FANS READY TO HIT EDINBURGH

Here at England Rugby Travel, we have used our travel experience to highlight four of the top city experiences to head for over the weekend – but there will be many more besides.

Grassmarket

Formerly the popular location for public hangings, now Edinburgh’s busiest shopping and drinking district, Grassmarket’s web of streets hold the most unique local shops and pubs.

If it’s the traditional highland haunts you prefer, Grassmarket serves up some of the best pub grub and ales – being the sole reason behind Edinburgh’s esteemed title as the 2007 number one ‘foodie city’ outside of London.

‘The Last Drop’ pub epitomises character - with its wooden beams and brick archways inviting a colourful mix of visitors, local workers and families and holding a highly regarded reputation for good food and value for money.

The Old Town also boasts some of the most quirky and individual local designers and vintage clothing shops as well as local cheeses, whiskies and spirits for those looking for the finer things in life – and to perhaps toast an England victory! With views of Edinburgh Castle while you browse and dine, Grassmarket creates a truly memorable experience.

Royal Botanic Garden

Over 70 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens just a mile from the city centre are always buzzing with events and exhibitions and February is no different. While you are in Edinburgh they will play host to the Edible Gardening Project, the ‘More flowers of Spring’ show and The Living Collection exhibition by Dr David Rae.

Edinburgh Castle

Looming over the city, this royal fortress has been standing on top of an extinct volcano for over 3,000 years, holding the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. It holds the most spellbinding views of the city and has served a variety of purposes over the centuries from the birthplace of Kings and Queens to a prison for pirates and traitors. 

Every day the firing of the gun takes place (excluding Sunday) coinciding perfectly with the Time-Ball, a large white ball which is raised above the Nelson Monument on Calton Hill, and drops at exactly 1300 hours – a tradition first started in 1861.

You cannot visit Edinburgh without paying a visit to this ancient monument even it is just to appreciate the dramatic topography of the city situated between the sea and hills.

Underground Tours

These guides take you on a journey into the depths of the city – and are regarded as one of the most actively haunted and paranormal locations in the world!

Once a den to the criminal underworld, these underground vaults once played host to the slum-dwellers, thieves, drunks and killers of Edinburgh.

These infamous tours of Edinburgh’s underground are not for the faint hearted!