Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh is a key element of any trip to Scotland, the use of a hire car service will allow the visitor to get the best out of this unique city and its surrounding area. A city that is almost a thousand years old, Edinburgh has a fascinating history.
The stunning Lothian area that surrounds the city is the perfect excuse for a day trip in a hire car. Split into three distinct areas they offer the chance escape the bustle of the city. Filled with rolling hills and wonderful examples of ancient ruins they will enthral and amaze. The castles of Scotland are an ideal tour in a hire car and give a brilliant insight in to the country's turbulent past; history lovers will be fascinated at every turn.
You cannot visit Edinburgh however without a trip to the castle, sitting at the top of Edinburgh Rock, the castle has been the centre of Scottish power for centuries. Its strong defensive position makes the climb an effort, but is well worth it for the stunning views that are visible from the summit. Be sure not to miss the imposing Mons Meg.
A large bombard cannon from the mid fifteenth century it gives a fantastic representation of past ordnance technology. Once one o'clock comes about make sure you have your ears covered as the famous salute rings out around the city, a tourist event that cannot be missed.
The use of car hire services opens up the rugged Scottish coastline to tourists. With unspoilt beaches and wildlife in abundance this stretch of coast is a must see for all visitors to Edinburgh, as beautiful as it is striking, bearing the cold and venturing out is fun for all the family.
For younger children who may be bored by the historical elements of a trip to Edinburgh the city's zoo is a great attraction, use a hire car to make the short ten minute journey and see the fabulous collection of penguins who parade daily. With the largest penguin enclosure in the world fans of these waddling creatures will be amazed.
The collection also includes polar bears, monkeys and tigers while the forest experience with marmosets and tamarin monkeys will have young children shrieking with joy; be sure not to miss the feeding times as this lets visitors view the animals at their most active.
Be sure to take a trip in your hire car to Holyrood House. As the official Scottish residence of the Queen in Scotland it is a fantastic example of a Scottish palace. Home to all of the kings and queens of Scotland since the fifteenth century, the house has had a turbulent history. It has seen fire, allegedly at the hands of Oliver Cromwell's troops then reconstruction to its current form by Charles II. Some parts of the old building are still recognisable by the MR (Maria Regina) IR (Jacobus Rex) carvings that represent Queen Mary and King James VI (I of England) respectively.
As the most visited tourist destination in Scotland, Edinburgh is a vibrant and energetic city. No more is this evident than during the festival period where entertainers come from around the world and create a carnival atmosphere in the city. Comedians, street performers and great plays add a cultural richness to this city that is hard to be found anywhere else on the planet.
Twinned with the inhabitants love of partying it makes Edinburgh a pleasure to visit. Whether touring the Lothian region in a hire car or walking the medieval streets; Edinburgh and its surrounding area truly is the jewel in Scotland's crown. |
