Edinburgh is Scotland’s second most populace city and the capital of Scotland, which it has been since the 15th Century. It is home to the Scottish Government, parliament and also the Scottish supreme courts. Edinburgh has a very long history and can trace back early settlements to around 8500 B.C. Since then it has been settled by the Romans; overtaken by the Angles and then abandoned to the Scots; given Royal Burgh status and then destroyed and rebuilt in the 16th Century. In the 17th Century, when Edinburgh was still defined by its defensible boundaries, it was common for buildings to have 11 storeys or more, the predecessors to the modern-day skyscraper! These days Edinburgh is a major financial hub and is made up of the old town, which is the ancient part of the city from the Medieval times and the New town which was established in the late 18th century. In this article we will take a look at what modern day Edinburgh has to offer.
Transport links
Edinburgh sits on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth and boasts great transport links. There is Edinburgh international airport which lies just 8 miles to the West of the city which has flights to over 150 worldwide destinations in over 35 countries. The City is served by two major train stations – Waverley and Haymarket which have links to all parts of Scotland and the UK. As you’d expect for a major city, Edinburgh is served by an extensive road network and Glasgow is just an hour away, Newcastle is around 2.5 hours away and Manchester is around 4 hours away.
Things to do
Edinburgh really does have something for everyone and perhaps one of the most prestigious tourist attractions is the Royal Yacht Britania which was the Yacht of the Royal family from the mid 1950’s to 1997. It is now a tourist attraction in Edinburgh as well as doubling up as a hotel.
If you are a Harry Potter fan, then Edinburgh is the place for you. The Potter Trail will guide you around the City and take you to the real Diagon Alley and even show you where Lord Voldemort is buried.
If you want to see something of Edinburgh’s hidden history, why not go on one of the underground vault tours, where you will be transported back in time to the 18th century and see the underside of Edinburgh’s history.
No trip to Edinburgh would be complete without a trip to the Castle and Holyrood Palace. There has been a Castle at the location since the 12th Century and it is claimed that the castle is the most besieged place in Great Britain, having withstood at least 26 different sieges in its history. Holyrood Palace, or more correctly the Palace of Holyroodhouse, is the Queen’s official residence in Scotland and boasts over 900 years of history since its inception as Holyrood Abbey in the 12th Century.
If you’re after something a little less historical, Edinburgh is home to several annual festivals such as the Fringe, the science festival, the military Tattoo and even the Edinburgh international Children’s festival to name a few.
Eating and Drinking
As you’d expect from a major city, Edinburgh offers every type of cuisine.
If you fancy something typically Scottish, why not head over to Scott’s on Princess Street, which offers Scottish Salmon, Cullen skink and the traditional Haggis, neeps and tatties.
For that more Fine Dining experience the Kitchin is a real favourite. This Michelin starred restaurant is owned and run by Tom Kitchin, who you might recognise from TV shows such as Saturday Kitchen, the Great British Menu and Masterchef.
Edinburgh has plenty to offer if you just want to have a drink and you can visit the cauldron to learn “potion” making a la Harry Potter. If that isn’t your thing and you just want some awesome cocktails then a trip to the Bon Vivant might be in order. Bon Vivant is the first Scottish restaurant/bar to be nominated for the prestigious Spirited awards.
For drinks, food and live music the Voodoo Rooms is a real favourite. This award winning venue offers everything from wines to beers to cocktails and, as you’d expect in Edinburgh a great range of Whisky and Whiskey, to find out the difference between whiskey and whisky, click here. On top of this there is regular live music and an excellent menu.
Shopping
Edinburgh has every shop imaginable and you can find all the high street favourites in Princes Street and George street , all the luxury brands can be found in Multrees Walk. For the more independent shops why not try Edinburgh’s West End Village and The Grassmarket and Victoria street. To add to this, Edinburgh has several shopping Malls such as the St James Shopping Centre, the Ocean terminal, and the Waverley Mall. Edinburgh really does offer it all.
Properties
As the capital of Scotland, house prices in Edinburgh are a little more than other parts of Scotland with the average house price in the City standing at around £303,000 according to Zoopla. Flats are averaging at around £236,000 and larger detached homes are averaging at just over £580,000.
In terms of renting, according to Home.co.uk a one bedroom property costs around £895 per month, rising to £1,161 for a 2 bedroom property and £1,798 for a 3 bedroom property.
If you are looking to relocate Edinburgh really is a city which has something for everyone, it has a long history with masses of culture and historical architecture but it also offers every modern experience you could wish for. It truly is a Scottish jewel. Make your relocation easier by talking to our local Edinburgh Property Experts you can call them on 0131 343 1717 or email edinburgh@northwooduk.com
