15T04:53:00.001-07:00

Edinburgh is a place where many amazing things can happen and many amazing things can be seen. It is worth to visit Edinburgh and have a plan to see there most important elements - if we can find there a lot of things and have a lack of time we should decide on something. Here you can find list of four subjective things.

Castle
That lies upon the town is a part of the town that can't be left unmentioned. This amazing building had in the history the major meaning in wars. Today it isn't playing the same role but it still makes a huge impression - on tourists. This castle is a mix of different traditions and trends which shows that the castle played different roles during the ages. Now it doesn't have anything in common with war or army but has become a symbol of the town.

National Gallery Complex
It is situated in the center of the Edinburgh on the Princess Street, is the most important attractions not only in the city but also in whole Scotland (the entrance is for free). The Gallery consists of three connected with each other buildings and presents inside major of what has left after the ages of changing culture in Scotland but not only that. Collections has pieces of arts of some famous artists like El Greco, Velázquez, Rembrandt, Rubens, Van Gogh, Monet, Cézanne, and many, many more. But there are also Scottish artists like Ramsay, Raeburn, Wilkie i McTaggart. Really worth to visit!

Palace
This palace was for the last time a royalty house in 1617. It is worth to see this place just even to see audiovisual exhibition of Honors of Scotland - Scottish royalty jewels, with originals in the Crown Room, on the end of the exhibitions halls. These great jewels that come from the restoration bring memory about the history of Scotland. For the last time they play their role in 1651, when Carol II had his coronation.

Royalty Mile
It is a common name for the combination of streets, that gives a main road to Edinburgh Old Market. It is one of the most crowded streets in Edinburgh. You can find there different shops with Scottish Whiskey, kilts and handmade products. On this street we can also find a saint Idzi Cathedral, the one and only church that was built in middle ages and has left till today. In this street we can find a Parliament House, that was built in the beginning of 17th age.

If you love Scotland and you are also interested in kilts and other Scottish goods like tartan blankets you should just check the Highlandstore.com website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Sorrow

A Visitor's Guide to Edinburgh in Scotland By James C Patrick

2010-07-15T04:51:00.001-07:00

Scotland's capital city Edinburgh is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Steeped in history and tradition; awash with culture, landmarks and stunning architecture, Edinburgh is a fantastic destination for visitors of all ages, and should be the first place on your list if you are visiting Scotland any time soon.

The most popular attraction by far is Edinburgh castle. Built at the end of the 10th century, the castle towers over the city landscape and is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Visitors to the castle can witness spectacular views over the city and the castle also hosts the world famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo - the showcase event of the Edinburgh International Festival. The famous fireworks events both during the Festival and also at the famous Scottish New Year's Eve celebration - Hogmanay also take place at Edinburgh Castle.

Edinburgh is renowned for its tourist attractions suitable for culture vultures, travelling groups, families, and visitors of all ages. There is something to see in Edinburgh for everyone. Some of Edinburgh's best places to visit include Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument, The Royal Mile, Palace of Holyrood, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, St. Giles Cathedral, Mary Kings Close, The Museum of Childhood, the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre, and Royal Yacht Britannia.

Although a lot of tourists enjoy the historical tours around Edinburgh, there are many sites all around the city that are more modern and up to date. The Scottish Parliament building is a great example of mixing the old and the new in Edinburgh. This post- modern building designed by a Spanish architect was completed in 2004.

Edinburgh is a vibrant historical city and there is no better place in the world to celebrate the New Year. Live entertainments, bands, street parties, dancing, singing and fireworks all make Edinburgh the place to be as the cannon is fired from the castle on the stroke of midnight to bring in the new year.

In August Edinburgh is swamped by performers from all over the world taking part in the Edinburgh International Festival and the Fringe Festival. During these summer weeks Edinburgh's population swells, almost doubling and the streets are buzzing with excitement. The atmosphere day and night is electric with visitors and performers from all over the world mixing and having a great time together.

For shopping lovers, Princess Street is a hotspot for some retail therapy whether you are looking for everyday items or traditional Scottish items to take home as souvenirs. The Royal Mile is another busy shopping area with more traditional gift shops - perfect for souvenirs.

Edinburgh is easy to reach by car, train or plane but the city itself is very compact so once you're there, you'll find it much easier to get around on foot. Parking is not easy and with the tram works in development, the traffic problems can be considerable at times.

A word of warning, though. Plan well ahead if you're visiting Edinburgh. Organise your days, your activities, and make sure you book your accommodation well in advance. There are lots of great hotels in Edinburgh but they get booked up very quickly. During the Festival, there won't be a spare room anywhere in Edinburgh. Shop around online and so some research before booking your accommodation in Edinburgh. If you can make your arrangements early enough you're sure to enjoy a great stay in wonderful historic Edinburgh.

