Things To Do And See In Edinburgh By Car

• Posted by: Editor
• On: 19/07/2007 14:47:11
• In: Travel tips

If you’re landing in at Edinburgh then you’d do well to explore the incredible architecture of this age old town set in granite. Peering over Princes Street lies the iconic Edinburgh Castle, right in the middle of town.

You can soak up the atmosphere of the legendary Edinburgh fringe festival, a hoi polloi of arts events, comedy shows, literary and film screenings while talking in the ornate architecture of the New Town and the dark Gothicism of the Old Town.

Once you’ve got the most of Edinburgh, from the buzz of the festival to the bars and restaurants of Rose Street through to the rejuvenated old port of Leith, you might well want to explore further afield.

Golf enthusiasts may wish to head over to St Andrews in Fife, just a short drive from Edinburgh along the east coast -  this quaint town is home to the championship golf course of St Andrews. Known worldwide for its beauty, this tough course has played host to many a valiant battle between the top golfers of the world.

Other spots along the east coast include the beautiful town of North Berwick – it’s architecture is majestic, while it’s location beside the sea and its two tough links courses provide more than enough entertainment for the day.

Heading out westwards from the city you have some wonderful old castles and monuments at your fingertips. Check out Hopetoun House on the edge of the city – this age old residence dates back to 1699 and is well worth checking out. Further out of the city lies the old manor of Linlithgow Palace, former royal fort and staging post for the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Head along the same route and you’ll eventually come to Stirling Castle, the scene of the battle of Stirling as depicted in Braveheart.

Of course you’re only a stone’s throw from Glasgow itself, the pulsating metropolis where the buzzing nightlife and sparkling wit of the locals is legendary. Party animals, shopaholics and lovers of life should definitely take a trip to the Scotland’s biggest city, and there’s no shortage of sights to see as well, from Clyde Auditorium and Glasgow Cathedral to Hampden Park Stadium.

The roads in the central belt (that’s the Edinburgh and Glasgow metropolitan areas) are very well looked after so it’s ideal for driving around by car. Head off the beaten track however, and you may find the roads a little less straightforward, but this is all part of the trip – just remember to keep to the left and watch for signs. If the road is too thin you’ll often get marking points denoting safe points for two approaching cars to pass each other, so fear not!

That’s just snapshot of what Edinburgh and its surrounding areas have to offer. Pick up a hire car and hit the roads of bonnie Scotland for a memorable experience, and remember to check out our sister site PlacesToStay if you need top quality accommodation!

Be sure to give us a shout in the comment box below if you have any questions, suggestions or things to say… all the best!