SEE FOR FREE

SEE EDINBURGH FOR FREE

Edinburgh, the exciting capital of , perfectly blends the ancient and the modern. Its magnificent architecture ranges from medieval churches to monumental Victorian masterpieces, all dominated by a stunning positioned on the top of an extinct volcanic rock.

This beautiful city has a well deserved reputation of being tourist friendly but expensive – but this does not need to be the case as Edinburgh can be a ‘great value destination’ too. There are hundreds of free things to see and do around Scotland’s capital city.

This Travelodge city guide will help you to see Edinburgh for free. Within this guide you will find Information on:

• Free attractions

• Free museums & art galleries

• Where to go for the best city views

• The best parks to visit in Edinburgh.

• The various ‘villages’ that surround Edinburgh

To get the most out of your break to Edinburgh book a Travelodge £29 Saver room which will leave you plenty of pennies to spend on eating out and shopping. To book a Travelodge Saver room just go to www.travelodge.co.uk .

A Travelodge family room will cater for two adults and two children or three adults – so there is no excuse not to get away this year with the family, your partner and your friends. By staying with Travelodge you can afford to take more short breaks this year. Wherever you are in the UK you are bound to find a Travelodge hotel close by.

A Travelodge Family Room

FREE ATTRACTIONS

Old Town: With a fascinating history that’s impossible to ignore, every one of the tightly packed buildings in the Old Town has earned its place in history. The Royal makes up the main spine of the area, running from at the top to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and at its foot, surrounded by steeply sloping streets and mysterious winds. By the 18th Century the cramped conditions of the High Street had prompted the need for expansion, and saw plans for a New Town come together.

New Town: In 1766 a competition for the best architectural scheme for the proposed New Town was held. Six plans were considered, and 's scheme was chosen. The elegant Georgian architecture this involved now provides the backdrop to a number of equally stylish shops, bars and restaurants. Although nowadays is commonly regarded as the main street of this scheme, George Street was the backbone of the plan; it was built, at 100 feet wide, 20 feet wider than either Princes Street or Queen Street.

West End: Perfect for boutique shopping and plenty of eating and drinking options, the cobbled streets of the West End are only a few minutes walk from Princes Street. Two of the best for retail indulgence are William Street and Stafford Street with a number of independent stores offering everything from interiors to exclusive designer clothes, quirky jewellery and vintage eveningwear.

Grassmarket: Once a medieval market place and site for public executions, the area is now known for eating, drinking and independent shops. Executions ceased in the in 1784 but names of some of the area's pubs reflect its bloody history, such as The Last Drop and Maggie Dickson's.

Leith: Edinburgh’s city quarter by the sea is a great place for eating, drinking and shopping. It is also home to The Royal Yacht Britannia. Only ten minutes from Edinburgh's city centre, historical is full of cultural influence and historical architecture yet calm with waterfront serenity. The area bustles with restaurants, bars, bistros and boutiques and includes the stylish Ocean Terminal shopping complex.

Edinburgh Castle located on the Perched on an extinct volcano, this instantly recognisable fortress is a powerful national symbol and part of Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site. Its story is Scotland's story. There is a to go inside the castle but you can walk up to the main part of the castle and get an amazing view of the city and you can see the castle from almost any angle from the Royal Mile. Opening times : Summer 9.30am to 6pm and Winter : 9.30am to 5pm For further information please visit: www. edinburghcastle .gov.uk

Scottish Parliament: Visit the seat of government in Scotland and sit in the public gallery and watch the debates going on. The New Scottish Parliament Building is situated at the foot of (formerly the site of Scottish & Newcastle brewery) opposite Palace. The architect for the building was selected by means of a design competition in 1998. The winning design by Enric Miralle s from Barcelona Spain. Visit the website for opening times For further information please visit: www.scottish.parliament.uk