James Patrick is a travel writer specialising in reviews for Edinburgh hotels, tourist accommodation, and information on short breaks in Edinburgh for visitors to Scotland.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_C_Patrick

VIDEO 72 Slides, Royal Botanic Gardens

2010-07-15T04:49:00.000-07:00

VIDEO Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

2010-07-15T04:46:00.001-07:00

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh By Mark Breed

2010-07-15T04:43:00.001-07:00

Edinburgh is one of the international tourist attractions of the world but most visitors tend to stay in the centre, especially walking through the Old Town and visiting the magnificent Castle.

There are however many equally fascinating places that should not be overlooked and premier among them is the Royal Botanic Garden in Inverleith Row, on the north side of the city, within a one mile bus ride of perpetually thronged Princes Street. Numbers 8, 17, 23, and 27 buses all stop at the gate as do the buses of City Tours. "The Botanics", as Edinburgh folk call the gardens, cover a spread of 78 acres and are visited by over 660,000 visitors a year who go there to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of a magnificent oasis in the heart of a teeming city.

One of the major advantages for families of a trip to the Botanics is the fact that entry is free, though a charge of £3.50 a head for adults is levied for visitors to the awe inspiring glasshouses where Britain's tallest palm tree grows in the world famous tropical rainforest, as well as banana and rubber trees and a huge range of beautiful orchids. A large collection of rare rhododendrons from New Guinea and Borneo can also be seen in the Tropics House.

A recently opened - and free - Chinese Hillside rising above a beautiful pool is also very popular with visitors. Growing there are unusual specimens which were brought back to Edinburgh from China by plant collectors in the early 20th century. There is also an internationally renowned rock garden with rare Alpine plants, a Scottish heath garden and an arboretum that dazzles the eye during autumn. Altogether the Botanics is home to over 6 per cent of all known plants in the world and is a centre of scholarly research as well as a sojourn of delight for visitors.

The origin of Edinburgh's famous garden goes back to 1670 when two doctors, Andrew Balfour and Robert Sibbald, opened a physic garden beside Holyrood House and five years later established a second garden on the site of what is today Waverley Station. In 1763 the two combined gardens were re-located on Leith Walk where they stayed till 1820 when a horticulturist called Robert Graham moved them to the present site at Inverleith.

The two Palm Houses were built in 1834 and 1858 and have been maintained in their original form since then. Another range of exhibition plant houses was started in 1967 and today they provide a range of environments from tropical forests to arid deserts. There is a well stocked shop at the main gate and also a terrace café. A team of guides take visitors on garden walks at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. every day. The informative walks last an hour and tickets, costing £3, can be bought at the shop or at the Palm House reception desk. No pre booking is necessary.

The Botanics are open every day of the year except January 1st and December 25th.
In summer, closing time is 7 p.m. From November till February the Garden closes at 4 p.m.

Article courtesy of Ecosse Unique - Holiday Cottages in Scotland

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Breed

Edinburgh - Top Tips For Visiting Families in Good Weather By Janet Unsworth Platinum Quality Author

2010-07-15T04:41:00.001-07:00

Edinburgh is a great place to visit. There are lots of reasons Edinburgh so many people come here and whilst it may not be an obvious place for a family visit, it is a great one, whether you come for a few days City break or a longer holiday, there is lots to do.

In this article I give a few suggestions about what to do as a family visiting Edinburgh when the weather is good.

The Castle. This is the big tourist attraction in Edinburgh. It dominates the skyline, and it's very easy to understand why it was built where it was! An interesting aspect is that there are still soldiers based here which is not the case in most of the castles that tourists visit in Scotland.

The views are phenomenal in good weather. You can get an audio guide and listen to stories as you go round. It is a large complex with lots of areas to explore. The prisons where prisoners of war were held has proved popular with many children I have taken to the castle.

Do try to be there at 1pm. Then you can see the one O clock gun fired. I like the idea of doing this early in your holiday, then every time you hear the gun, you get reminded of your visit to the castle.

Arthurs Seat and Salisbury Crags. At the bottom of the Royal Mile go between the Parliament and Holyrood Palace and walk up Arthurs Seat, the higher point, or if you are feeling less active, go for Salisbury Crags. Do be careful, there are some steep parts. As you climb you get some great views initially of Holyrood Palace and the Park with the Lochs. You can imagine you are in the Highlands rather than in the middle of Edinburgh. Both hills give you magnificent views to the castle, over the town, the Forth of Firth, Fife and the Pentlands.

There are often people flying kites in Holyrood Park and it is great fun to get above the kits and watch them, or join in if you have a kite.

The children need to be able to walk confidently for a couple of hours, so this is for older children unless someone can carry babies in a sling; it is not suitable for pushchairs.

Do not do Arthurs seat on a very windy day. It can be dangerous at the top.

Calton Hill: This is at the East end of Princes St and a much easier walk than Arthurs seat and doable with a pushchair. You get great views from the top, especially of the town because you are very close to it. It is even more interesting because it has the replica of the Parthenon which gives Edinburgh the nickname of Athens of the North, and the two observatories. The new observatory has exhibitions and viewings of the night sky.

