free membershipDestination Guide
Edinburgh & Lothians
Tourist Information
Things to see & do in Edinburgh & The Lothians
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is ranked in the top ten cities to visit in Europe, attracting millions of visitors from across the world each year. Well known for the Edinburgh Tattoo in August and the Edinburgh Fringe. The city and surrounding area offers everything the visitor could wish for. Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, where every step is a revelation. Ancient alleyways and courtyards, lofty tenements, palaces, churches, parks and of course dominated by towering Edinburgh Castle . A perfect balance between traditional and contemporary.
There are 1st class shops on Princes Street, a world famous zoo, museums, galleries, fine restaurants and pubs. Because Edinburgh is a compact city, it is easy to get round and you can easily walk round the city and see the sites like Holyrood Palace, Royal Yacht Britannia and of course Edinburgh Castle.
Beyond the city and within easy access of Edinburgh is the more tranquil Lothians, (with 3 distinct regions: West Lothian, Midlothian and East Lothian.) An area steeped in history, with many castles, historic houses and famous battlesites. Its also an area which has many golf courses, as well as a glorious coastline, with coastal walks and beaches.
Golf
Some of Scotlands most renowned courses are in the Lothian areas - Gullane, Muirfield and Dunbar. Musselburgh Links is one of the oldest courses in Scotland. Whether you prefer to play on a links golf course with sea views or a parkland course, there is plenty choice, Classic's hotels will be happy to help with your selection, and you can see a list of hotels offering golf breaks.
Out and About
Within an hours drive of Edinburgh, there is a vast amount of things to do for the outdoor enthusiast, or for those wishing a "buzz". Knockhill Racing circuit, near Dunfermline offers all sorts of challenges, off roading, circuit racing, rally driving and more. If the beach is more your thing then there are many blue flag beaches in the area, and the Lothians has the lowest rainfall in Scotland. Aberlady Bay, Gullane, Bents, Yellowcraig, Portobello, Cramond.
Although Edinburgh is a compact city, making it easy to get around on foot, the Lothians are so close by, means spectacular scenery is close by too. There are dozens of worthwhile easily graded walks available. Guidebooks are available at most Tourist Information Centres.
Here are a few suggestions:
Arthurs Seat- 250m above the city skyline.
Water of Leith- 12 miles
Pentlands - South of Edinburgh, more hilly walks
Rosslyn Glen & Chapel
Almondell Country Park
Linlithgow