The was built to commemorate Sir , one of Scotland's greatest novelists. The Monument is 200 feet and 6 inches (61.1metres) high, with 287 steps to the top. The climb through the internal stairways is in four stages, with 360 degree viewing galleries on each level. The galleries provide unrivalled panoramic views of Edinburgh’s historic Old and New Towns. Level one is home to the Museum room where you can sit and discover more about Sir Walter Scott and the architecture of the Monument. Opening times: from April 1st: Mon-Sun 10am-7pm, from Oct Mon-Sat 9am- 3pm and Sun 10am-3pm (Admission charge of £3.00 if you would like to go inside the monument. For further information please visit : www.edinburgh.gov.uk

St Giles' Cathedral is the historic City Church of Edinburgh. With its famed crown spire it stands on the Royal Mile between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, it is the Mother Church of Presbyterianism and contains the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle (Scotland's chivalric company of knights headed by the Queen). Opening times : Summer (May-September) Mon - Fri 9am to 7pm Sat 9am to 5pm, Sun 1pm to 5pm and for services. Winter (October-April) Mon – Sat 9am to 5pm, Sun 1pm to 5pm and for services. For further information visit : www.stgilescathedral.org.uk

The Signet Library in the centre of Edinburgh’s old town is synonymous with prestige and Georgian elegance. Steeped in history, the building, with its lower and upper libraries, was completed in 1822 in time for the celebrated visit to Edinburgh of King George IV who described the upper library as “the finest drawing room in Europe”. The Signet Library continues to be owned by The Society of Writers to Her Majesty’s Signet (also known as The WS Society) – an association of Scottish lawyers and one of the oldest professional bodies in the world. The Society’s origins lie in the 15th century as the “writers” of documents sealed with “the Signet”, the private seal of the Scottish Kings – hence “Writers to the Signet” or “WS”. Opening times: Mon to Thurs 9am to 5pm & Fri 9am to 4.30pm For further information please visit: www.thesignetlibrary.co.uk

MUSEUMS

The National Museum of Scotland is an amazing, enormous museum. It has the entire since the beginning of time. It is the home of Dolly, the sheep that was cloned. The portion devoted to Science and Industry is very entertaining and there are little stations for kids to learn about history and to interact with it. Visit the 8th floor for one of the best views of Edinburgh. Opening Times: Open daily between 10.00am to 5.00pm For more information please visit: www.nms.ac.uk

The Writers’ Museum and Makar’s Court The Writers' Museum, contains a rich collection of manuscripts, first editions and portraits dedicated to the lives and work of Scotland’s great literary figures, particularly , Sir Walter Scott and . The adjacent Makars’ (Scots for poet) Court with its inscribed flagstones celebrates Scottish writers from the 14th century to the present day. Opening times: Mon to Sat 10am–5pm & Sun during Aug 12noon – 5pm For more information please visit:www.edinburgh.gov.uk/museums

The Museum of Childhood is a favourite with adults and children alike. It is a treasure house crammed full of objects telling of childhood past and present. Discover how children have been brought up, dressed and educated in decades gone by and enjoy one of the regular temporary exhibitions and events. Opening times: Mon-Sat 10am–5pm & Sun 12-5pm For more information please visit: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/museums

The People’s Story museum is housed in the Cannongate Tolbooth, a former tax collecting house, court and prison, The People’s Story is a museum dedicated to the history of the people of Edinburgh. It is filled with the sights, sounds and smells of the past. Feel the despair of the dungeon; the convivial camaraderie of the ‘pub’; the declarations of the town crier and the demands of political and social reformers. Opening times: Mon–Sat 10am–5pm (Sun during Aug 12 noon-5pm) For more information please visit: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/museums.

The is Set in a series of interconnected 16th and 17th century buildings the Museum is packed with artifacts illustrating the development of the city, from the earliest settlement to the present day. Highlights of the collection include the National Covenant, the great petition for religious freedom signed by Scotland’s Presbyterians in 1638, and the collar and feeding bowl of Grayfriars Bobby’s. Opening times: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm (Sun during Aug 12noon-5pm) For further information visit: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/museums

The Queensferry Museum is situated in the historic former Royal of Queensferry, the museum commands magnificent views of the great bridges spanning the Forth. It traces the history of the people of Queensferry and Dalmeny, the historic ferry passage to Fife, the construction of the rail and road bridges, and spotlights the wildlife of the Forth estuary. Opening times : Mon, Thur, Fri & Sat 10am–1pm and 2.15pm–5pm Sun 12 noon–5pm Closed Tuesday and Wednesdays For more information please visit: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/museums.