Princes St Gardens. Princes St Gardens are one of the jewels of Edinburgh. They are the lovely gardens that sit beneath the castle and form one side of Princes St. They are large, there is a great playground at the West End of the gardens and a picnic in the gardens is a real joy.

The Zoo. Edinburgh Zoo is outside the city centre but easily accessible by bus. It is on the side of Corstorphine Hill, so does have some steep paths, but there is a vehicle that will give you a ride up the hill and you can walk down. There are very good views of the Pentlands. Highlights are the Penguin Parade which happens at about lunchtime and the koalas.

Crammond. Crammond is a very pretty little village on the outskirts of Edinburgh. What makes it very special is the tidal Island that has featured in many a mystery story based in Edinburgh. You need to check the tides, and if the tide is out, you can walk to the island. It is uninhabited now, but it is easy to find the remains of gun placements from the war and the ruins of old farmhouses. I knew someone who used to visit relatives who had a dairy farm on the island before World War II, so it was uninhabited not too long ago.

Portobello: Portobello is another village on the outskirts of Edinburgh, but it has a very different feel to Crammond. This is where people who lived in Edinburgh in the Victorian days came for their seaside holidays. It is not so twee as Crammond and has more of the Victorian stone architecture that you see lots of closer in to the city centre. What makes Portobello really special is the beach. It is huge. Not well developed in terms of facilities, but just a lovely long, wide stretch of sand.

Stay in self-catering accommodation. Hotels are expensive and they are frequently booked. Hotels in Edinburgh are reputed to be second only to London in the UK in terms of cost and occupancy. You can get a wide range of self catering properties that work out to be even cheaper than hostels, and at the other end of the scale there are some wonderfully luxurious self-catering properties available that will come with maid service and you can even hire a chef if you want to have self catering luxury and space without the effort of cooking!

Self-catering is a particularly good option for families. The sleeping arrangements are normally more appropriate with children being able to have separate rooms from Mum and Dad without huge cost. You have a kitchen so you can feed them food you know they will eat (at least for some of the time!). When they get tired you can retire to your apartment and let them rest or just watch TV for a while.

Whatever you choose, you should have plenty to do and see in Edinburgh. Have a great time!

Author: Janet Unsworth. Janet is a partner in a holiday letting company which provides short term self catering accommodation in Edinburgh. Edinburgh self catering apartments are available in a range from budget to luxury accommodation which can be booked for anything from a few days to a few months. You can see the properties with photographs, their location, prices and availability at http://www.edinburgh-flats.com where you can book on-line. If you'd like more information, call Janet on 0044 789 420 5600.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janet_Unsworth

Edinburgh - The City Of Festivals By Terry Cod

2010-07-15T04:38:00.001-07:00

The City of Edinburgh, where the lively activity of Scotland's capital city sits in perfect contrast to the tranquility of the surrounding area.

Edinburgh has one of the most beautiful vistas in the world, making it a perfect base to explore the city and the surrounding countryside. With Scotland's most famous castle dominating the city skyline, there is plenty to see and do with the ideal balance between all things contemporary and traditional.

Every year during the month of August Edinburgh welcomes thousands of visitors to its world famous festival. It is in fact made up of a variety of festivals, exhibitions and events including The Fringe, Book Festival, the International Festival, Jazz & Blues Festival, Military Tattoo, Film Festival and Edinburgh Mela. Additionally, many head to Edinburgh for its month long festival at Christmas which culminates in the world famous Hogmanay celebrations.

Even if this is not your first visit to the city, an open-top bus tour of the city is a great way to get your bearings and work out what's where. Tours follow a circuit through the 18th century Georgian New Town and the medieval Old Town so you can always get back to where you started. The top of the Royal Mile is a great starting place to explore on foot. Edinburgh Castle is Scotland's number one attraction and definitely worth a visit. As well as the obvious visits to see the Stone of Destiny and the Crown Jewels of Scotland, it's worth trying to locate possibly the most touching aspect of Edinburgh Castle, the soldiers' dog cemetery. The cemetery is a small garden used as a burial place for officer's pet dogs and regimental mascots. Arguably the greatest view of Edinburgh is from the castle ramparts as nothing in the city is permitted to be built higher. The fifteenth century cannon at the castle called Mon's Meg is fired at 1pm every day.

The next most visited attraction is that of The Palace of Holyroodhouse. Built beside an Augustinian Abbey dating back to 1128, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is The Queen's official residence in Scotland. Situated at the end of the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace is closely associated with Scotland's unruly past, including Mary, Queen of Scots, who made her home here between 1561 and 1567. Successive kings and queens have made Holyrood Palace the premier Scottish royal residence. Today, the Palace is used for official entertaining and ceremonies of state

The ancient tales of grave robbing and murder buzz constantly around your head as you tour the city either on foot or on an Edinburgh open-topped bus. You can also choose from a number of nightly ghost tours available if you are brave enough to cope with the grisly truths of Edinburgh after dark.

