History
Edinburgh has a unique and fascinating
and eclectic mix of old town and new town history. The area around modern-day Edinburgh has been
inhabited for thousands of years.Its origins as a settlement can be traced to
the early Middle Ages.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is the most
famous Scottish Castle. The oldest part, St Margaret's Chapel, dates from the 12th
century. The Great Hall was erected by James IV around 1510, the Half
Moon Battery by the Regent Morton in the late 16th century and the Scottish
National War Memorial after the First World War. The castle is home to
the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, the famous 15th century gun
Mons Meg, the One O' Clock Gun and the National War Museum of Scotland.
Edinburgh Vaults
The Edinburgh Vaults or South Bridge
Vaults are a series of chambers formed in the nineteen arches of the South
Bridge in Edinburgh, Scotland, which was completed in 1788. For around 30
years, the vaults were used to house taverns, cobblers and other tradesmen, and
as storage space for illicit material, reportedly including the bodies of
people killed by serial killers Burke and Hare for medical experiments. As the
conditions in the vaults deteriorated, mainly because of damp and poor air
quality, the businesses left and the very poorest of Edinburgh's citizens moved
in, though by around 1820, even they are believed to have left too. That people
had lived there was only discovered in 1985 during an excavation, when middens
were found containing toys, medicine bottles, plates, and other signs of human
habitation. Guests can tour the vaults on various walks and tours.
Arthur’s Seat
Not many cities can boast an
extinct volcano at their centre. Arthur’s Seat is just over 250m and you
can see it throughout much of the city. After a hike up Arthur’s Seat or
Calton Hill, another of the city’s iconic features, stunning views of the city
can be taken in.
Nooks and crannies!
These can be found everywhere
and are what make Edinburgh so special. A walk up or down the Royal Mile, into
a few pubs steeped in history can lead you down many side alley ways where
little hidden gems can be found. Mercat Tours (factual ghost tours of the
city can help you explore these)
Free stuff to do!
There’s a huge range of free
things to do: The Scottish National Museum, the Money Museum, and a visit
to St Giles Cathedral to name a few. All of the main attractions are
based in the city centre and are all within a 20 minute walk of SCH.
Princes Street
Princes Street is a fantastic
shopping street and runs at the opposite side of Waverley Train Station to the
Royal Mile. Parallel to this is Rose Street, a fabulous street for one
off kitchens and restaurants. Edinburgh does food and drink really well!
Central location for touring Scotland
Many day tours by Haggis Adventures
to Loch Ness or Skye for example, leave from the top of our street in Edinburgh
and are a great day out. Smart City Hostel is a great location and base for these.
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