Superb views of Scotland's capital can be enjoyed from its crowning glory, Edinburgh Castle, whose ramparts still echo with gunfire when the one o'clock gun is fired each day. From the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse runs the Royal Mile, forming the backbone of the Old Town. This is where everyone lived, rich and poor alike, in tall tenement buildings and narrow alleyways, until the capital's expansion in the 18th century. The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the Queen's official residence when she is in Scotland and next door to here, a new building for Scotland's own parliament, regained in 1999 after 300 years, is under construction. Many famous names are associated with the Old Town including Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Burns, Mary, Queen of Scots and of course, Prince Charles Edward Stuart. Behind the Palace lies Edinburgh's miniature mountain, Arthur's seat. Although it is a fairly steep climb up to the top, the views are worth it.

The 1700s saw the creation of the New Town below the Castle, with wide streets and elegant squares. Today Princes Street is Edinburgh's main shopping street, bordered by Princes Street Gardens, and also a great viewpoint for the Castle and tenements of the Royal Mile.

Although steeped in history, Edinburgh is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city and host to one of the world's principal arts festivals, held in August each year. From Edinburgh, the rest of Scotland is within easy reach, making this an excellent first base on a two-centre break.

Palace of Holyroodhouse