After a session of shopping at Scotland's most famous department store Jenners (opened in 1838 and now owned by House of Fraser) on Princes Street, why not head over to the huge and beautiful Princes Street Gardens. Built from a former loch, the gardens are the perfect place to get out a picnic whilst taking in the views of the castle, the Old Town and the park's famed floral clock. A great place to watch the hectic world of Edinburgh fly by.

The city is at its most hectic during the summer months for this is the time of the major festivals. The immensely popular Edinburgh Fringe Festival offers a mixed batch of light entertainment from comedy to Shakespeare. To give you an idea of the sheer size of the Fringe, 2006's Festival saw hundreds of groups putting on 1,867 different shows with a total of 28,014 performances in 261 venues.

Although driving is not recommended inside the city itself due to restrictions of parking spaces and the convenience of an excellent public transport service, hiring a car in Edinburgh is recommended to take in the wonderful countryside that surround the city. A 15 minute drive takes you into the coastal, scenic town of Musselburgh. Life here is a lot more down to earth and less cosmopolitan than its neighbouring big brother. Expect to find a race track, possibly the oldest nine hole golf course in Scotland and some excellent opportunities for fine dining along your route.

Just south of Edinburgh is the mid-Lothian region particularly renowned for its diversity and places of interest to pursue. A short drive away presents you with the delights of several castles that are open to visitors, including one that has now been converted into a luxurious castle hotel. You will also find stately homes and old churches, including the Rosslyn Chapel (in the village of Roslin) featured in the Da Vinci Code novel by Dan Brown.

This article on the city of Edinburgh was written by Terry Cod, a writer with great experience of the major European cities. He is the owner of http://www.edinburgh-hotel-bookings.co.uk offering Discounted Edinburgh hotels

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Cod

Edinburgh - Off the Beaten Track By Karen Bryan Platinum Quality Author

2010-07-15T04:37:00.000-07:00

Edinburgh really is a beautiful city. I'd like to introduce you to a bit more of Edinburgh than just the usual places to visit such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. Edinburgh is wonderful for all the views down to sea at the Firth of Forth. All my suggestions are free, so you can have a great day without paying any admission charges. I always think that walking around is the great way to see a city but it would be bit much to walk around all these places. Lothian Buses run an excellent service with a £1 flat ticket for any journey, you can also buy a one day pass for £2.50. Parking around central Edinburgh costs between 70 pence and one pound per hour. There are different zones each with their own hours, days and charges.

Calton Hill

Calton Hill, at the eastern end of Princes Street is the most centrally located attraction in this guide. The views from Calton Hill are outstanding over the city and across the Forth Estuary towards Fife and over the Edinburgh skyline. Calton Hill is home to the National Monument an Athenian style acropolis built in 1822 to commemorate the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo. Some say the monument was not finished due to lack of funds, other say it was intended as a folly. The old Observatory and the City Observatory are also at Calton Hill.

Holyrood Park

Holyrood Park is an amazing haven, so close to the city centre. The park was originally used by royal hunting parties The park covers 650 acres. if you are feeling energetic you can climb Arthur's Seat for great panoramic views. There are several footpaths you can follow around the park, without too much of a climb. There is a road which circumvents the park with several free car parks. However the roads are usually closed on Sundays.

Water of Leith Walkway

Poetically know as the "silver thread in a ribbon of green", the Water of Leith Walkway, is a 12 mile path from Balerno to Leith. It is a unique walk, you can hardly believe that you are so close to the hustle and bustle of a city. I've never done all the walk in one stretch but have walked on most parts on different occasions. I like the walkway between Canon Mills and Dean village, You can try the Dean Village Walk to find our about the history of the village. The Dean Gallery of Modern Art is a few minutes from the walkway. There are public toilets at Cannon Mills and Stockbridge. There is also a wide selection of cafes and restaurants around these areas.

Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanical Gardens were established in 1670 and contain 6% of all known plants. It's free to enter the gardens but there is an admission charge of £3.50 for the greenhouses. There are various areas including the Chinese Hillside, the Rock Garden and Woodland Garden. The gardens are only a few minutes walk from the Canonmills exit of the Water of Leith Walkway.

Craigentinny Marbles

I came across the so called Craigentinny Marbles by accident on my way to Portobello. It was so weird to see this grand classical style mausoleum in the middle of streets of 1930s bungalows. William Henry Miller, who owned the then Craigentiny estate wanted to be buried in the open fields rather than in a churchyard. In 1848 that may have been the case, maybe now he may be reconsidering, thinking that a graveyard might now be a more appropriate setting than a housing estate. The Miller Mausoleum has bas relief sculptures of biblical scenes on 2 sides. Miller requested that he was buried at a depth of 40 feet, prompting rumours about his gender due to a slim build, weak voice and lack of facial hair. If he was buried so deeply there would be little opportunity for grave robbers to strike.

