Scotland enchants visitors with its wonderful scenery, ancient baronial castles –filled with tales of tales of valour by
their occupants in many a battle royale-, tartans filled with sugar and spice and legend of Loch monster.
The best way to explore this exquisite world is to board a train from Newcastle and head north towards Edinburgh. The one-hour journey encompasses magical countryside along North Sea.
Edinburgh is known for the
royal Mile –essentially the oldest street that connects important places in town i.e.
castle of Edinburgh, Holyrood Palace and Parliament. Its famed castle- the 1,000-year-old Edinburgh castle- is perched upon its namesake rock and is home to Scottish crown jewels along with treasures of Raj plundered from the state of Tipu Sultan, India. The citadel is also the birthplace of King James VI of Scotland who later became King James I of England .His ascension to throne of England united the two warring neighbors in peace ending the reign of countless wars between Scotland and England, which were fought despite both ruling dynasties being related by marriage and blood. The castle is famed for its splendors royal chambers, intricate work on its walls and collection of royal portraits. The chamber where King James I was given birth by Queen Mary of Scots is the main tourist attraction.
Being perched upon high attitude, the castle provides a magnificent view of the town esp. of Prince Street that very neatly divides old and new town. Prince Street is a shopper’s paradise and is known for its well-manicured gardens. Situated on the end of Royal Mile, is the Palace of Holyrood House, the residence of Queen Mary of Scots who reigned during Scotland’s most troubled past.
At the foot of Royal Mile is situated country’s new parliament facing spectacular Holyrood Park. The building is constructed from a mixture of steel, oak and granite and there are poems of national heroes etched on one side. The Camera Obscura and Outlook Tower on the Royal Mile capture live moving picture of city and hence are worth a visit.
The final stop in Edinburgh is its University- as it is of architectural and historical interest and therefore part of every itinerary.
The quisessential ritual to make the trip memorable is to take a walk around Royal Mile and soak the wonderful sights.