Martin & Rosie’s guidebook

Rosie
Martin & Rosie’s guidebook

Sightseeing

A must see if you're in Edinburgh on a fine day and our favourite place in Edinburgh. It's only a 10 - 15 minute walk away from our apartment. Don't miss the rock garden, it's fabulous! Free entry
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Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Arboretum Place
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A must see if you're in Edinburgh on a fine day and our favourite place in Edinburgh. It's only a 10 - 15 minute walk away from our apartment. Don't miss the rock garden, it's fabulous! Free entry
This is a fabulous insight into our royal family. Prepare to spend a few hours here. The yacht is sited at Ocean Terminal, a small shopping centre which has a selection of restaurants and a cinema, so you could spend the whole day here if it's a wet day.
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Royal Yacht Britannia
Ocean Drive
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This is a fabulous insight into our royal family. Prepare to spend a few hours here. The yacht is sited at Ocean Terminal, a small shopping centre which has a selection of restaurants and a cinema, so you could spend the whole day here if it's a wet day.
We would recommend going to the museum if only to see the building. It's a fabulous space and houses many interesting collections. Free entry
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National Museum of Scotland
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We would recommend going to the museum if only to see the building. It's a fabulous space and houses many interesting collections. Free entry
With great views over the city, the castle houses the Scottish crown jewels and much more. Make sure you are there at 1pm for the One O'clock Gun
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Ikhethelo le-Edinburgh
Castlehill
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With great views over the city, the castle houses the Scottish crown jewels and much more. Make sure you are there at 1pm for the One O'clock Gun
Mary, Queen of Scots lived here and it's now the official residence of her majesty the Queen. Another lovely building with lots of history.
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I-Palace ye-Holyroodhouse
Canongate
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Mary, Queen of Scots lived here and it's now the official residence of her majesty the Queen. Another lovely building with lots of history.
A great day out. The zoo is situated on a fairly steep hill. They run a shuttle to the top but be prepared to walk uphill to make the most of your day!
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Iziko lezintombi zase-Edinburgh
134 Corstorphine Rd
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A great day out. The zoo is situated on a fairly steep hill. They run a shuttle to the top but be prepared to walk uphill to make the most of your day!
Step down into Edinburgh's hidden history in the Old Town. This is a preserved 17th century street and a must see.
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The Real Mary King's Close
2 High St
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Step down into Edinburgh's hidden history in the Old Town. This is a preserved 17th century street and a must see.
Beautiful property built in (and restored back to) 1796 when the Georgian area of Edinburgh was created. Very knowledgeable guides in all the rooms. Allow 2 to 3 hours to make the most of it.
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Indlu ye-Georgian
7 Charlotte Square
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Beautiful property built in (and restored back to) 1796 when the Georgian area of Edinburgh was created. Very knowledgeable guides in all the rooms. Allow 2 to 3 hours to make the most of it.
On the Royal Mile (in the Old Town) between the Castle and Holyrood Palace. Church of Scotland. There are regular services and sometimes music recitals.
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I-Cathedral ye-St Giles
High Street
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On the Royal Mile (in the Old Town) between the Castle and Holyrood Palace. Church of Scotland. There are regular services and sometimes music recitals.
Extensive collection of art situated next to Princes Street Gardens on Princes Street. Free entry. Also check out the National Portrait Galley and the National Gallery of Modern Art which are at different sites.
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Iziko Lokuhlalwa Kwamanye Amazwe weScotland
The Mound
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Extensive collection of art situated next to Princes Street Gardens on Princes Street. Free entry. Also check out the National Portrait Galley and the National Gallery of Modern Art which are at different sites.
Find out about the whisky making process and have a wee dram or two! On the Royal Mile close to the Castle.
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I-Scotch Whisky Experience
354 Castlehill
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Find out about the whisky making process and have a wee dram or two! On the Royal Mile close to the Castle.
360 degree views over Edinburgh from the roof. There are five floors with over 100 illusions. On the Royal Mile close to the Castle.
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Camera Obscura kunye neLizwe lwezithombe
549 Castlehill
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360 degree views over Edinburgh from the roof. There are five floors with over 100 illusions. On the Royal Mile close to the Castle.
It's all about the lifetime of our planet and our galaxy. Close to Arthur's Seat, Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament building.
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Dynamic Earth
Holyrood Road
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It's all about the lifetime of our planet and our galaxy. Close to Arthur's Seat, Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament building.