Portobello Beach

Portobello Beach is three miles east of the city centre. On a clear day you can see over the Firth of Forth to the county of Fife and the three Lomond Hills. A walk along the promenade is usually pretty refreshing.

Sean Connery worked as lifeguard at now demolished outdoor Portobello Swimming Pool in the 1950s. There's an indoor 25 metre swimming pool with a Turkish bath
situated on the prom.

You can read the guide with photos and links to more information at: http://www.europealacarte.co.uk/Scotland/edinburghoffthebeatentrack.html Karen Bryan is a UK based independent travel consultant and writer. Her website Europe a la Carte, http://www.europealacarte.co.uk, features less well known destinations in Europe. Karen believes that if you venture even slightly off the beaten tourist track that you will see more of the real Europe.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_Bryan

Experience the Great Winter Run 2010 - Holyrood Park Edinburgh By Xavi Smith Platinum Quality Author

2010-07-15T04:35:00.001-07:00

The start of a New Year is a time many resolve to improve their health and fitness, and running is one of the most popular and effective ways to achieve this.

However, in the cold, dark depths of January, many of us are least inclined to get out running.

That's why it's great to get started with an exhilarating, exciting and fun running event.

The Great Winter Run 2010 comes once again to Edinburgh on Saturday 9th of January.

The 5Km run in the city's beautiful Holyrood Park attracts everyone from beginners to the cream of the global running scene.

Runners participate for charity, for fun or to set the pace for a newer, fitter year - making it a thrilling and optimistic event to mark the beginning of a new year.

The BUPA event has been applauded by health experts as a fitting way to celebrate running and promote the health benefits to people of all ages and ability.

Runners love the adrenaline rush of the exercise, which makes it a fantastic exercise for improving both physical and mental health, and the natural way to beat January blues.

An event creates a target which motivates people to start the year running, and get into good habits for fitness throughout the winter months.

In winter, the temptation is to cosy up in a warm house on a sofa. In fact, we need the adrenaline boost of fresh air and exercise more than ever!

Also taking place is the Bupa Junior Great Winter Run, a 2.5km run for children aged 7-13.

In addition, the Bupa Great Edinburgh International Cross Country Run attracts the worlds best middle distance runners.

Bagpipes add to sense of occasion, marking the run as a key event on the Scottish Capital's calendar.

The event has become widely regarded on the global running calendar, attracting world class runners, as well as amateur enthusiasts from around the country.

Fortunately, there is a wealth of Edinburgh accommodation to choose from including apartments.

Groups of runners benefit from staying in serviced apartments in Edinburgh which are of a high quality.

Great run finishers will be glad of a luxury, central Edinburgh apartments, to return to and relax after this most thrilling of days for runners.

My name is Xavi Smith and I love to write about the city of Edinburgh and Scotland.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Xavi_Smith

An Edinburgh City Guide to the Athens of the North By Justin Arnold Platinum Quality Author

2010-07-15T04:33:00.001-07:00

If you're taking the time to visit the Athens of the North, then you'll need a sound Edinburgh city guide to help you to enjoy the experience of exploring Scotland's capital, and the second biggest city in Scotland. Finding suitable Edinburgh accommodation isn't hard, but you'll almost certainly want to make sure you're in the right area to help your stay more convenient.

The fact that Edinburgh is built on the remains of a battle between a glacier and a volcano means that without a helpful Edinburgh city guide you could find yourself spending the first part of every day's excursion climbing what will inevitably feel like a vertical rock face by the end of a week!

If you are planning on visiting Edinburgh then you'll be one of the one million visitors every year who are enchanted by a city with more culture and history than most. Of course one of the aspects most frequently covered in any reputable Edinburgh city guide is the Edinburgh Festival. Not a single event, the Festival is a collection of events and activities which spans several weeks during the summer, and is certainly well worth a visit.

Of the most famous events or festivals held during this time is the Edinburgh Fringe, which has nothing to do with hairdressers in fancy dress, but everything to do with being the biggest and quite probably the most important performing arts festival in the world. Other events taking place throughout the Edinburgh Festival include the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and for booklovers, the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

Whatever you're in to, you'll almost certainly discover something to whet your appetite if you visit the city at this time of year. More details of other festivals will be included in any decent Edinburgh city guide, as well as where to find the best Edinburgh accommodation to ensure you're conveniently close to the events you want to see.

Other events you might want to visit Edinburgh to enjoy seeing might include the Hogmanay street party (31 December), Burns Night (25 January), St. Andrew's Day (30 November), and the Beltane Fire Festival (30 April). Just check through your Edinburgh city guide and discover what time of year is best for your visit - or come as often as you like!

There's great Edinburgh accommodation all year round, and whether you want to enjoy the warm summer sun, beautiful sparkling waters and breathtaking views, or snuggle up with a whiskey, a log fire and friendly company of a winter's evening, Edinburgh can certainly accommodate you.

