Mark Lauterwein is a UK based writer. He is currently writing articles on a variety of subjects.
Historically Edinburgh was once the capital of a British kingdom that served as a buffer state against the Pictish people north of Stirling. Later it was part of the nascent Kingdom of Northumbria. But today the thing that strikes a visitor from South of the border above all is the quintessentially Scottish feel of the place.
The reason why it was once so smoky (“reekie”) was, in part, down to all the back street distilleries busy burning up the “water of life”. Mercifully, the air is a lot fresher today but the association with the national drink remains strong. The Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre, on the upper end of the Royal Mile is devoted to the history of Scotland’s most important export. Part of this involves a ride on a ghost train type ride. Fortunately, a complimentary dram at the end helps settle nerves. Hotels here are generally well able to cater to those whisky fans looking to try some new cask strength malts.
Edinburgh castle has become the symbol of the city and is visited by a million tourists each year: it’s not hard to see why they come. The castle’s outer walls rise seamlessly from the jutting volcanic rock and enclose a fortress of iconic impregnability. Archaeological evidence suggests the site has been inhabited continuously for three thousand years. The oldest part of the castle standing today is St. Margaret’s Chapel. The castle also houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Scottish National War Memorial.
Edinburgh is the birthplace for many, past and present, who went on to achieve international fame. A short roll call: Alexander Graham Bell, Sir Sean Connery, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Magnus Magnussen and the Bay City Rollers. Many more people of note passed through, stopping off in Edinburgh hotels, such as the explorer Ernest Shackleton. Advising him to take it easy on what was to prove his last expedition, Shakleton’s doctor received the rebuke,” you always want me to give up something!”. A little later the great man gave up the ghost.
Finally, for three weeks each August Edinburgh hosts the world’s biggest arts festival which includes performers from every sphere: from Shakespeare to dance and stand-up. Accommodation is hard to come by during this period so in order to participate visitors need to sort out their hotels some months in advance.
11.4.2008
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Cheap Bed & Breaksfast Hotels in Ramsgate Uk
- Hotels Accommodation in Canterbury
- A Guide to Choose Best Hotel in Hertford , Hertfordshire , UK
- France's New Hotel Classification
- Luxury Hotels in Dover Kent England
- Deal Hotels, Cheap Hotels in Deal, Hotels Accommodation in Deal Kent
- Paddock Wood Hotels, Cheap Hotels in Paddock Wood Kent
- Canterbury Hotels, Cheap Hotels in Canterbury Kent
Clearwater Beach Vacation Rental Vs. Hotels in Florida
By: Merilou Athens-Barnekow | 22/11/2009Economy got you down? Your family is begging for a vacation, yet the bad economic news keeps you from looking for travel deals. You NEED a vacation!!! There is a way to beat the gloom and doom. Buddy up. That's right - buddy up. A vacation rental by owner offer unbeatable...
A Visit to Birmingham : commercial center of England
By: Vinceny | 22/11/2009Birmingham is one largest core cities of England it is often referred as the second city of United Birmingham Centenary SquareKingdom, which establishes its importance in the country. Though the importance of the city has declined industrially, it has gained the status of being a highly successful commercial center. With this, Birmingham is estimated to be the third best place to locate a business. Moreover, it is a thriving tourist spot, visited by thousands of visitors every year. The city rem
Job Opportunities On a Cruise Ship
By: Neil Maxwell Keys | 22/11/2009If you're thinking about getting a cruise ship job, the chances are that you're excited by the prospect of traveling the world and getting paid for it. However, before you rush off and start applying for jobs, have you thought about your previous experience and how that could help you to land the perfect job? This article will help you.
Passage to India Part 5 - My Father's Flight to India in 1934
By: Michael Ogden | 22/11/2009This is the 5th instalment of the story of my father flying to India in 1934 in a single engined plane, a Miles Hawk Major with Lady Blanche Douglas.
Top 5 Truly Hawaiian Historical Sites
By: Sam Kanakanui | 22/11/2009Visitors to Hawaii soon find that the island state has more to offer than its beautiful beaches and tropical breezes. Hawaii has been a historic Pacific crossroads for centuries, and the top five historical sites in Hawaii tell the stories of these encounters. 1. Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Moloka'i Among the tragedies...
Top 5 Truly Hawaiian Vacation Spots
By: Sam Kanakanui | 22/11/2009America's 50th state, Hawaii, offers its visitors a veritable treasure trove of unforgettable vacation experiences. From its active volcano, Kilauea, to the vivid tropical fish in its waters, to many Polynesian cultures that formed its society, Hawaii bursts with opportunities for a memorable visit. Here are five of the most...
History of the Haines Shoe House
By: EM Downing Johnson | 22/11/2009Once upon a time, in the County of York (Pennsylvania, that is), a wizard built a magical house that was meant to influence people to do what he wanted them to. No, seriously, it's a true story. In 1948, the self-proclaimed "Shoe Wizard", also known as "Colonel" Mahlon N. Haines,...
I Love Sightseeing Tours of Italy - Abruzzi/Molise Winter Attractions and Events
By: Levi Reiss | 22/11/2009Don't think of Italy as only a summer destination. You'll find plenty to do and see all year. These articles provide ideas for your Italian winter vacation, describing regional spectacles, tourist attractions, and special events, and sometimes skiing and other winter sports. Italian winter holidays have several advantages: You won't fight the crowds, accommodations are easier and cheaper to find, and every region has its own winter festivals.
Gap Year: Over the Hills and Far Away
By: Mark Lauterwein | 02/05/2008 | TravelA gap year is not only an adventure to enjoy for the moment, it is also the stuff of future memory. Many who have taken time out from their day-to-day routine to gather new experiences abroad recall their adventures as the best months of their lives. And the profile of those opting to do something like this is changing: increasingly it is the older traveller who chooses to take a sabbatical.
Debt Management: Beat Debt? No Sweat!
By: Mark Lauterwein | 23/04/2008 | Personal FinanceSo much in debt, you’re running out of bread? Now’s the time to use your loaf!
Debt: Bad Debt Rising
By: Mark Lauterwein | 23/04/2008 | Personal FinancePeople in debt get upset. Not planning for this can be a cause of regret.
Edinburgh Hotels: Auld Reekie Comes Up Roses
By: Mark Lauterwein | 22/04/2008 | TravelHistorically Edinburgh was once the capital of a British kingdom that served as a buffer state against the Pictish people north of Stirling.
Solicitors: Clients Value Good Service Above All
By: Mark Lauterwein | 21/04/2008 | LawA couple of years ago Which? investigated the quality of service offered by solicitors to their clients in England and Wales. The results were dispiriting, to say the least.
Electricity Bills: the Bill Explained
By: Mark Lauterwein | 21/04/2008 | FinanceUtility bills contain a lot of information and the format is not always as clear as it might be.
Credit Cards: Guidelines for Credit Consumers
By: Mark Lauterwein | 21/04/2008 | CreditWhen credit card users want to apply for a new card it is best not to approach several providers individually.
Compare Gas Prices: British Gas Raises Prices
By: Mark Lauterwein | 21/04/2008 | FinanceIn the first quarter of 2008 British Gas, the major gas supplier in the UK, increased prices to the tune of 15%.