Walks

Take a half hour to walk along the Water of Leith from Stockbridge to the Dean village (which is situated under the Dean Bridge). It's a pretty, leafy walk and you will also see St Bernard's Well along the way. Keep an eye out for the otters!
The Dean Bridge
Queensferry Road
Take a half hour to walk along the Water of Leith from Stockbridge to the Dean village (which is situated under the Dean Bridge). It's a pretty, leafy walk and you will also see St Bernard's Well along the way. Keep an eye out for the otters!
We'd recommend that you combine Inverleith Park with a walk through the streets of Stockbridge and a visit to the Botanic Garden. It's a large area with a pond, playing fields and tennis courts and 20-30 minutes walk from the apartment.
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Inverleith Park
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We'd recommend that you combine Inverleith Park with a walk through the streets of Stockbridge and a visit to the Botanic Garden. It's a large area with a pond, playing fields and tennis courts and 20-30 minutes walk from the apartment.
This is our favourite local park, about ten minutes walk from the apartment. Great views over the Firth of Forth and you can combine it with a visit to Newhaven Harbour / Western Harbour breakwater.
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Starbank Park
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This is our favourite local park, about ten minutes walk from the apartment. Great views over the Firth of Forth and you can combine it with a visit to Newhaven Harbour / Western Harbour breakwater.
To catch a fabulous sunset, walk through the Victorian streets of Trinity for 20 minutes and you'll get to Newhaven Harbour. From there you can walk further along the Western Harbour breakwater with great views over the Firth of Forth. Lots of good restaurants in this area too!
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Newhaven Harbour
Pier Place
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To catch a fabulous sunset, walk through the Victorian streets of Trinity for 20 minutes and you'll get to Newhaven Harbour. From there you can walk further along the Western Harbour breakwater with great views over the Firth of Forth. Lots of good restaurants in this area too!
This place is a bit out of town but worth a visit if you have time. It's on a fairly large site and has a cafe.
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Jupiter Artland
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This place is a bit out of town but worth a visit if you have time. It's on a fairly large site and has a cafe.
Walk up our ancient volcano situated in Holyrood Park to get a great view of the city. It's 241 metres high and steep in places, so you need good shoes! Combine with a visit to Holyrood Palace or Dynamic Earth.
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I-Arthur's Seat
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Walk up our ancient volcano situated in Holyrood Park to get a great view of the city. It's 241 metres high and steep in places, so you need good shoes! Combine with a visit to Holyrood Palace or Dynamic Earth.
Go and see our unfinished National Monument! Not far from the east end of Princes Street. Access by steep steps or a winding road. Great views of Princes Street, Arthur's Seat and the rest of the city.
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I-Calton Hill
Calton Hill
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Go and see our unfinished National Monument! Not far from the east end of Princes Street. Access by steep steps or a winding road. Great views of Princes Street, Arthur's Seat and the rest of the city.
If you want to avoid the crowds that descend on Arthur's Seat, there are lots of alternative paths in Holyrood park. Or you can walk around a circular paved road which passes two lochs and gives great views over the city and the coastline. The circular walk is 3 or 4 miles with a gradual uphill section.
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Ipharki ye-Holyrood
Queen's Drive
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If you want to avoid the crowds that descend on Arthur's Seat, there are lots of alternative paths in Holyrood park. Or you can walk around a circular paved road which passes two lochs and gives great views over the city and the coastline. The circular walk is 3 or 4 miles with a gradual uphill section.

Day trips

Lots of aircraft to see here including Concorde. About 40 minutes drive from the apartment
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Iziko Lomuzi Wokuphuma Kwezwe
B1347
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Lots of aircraft to see here including Concorde. About 40 minutes drive from the apartment
South Queensferry is an historic royal burgh about 35 minutes drive away. There you can see the Forth Bridge (railway), the Forth Road Bridge and the new Queensferry Crossing. Lots of restaurants too.
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Forth Bridge
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South Queensferry is an historic royal burgh about 35 minutes drive away. There you can see the Forth Bridge (railway), the Forth Road Bridge and the new Queensferry Crossing. Lots of restaurants too.
It's a great boat trip from South Queensferry to visit Inchcolm island, and you get to see the three bridges over the Forth at the same time. There are a couple of companies - Maid of the Forth and Forth Boat Tours.
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Inchcolm Abbey
Inchcolm Island
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It's a great boat trip from South Queensferry to visit Inchcolm island, and you get to see the three bridges over the Forth at the same time. There are a couple of companies - Maid of the Forth and Forth Boat Tours.
About 50 minutes drive away is the pretty seaside town of North Berwick. Sandy beaches to walk along, crazy golf and the Scottish Seabird Centre. Pre-book a boat trip to the Bass Rock of Isle of May especially when the sea birds are nesting. Combine with a visit to either Tantallon or Dirleton Castle.
North Berwick by the beach
Beach Road
About 50 minutes drive away is the pretty seaside town of North Berwick. Sandy beaches to walk along, crazy golf and the Scottish Seabird Centre. Pre-book a boat trip to the Bass Rock of Isle of May especially when the sea birds are nesting. Combine with a visit to either Tantallon or Dirleton Castle.
About 40 minutes away, the Kelpies are very impressive sculptures. Can be combined with a trip to the Falkirk Wheel.
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The Kelpies
The Helix
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About 40 minutes away, the Kelpies are very impressive sculptures. Can be combined with a trip to the Falkirk Wheel.
King James VI of Scotland / King James I of England was christened here. Interesting castle and historic streets close by. Best to book ahead. I would recommend booking a car park space - you can leave your car there whilst you explore the town.
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Stirling Castle
Castle Wynd
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King James VI of Scotland / King James I of England was christened here. Interesting castle and historic streets close by. Best to book ahead. I would recommend booking a car park space - you can leave your car there whilst you explore the town.