The city of Edinburgh is unique in its combination of a rugged landscape bearing the battle scars of awe inspiring events long in its past, with some of the most splendid Medieval and Georgian architecture to be seen. It's this combination which has earned its reputation as being the most picturesque city in the whole of Europe

Indeed, as your Edinburgh city guide will certainly tell you, with over 4,500 listed buildings and 40 separate conservation areas it's no surprise that both the Old Town and New Town areas of the city have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for the past decade and a half. In fact, the proportion of Edinburgh covered by these listings is greater than any other city in the UK, providing an unrivalled opportunity to enjoy a city that truly is like no other.

The beautiful Princes Street Gardens divides the city centre into two, with Princes Street and the New Town to the north, and the Old Town to the south. As you explore the Old Town it will be hard to miss the impressive sight of Edinburgh Castle looking much as though it has risen out of the volcano itself to admire the view.

The Old Town is a beautiful part of the city, and much detailed in any Edinburgh city guide. With the Royal Mile the primary artery, small, fascinating streets each a collection of museums, galleries, shops and cafes lead off on either side, constantly tempting you to explore!

Whatever time of year you come, and whatever appeals to you, armed with a good Edinburgh city guide and comfortable, conveniently situated Edinburgh accommodation, you'll be certain to find you'll want to return again, and again.

Edinburgh Search is an online Edinburgh city guide, city portal, and local search engine all rolled into one. Packed with all the latest Edinburgh information and resources, the site caters for locals, visitors and tourists alike, including information about Edinburgh accommodation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Justin_Arnold

North Berwick, East Lothian - A Town Surrounded by Beautiful Islands By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author

2010-07-15T04:31:00.000-07:00

Location: North Berwick is one of the famous towns situated in East Lothian on the south east coast of Scotland. With beautiful sandy beaches and small harbor, this town attracts tourists from various parts of the countries throughout the year. North Berwick is just 35 minutes travel by train from Edinburgh and this town grew as a famous resort because of two beautiful sandy bays namely, Berwick Bay and Misley Bay.

The main attraction of this town is the islands and beaches. Several small islands like, Fidra, Lamb, Bass Rock and Craigleith can be viewed and visited by boats. Especially Bass Rock that appears white due to gannets and guano is the centre of attraction of the tourists. Have the glimpse of the flock of sea bird species from the Scottish Sea Bird Centre which is situated near harbor.

During summer, this town will be fully engaged and flooded by tourists. One should not miss the beaches and enjoy in golden sands, rocks, tidal paddling pool and boating pond. Sea cliff is one other private paid beach at North Berwick where tourists love to visit.

Apart from islands and beaches people visit the very old Fourteenth Century Fortress Tantallon Castle situated at 3 miles from the east of North Berwick. North Berwick Law and Sea Bird Centre are some other attractions of this beautiful town and worthy place to visit. If you want to enjoy the sailing events then get into the East Lothian yacht Club that hosts several national and international sailing events.

This tourist town has hotels with excellent infrastructure. Some of the facilities in the hotels include restaurants, spa, conference halls, swimming pools etc. The numbers of tourists who visit this lovely place are increasing every year and hence there is huge demand for accommodation. Online booking facilities help the visitors to book the accommodation according to their choice.

If you are in search of a worthy and unique place for your vacation, then choose North Berwick to attain non stop enjoyment.

Look for hotels in North Berwick.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Haughtone

Camping in Scotland, Barns Ness, Looking Out to Sea on Scotland's East Coast By Peter Lennon Platinum Quality Author

2010-07-15T04:29:00.000-07:00

Barns Ness

Looking out to sea on Scotland's east coast

It's not just nature lovers who are drawn to this quiet site on Scotland's sunshine coast, but golfers too. This quiet eastern corner of Scotland boasts the world's finest selection of links golf courses as well as a variety of wild and bird life.

* Barns Ness has a wildlife reserve and a geology trail. Guided nature walks from the site run in July and August.

* The beach at Barns Ness is a haven for dog lovers, with a five-mile stretch of beach designated as a dog walk.

* Dunbar is great for eating out. You'll find a good range of places to eat out in the town - including hotels, Indian restaurants, fish and chip shops, and cafes.

* Fully signed car touring trails exploring East Lothian from Dunbar to Musselburgh and back include The Coastal Trail, The Hillfoots Trail and The Saltire Trail.

* The coastal resort of North Berwick is home to the Scottish Seabird Centre. Get a bird's-eye view of life on Bass Rock, one of Europe's most important seabird colonies, using the centre's interactive cameras.

* The Sunday market in thel 8th century village of East Linton is well worth a visit.

* Slightly further afield, Haddington hosts a farmers' market on Saturday and a lively annual music festival.

* Nature lovers, walkers and more energetic cyclists will enjoy the Lammermuir hills with their wild landscapes, spectacular views and abundant wildlife.

* No visit to Scotland is complete without sampling a tot of the local brew. Try the Belhaven Brewery near Dunbar for beers or the Glenkinchie distillery south of Pencaitland where tours demonstrate the process of whisky making.

