Car Hires Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh, Scotland Car Hires Discounts
Edinburgh, Scotland has a rich and vast history and to truly experience is to be there in person. There are many interesting facts that date back many, many years ago and some that date back not so long ago. Did you know that Edinburgh University opened its doors to students in 1583? Or, that under the Edinburgh Castle, you can tour a Scotch Whiskey distillery museum and learn about the ancient art of Scotch making. Another interesting fact is about the well-known Harry Potter author, JK Rowling. She is said to have written the very first Potter book in an Edinburgh cafe. There is too many for facts to cover, so you are going to have to head to Edinburgh and find them out on your visit.
Opened during the summer of 1913, the Edinburgh Zoo showcases some of the
most incredible and exotic animals found on the planet. 82 acres are covered by some of the most beautiful animals to graze the earth. With over 600,000 visitors a year, this non-profit zoo is easily one of the most
popular attractions in all of the United Kingdom. The zoo is home to over 1,000 animals, most of which are mammals and birds, but isn’t limited to these types of animals. The new Discovery Centre showcases a few
reptiles as well as amphibians. Some of the most exotic animals are on display at Edinburgh Zoo, including Indian Rhinoceroses, jaguars, and even a couple polar bears. The main reason the zoo exists is to inform the
public of the various animals and species that are endangered and what we can do to help keep them around for years to come. The Edinburgh Zoo is a great place to visit for a relaxing day in Edinburgh. 
As its name states inconspicuously,
the National Gallery of Scotland is recognized as the national art gallery for all of Scotland. Opened in 1859, the National Gallery can be found at the top of The Mound, a man-made hill created to connect the Old
Town and New Town of Edinburgh. The amazing collection of records that the National Gallery has collected date back to the early 13th century, during the birthing stages of the Renaissance. Over 50,000 volumes of
books, pictures, and various other materials are kept within the Gallery for use by the general public, but can only be used for reference. In the summer of 2004, the Playfair Project was completed, including a
restaurant, a shop, a lecture area, and the touch screen IT Gallery, which is an interactive area that shows the collections in the Gallery. Along with the library and all of its wonderfully documented records, there
is a fantastic collection of artwork within the walls of the National Gallery. These include masterpieces from Scottish artists as well as those from other European countries. The amazing array of historic pieces in
the National Gallery of Scotland is sure to make a day in Edinburgh interesting. 
The celebration known in Edinburgh as Hogmanay
is synonymous with New Year’s Day. However, their celebration of the New Year lasts until the morning of January 1st or even as long as until January 2nd. Though each city in Scotland has its own variations and
rituals for Hogmanay, Edinburgh is known as the capital and origin city for the New Years celebration. You may be able to participate in the traditional singing of “Auld Lang Syne”, which is a poem that was eventually
set to music. Many places see circles of people linking arms and swaying to the song as the clock hits midnight. In many cities, Edinburgh included, fire is symbolic for the New Year. Being such, balls of fire are
made by paraders using chicken wire and dry flammable materials that are set on fire. They then swing these fireballs around on a rope of some sort until the flame dies out. New Years Day is quite the spectacle in
Edinburgh, Scotland. Hogmanay may be the most memorable New Year’s party on the globe. 
Known as the largest cultural event in the world, the Edinburgh
Festival takes place during the month of August each year in Edinburgh. Though many people don’t realize it, the Edinburgh Festival is actually a collection of independent festivals that just happen to take place at
the same time. Their similar names and similar ideals make it easy to lump them all together and collectively call these events the Edinburgh Festival. These festivals were created to encourage the creative flow among
everyone. In other words, the festival is aimed towards the arts, whether it is music, painting, sculpting, or even acting. The festival was made to get people in touch with their creative, artistic side. Edinburgh
transforms into a modern day renaissance town during the month of August, with people showcasing and enjoying the various arts that the world has to offer. A visit to Edinburgh in this late summer month will surely
leave you wanting to come back for Edinburgh Festival in the years to come. 
Perhaps the most recognizable landmark in Edinburgh is the Edinburgh
Castle that rests 390 feet about sea level. Speculation surrounds how early the castle was first inhabited, though it is popularly thought that the castle was used as early as the 9th century BC. Atop the extinct
volcano known as Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle takes you back to a time when the medieval way of life was the norm. You’ll find yourself immersed in a world where Scotland is fighting for its independence and
recognition. You can almost feel the great figures in history walk through the very halls you’ll stroll through. Its original name, “The Maiden Castle”, was used up until the 16th century. While you’re visiting,
be sure to stop by and see Mons Meg, the 15th century cannon that unfortunately was cracked while being fired for the Duke of Albany’s birthday. If you’re a history buff or wouldn’t mind taking a dip into Edinburgh’s
medieval history, Edinburgh Castle is a great place to spend part of your day. 
Dubbed a 5 star attraction, the
Scotch Whiskey Experience puts you in the passenger’s seat to how Scotland’s world famous Whisky is created. Here you can enter a gallery where you’ll learn about scotch whiskey’s entire history. Another part of the
Scotch Whiskey Experience will teach you how to become a connoisseur of whiskies, learning how to tell the various scents and aromas of whisky as well as how to pair a whisky to your tastes. You’ll also have the
chance to see and admire the world’s largest Scotch whisky collection, containing over 3,000 separate bottles of the beverage. A unique part of the Experience is the whisky barrel ride, where you can follow a barrel
of whisky through the whisky making process and truly see how it is made. Anyone who has taken the Scotch Whiskey Experience will tell you it is incredible and a must see while in Edinburgh. 
There’s no shortage of great dining in Edinburgh, that’s for sure. But
one place you might want to check out if you’re looking for a decently priced lunch with great service and food is Maison Bleue. Maison Bleue serves up some of the best Mediterranean food that anyone could ask for
while on vacation. It shouldn’t be too difficult to find either, with its electric blue exterior that has a healthy floral décor both inside and out of the restaurant. After taking one visit there, I fell in
everlasting love with the Moroccan lamb patties. Maison Bleue takes a delicate approach with their meals, making sure it is as visually pleasing as it is delicious. You can find this fantastically great restaurant
at the very heart of Old Town, at 36/38 Victoria Street. Though there are plenty of other great choices of where to dine, Maison Bleue is a can’t miss during your stay in Edinburgh. 
Found in southern Old Town, Greyfriar’s
Kirkyard has been a burial site in Edinburgh since the late 1500’s. Monuments are scattered throughout the graveyard to recognize names important to Edinburgh’s history. One the most well known stories about
Greyfriar’s Kirkyard is that of Bobby, the loyal dog of “Jock” Gray who, after his master’s death, slept at the site of his grave for 13 years until he himself died. Bobby was then buried nearby the cemetery and
was honored with a statue near the entrance of the graveyard. It is widely believed that Greyfriar’s Kirkyard is heavily haunted. One such spirit believed to exist is that of ‘Bloody’ George Mackenzie. Cuts and
bruises have reportedly come to those who came in contact with his ghost. Spooky! There have been many cases and instances where visitors have continuously gotten injuries that weren’t present previous to their
visit to the graveyard. If you’re looking for a thrilling place to visit while in the city of Edinburgh, Greyfriar’s Kirkyard is easily the first place to look for.