Food scene

Our local restaurant, under five minutes walk away from the apartment. Relaxed atmosphere and good food. Best to book ahead. 0131 5523292.
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The Herringbone
2 S Trinity Rd
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Our local restaurant, under five minutes walk away from the apartment. Relaxed atmosphere and good food. Best to book ahead. 0131 5523292.
20 minute walk from the apartment or 5 minutes on the bus, the Orchard Bar and Restaurant does very good food. Try the steak and Merlot pie - you won't be disappointed! Book a table on 0131 5500850.
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Orchard
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20 minute walk from the apartment or 5 minutes on the bus, the Orchard Bar and Restaurant does very good food. Try the steak and Merlot pie - you won't be disappointed! Book a table on 0131 5500850.
As seen on TV, the best fish and chips in Edinburgh! Just a 20 minute walk from the apartment, situated at Newhaven Harbour. Great sunsets from here. Book ahead on 0131 5528262.
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The Fishmarket
23A Pier Pl
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As seen on TV, the best fish and chips in Edinburgh! Just a 20 minute walk from the apartment, situated at Newhaven Harbour. Great sunsets from here. Book ahead on 0131 5528262.
Another restaurant at Newhaven Harbour, 20 minutes walk away. Good fish restaurant, large and airy inside with some outdoor tables. Book ahead on 0131 5593900.
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Loch Fyne Restaurant & Bar
23A Pier Place
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Another restaurant at Newhaven Harbour, 20 minutes walk away. Good fish restaurant, large and airy inside with some outdoor tables. Book ahead on 0131 5593900.
Our favourite Chinese restaurant in Edinburgh. Ten minutes away on the bus, or handy to call into on your way home from the city. 0131 5571875.
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Kweilin
19-21 Dundas Street
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Our favourite Chinese restaurant in Edinburgh. Ten minutes away on the bus, or handy to call into on your way home from the city. 0131 5571875.
City centre, just off upmarket George Street. Good Italian food at VERY reasonable prices. You can't book - just turn up, you don't usually wait long to be seated.
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Bar Napoli
75 Hanover St
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City centre, just off upmarket George Street. Good Italian food at VERY reasonable prices. You can't book - just turn up, you don't usually wait long to be seated.
A favourite of ours. Lovely small french restaurant close to George Street. Lunch deal is very reasonable. Book ahead 0131 2262230.
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Café Marlayne
76 Thistle St
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A favourite of ours. Lovely small french restaurant close to George Street. Lunch deal is very reasonable. Book ahead 0131 2262230.
Not far from the Royal Mile, this place does amazing fish and chips. Situated over two floors, there's lots of space and we've always had good service there. Good value too.
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Bertie's Proper Fish & Chips
9 Victoria St
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Not far from the Royal Mile, this place does amazing fish and chips. Situated over two floors, there's lots of space and we've always had good service there. Good value too.
Close to the Royal Mile. Very good Italian restaurant with friendly relaxed atmosphere. Book ahead on 0131 2251740.
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Vittoria on the Bridge
19 George IV Bridge
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Close to the Royal Mile. Very good Italian restaurant with friendly relaxed atmosphere. Book ahead on 0131 2251740.
Lovely French restaurant in the west end of Edinburgh. Up one flight of stairs. Great lunch menu / price. Book a table on 0131 2261890.
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L'Escargot Bleu Restaurant
56 Broughton St
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Lovely French restaurant in the west end of Edinburgh. Up one flight of stairs. Great lunch menu / price. Book a table on 0131 2261890.

Drinks and cocktails

Pop in for a drink, or just a look! The central dome in the main bar is spectacular.
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The Dome
14 George St
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Pop in for a drink, or just a look! The central dome in the main bar is spectacular.
There is a lovely cocktail bar here if you want a break from sightseeing!
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Tigerlilly
125 George St
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There is a lovely cocktail bar here if you want a break from sightseeing!
Great cocktails with views over Princes Street gardens and the castle
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Juniper Edinburgh
20 Princes St
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Great cocktails with views over Princes Street gardens and the castle

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Tourist attractions and Covid-19

The majority of attractions (including the free entry sites) are operating an online booking system for visitors. Please check the relevant website and book as far ahead as possible so that you are not disappointed.