A visitors opinion:

"A quiet friendly site. You can take a stroll to the beach or enjoy a coastal walk. There's plenty of flora and fauna and glorious sunsets." Derrick Lofthouse

Did you know?

John Muir, the 19th century conservationist who founded America's first national parks, was born in the nearby town of Dunbar. The 1,740-acre Country Park there is named after him.

The nice way to tour this area of Scotland is by motorhome. By doing so you can explore at your leisure and 'wild camp' if you like or find a wonderful campsite such as this one. If you wish to do this, there are many motorhome hire companies throughout the UK who can supply campervans, motorhomes or even large american RVs.

Typically their motorhomes are less than 12 months old and are easy to drive.

If you wish to buy a motorhome, one website with an excellent range of motorhomes for sale is http://www.motorhomesdirect.co.uk.

This website is also a great resource for finding private motorhome hire.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Lennon

Eyemouth, Scottish Borders - One of the Busiest Ports in Scotland By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author

2010-07-15T04:27:00.000-07:00

Town information- The small town of Eyemouth, Scottish Borders with its estimated population of 3420 inhabitants, is located in lieutenancy area of Berwickshire, Scotland in Sovereign State of United Kingdom. The area name derives directly from its location- laying at the mouth of Eye Water. The 35 kilometre long, Eye Water river flows from Lammermuir Hills to Eyemouth estuary on Scotlands' east coast. Eyemouth is regarded as one of the busiest fishing ports in the area, with approximately 80 boasts visiting the harbour on a daily basis. Neigboring villages include Ayton, Reston, St. Abbs, Coldingham and Burnmouth.

Fishing and angling- Eyemouth is a fisher and angler paradise with catches that include ling, hake, haddock, cod and mackerel. Wreck and drift fishing are also very popular activities in the area. If you regard fly fishing as your cup of tea, you are sure to thoroughly enjoy a trip to Coldingham Loch. Three types of trout can be caught in this river which includes brown, rainbow and blue trout.

Water sports- The clear, sapphire blue waters and wide variety of sea life, makes Berwickshire an absolute spectacular spot for diving. Training courses are present by qualified instructors for first timers who wish to give the sport a go. Snorkelling and surfing are also very popular activities in the area.

Pathways and walking trails- It is recommended that nature lovers site-see the town and its attractions on foot. The network of trails in area range from challenging to easy-going for senior visitors. Guided walks are held on a regular basis to enrich tourists' knowledge of the area. St. Abb's Voluntary Marine Reserve holds seashore safaris and guided tours during months of June, July and August. Paxton House is a 18th century, Adam designed manor with a vast selection gardens, woodlands and yet again walks along the river.

To find a hotel in Eyemouth just click here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Haughtone

Have You Been to Eyemouth, Scottish Borders Before? By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author

2010-07-15T04:25:00.001-07:00

For those of you who have not heard of Eyemouth, Scottish Borders, Eyemouth is a town in the county of Scottish Borders, Scotland. This town is well-known as a busy fishing and seaside port.

It can be reached easily by sea, train or road from England or other places. What is great about Eyemouth? It is a good place to visit for holidays. If you are the sort who craves for a quiet and peaceful holiday, then, Eyemouth is the perfect place for you.

Take leisurely walks to enjoy the beautiful sea scenery and the unspoilt land which borders England with Scotland. Or simply relax and drink a nice cup of coffee at a harbour side cafe while admiring the view of the sea and fishing boats. For those who prefer to have a more active holiday, you can play golf, go diving, boating, swimming or exploring the lovely countryside.

Due to its rich and fascinating history which includes smuggling, witch burning and shipwrecks, there are many interesting places to visit in this town. Visit Gunsgreen House to know about smuggling history, vaulted cellars and hiding places used for smuggling. You can stay or even get married at this former mansion. It has a number of well-furnished rooms which show the evidence of different historical periods.

You would also get the chance to enjoy the scenic harbour view from some of these rooms. If you visit Eyemouth during certain periods, you would get the opportunity to participate in special events like the Seafood Festival, Herring Queen Festival and Smugglers Christmas. During the Seafood Festival, there are displays of seafood and local crafts, cookery demonstrations, hog roasts and other entertaining games for children and adults.

This festival seems to go well with the crowd every year and might be worth checking out. Overall, Eyemouth, Scottish Borders is a good place to visit for you and your family to visit at least once.

To find a hotel in Eyemouth just click here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Haughtone

Duns - Scottish Borders is a Vacation to Remember By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author

2010-07-03T08:50:00.000-07:00

The country town of Duns was created in the 1490's by a person named James IV. Duns, which is a wonderful country town is located on the Scottish Borders and can be a vacation spot to remember. You will find that the country of Duns is known for being one of the largest places to shop in the Scotland's. The gift of a lifetime can be purchased right here in this wonderful country town and you will find that most people in Duns to has a lot of hand crafted items for sale.

Duns is currently growing and full of housing development's, which means living here would be a great deal, if that is what you are in need of. You as a person who is looking to move or just a tourist can see all the neat sites of the new development that's been going on since the 1990's. For all of those golfers that are reading this article, you can find one of the largest courses in the country of Scotland.

The Duns castle is one of the major tourist attractions, which is something that no visitor should turn down. The Castle is viewable throughout the town and the pictures you take will be something nice for you, your spouse and children and will be known as a memorable day.

The Castles you find here in Duns can give you plenty of new things to do each day, while you are visiting or traveling to this place. Wedderburn castle is one of the places that's located to the east of Duns that was rebuilt to keep the foundation from falling. They started that development in the year 1771 and finished by 1775.

You will find that Duns in Scotland will give you wonderful memories of an everlasting vacation. The Country life and culture can teach you a lot about the history.

For accommodation in Duns check this list of Duns hotels.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Haughtone

Duns, the Small Town in the Scottish Borders By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author

2010-07-03T08:48:00.000-07:00

Duns is a small town in the Scottish Borders, created back in 1490 by James the Fifth. Upon its creation it was a Burgh of Barony and now is the county town of Berwickshire. The first reference of Duns dates back to 1214 when an individual called Hugo de Duns signed his name as a witness to a charter.

Duns is a very well appointed - although small town- in the borders, featuring numerous buildings of historical significance. The Duns Castle is the major attraction in the town; it is sided to the Duns Law and was originally built by Randolph Earl of Moray back in 1320. Randolph was the nephew of Robert the Bruce. Prior to 1690 Alexander Hay of Duns acquired the castle and was responsible for the preservation; the structure that we see today is the result of his efforts.

The Duns Mercat Cross is also among the important monuments of the town. It is the symbol of the commercial standing of Duns; the original cross was removed in 1816 and rebuilt a few years later in the main park of Duns, so as to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria.

Duns features large shopping facilities and is still considered to be the one of the most important market towns in Scotland. Both Duns and the vicinity boast a substantial residential development, even in places that was not originally permitted. Especially some settlements close to the golf club have raised controversy in the region.

Duns is known for a type of football that dates back to the medieval era. The game is called Ba and requires three balls: a golden, a silver and a coloured one. The Ba tournament was revived in 1949 and still attracts many locals and visitors from Scotland and the rest of the Kingdom.

Find your next Duns hotel - here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Haughtone

Take a Tranquil Break in the Scottish Borders By G Rushton

2010-06-14T08:29:00.001-07:00

The Scottish borders are a beautiful area full of picturesque towns and villages, historic sites and rolling green hills, the perfect place for a short break in Scotland. If you are looking for relaxing countryside with a mixture of popular attractions, friendly people and interesting places then the Scottish borders could be just the place for you.

KELSO
This is an extremely historical part of Scotland and all the settlements in the Scottish borders have great claims in the history of our country. kelso is no different with the town originating from Kelso Abbey - a magnificent building. King David I agreed to allow monks to construct the abbey near to his castle at Roxburgh in 1128 and although the abbey remains the castle does not apart from a few ruins. Buried deep in the realms of history this amazing castle was to be the death of King James II when an large cannon exploded and killed him in 1460.

Apart from historical buildings there are lots of attractions and activities in and around the beautiful town of Kelso. The beautiful Floors Castle, more of a stately home, is the largest inhabited house in Scotland and has magnificent gardens well worth spending an afternoon in. The very substantial town square in Kelso is full of interesting shops and places to eat, and wandering around Kelso is an enjoyable day in itself. Kelso is also a good base to explore the surrounding area and other towns and attractions in the Scottish borders.

JEDBURGH
No short break in the borders of Scotland would be complete without a visit to Jedburgh. Jedburgh is a small and beautiful town in the Scottish borders and also boasts a truly magnificent and historical abbey, built in 1138. The very position of Jedburgh, a matter of 9 miles from the English border, made it a hotbed for conflict between Scotland and England. Known for its beautiful gardens and scenic riverfront walks, Jedburgh is very popular with all tourists who visit the area.

MELROSE
For Rugby fans the name Melrose will mean everything, as it is the home of Rugby Sevens, and indeed a fine ambassador for the game in Scotland. Another famous abbey is located in Melrose and this abbey is probably one of the most photographed churches in the whole of Scotland. Although most of the abbey dates from the 14th century, the abbey was originally constructed in 1136 and destroyed by Richard II in 1385. Melrose has a lot to offer the tourist and is a
must see location in the Scottish borders.

"looks like what many people think the highlands look like"... It is a wonderful area for a weekend break and there are a large selection of top quality hotels in the Scottish borders for you to choose from. Why not sneak away to one of the many welcoming hotels or guest houses and have a wonderful short break in Scotland!

Visit http://www.hotelsinscotland.org for more Scottish holiday ideas like this one, and to book hotels in the Scottish Borders quickly and easily online.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=G_Rushton