ART GALLERIES

The National Galleries of Scotland are a must-see for art lovers. Located in the centre The National Gallery houses an outstanding permanent collection of art from the to Post-impressionism, including works by Titian, Rembrandt and Monet as well as the world's finest collection of Scottish painting. The Neoclassical Royal Scottish Academy next door is principally used for major touring exhibitions. There is a free shuttle from the National Galleries of Scotland that will take you to the Gallery of Modern Art. Opening times: Open daily between 10am to 5pm For further information please visit: www.nationalgalleries.org

The Dean Gallery’s world-class collection of Dada and Surrealism is shown in the Roland Penrose Gallery and Gabrielle Keiller Library. Their outstanding collections were in large part acquired by the Gallery in the 1990s and feature important works by Dalí, Miró, Ernst, Magritte and Picasso. The ground floor of the Gallery of Modern Art and the top floor of the Dean Gallery are devoted to special exhibitions. Opening Times : Open daily from 10am to 5pm For further information please visit: www.nationalgalleries.org

The Gallery of Modern Art has an outstanding collection of international post- war work and the most important and extensive collection of modern Scottish art. The post-war collection features art by Francis Bacon, David Hockney, Andy Warhol and Lucian Freud, with more recent works by artists including Antony Gormley, Gilbert & George, Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin. The first floor is most often used for special exhibitions and smaller, temporary displays. Works from the Gallery’s collection, augmented by special loans, are presented on the second floor. The early part of the collection features French and Russian art from the beginning of the twentieth century, Cubist paintings and superb holdings of Expressionist and modern British art. Special highlights include paintings by Matisse and Picasso. Opening times: Open daily between 10am to 5pm For further information please visit: www.nationalgalleries.org

The is located in the heart of Edinburgh by Station, with six exhibition galleries, the City Art Centre is both home to the City of Edinburgh’s outstanding collection of Scottish art and one of the United Kingdom’s top temporary exhibition spaces. Opening times : Open daily between 10am to 5m For further information please visit : www.edinburgh.gov.uk/cityartcentre

The is an acclaimed international art space, which has operated as a contemporary gallery since 1974. The Gallery shows a programme of exciting, thought-provoking exhibitions of Scottish, British and international contemporary art. The Fruitmarket Gallery exhibition is complemented by a street-level glass fronted café and innovative bookshop. Opening times : Mon to Sat 11am to 6pm Sun 12 noon to 5pm For further information, please visit : www.fruitmarket.co.uk

BEST VIEWS IN EDINBURGH

Make the most of your visit to Edinburgh by visiting one of these five locations to get the best view of Scotland’s capital.

Calton Hill: Climb the steps from Waterloo Place at the east end of Princes Street to this monument-covered hill for panoramic views of the city and beyond. Among the cluster of monuments, the twelve columns of Edinburgh's disgrace - so called because of controversy over its completion - makes up part of Edinburgh’s unique city skyline.

Arthur's Seat: The city's highest climb (250m) is in fact an extinct volcano. Follow any paths from to take you to the top in around 30 minutes for stunning panoramas or take a gentle stroll or cycle around the one way road for a number of different views of the city. Parking is available near the Palace of Holyroodhouse and at all loch sides.

George & Hanover Street: Take some time out from shopping at this crossroads in the New Town to admire the view over the to the Kingdom of Fife.

The Shore, Leith: For a different perspective, take a stroll along The Shore in Leith, a unique blend f old and new in Edinburgh's city quarter by the sea.

Dean Bridge: In the west end of the city, the 100ft tall Dean Bridge provides great views across the Water of Leith and Dean Village below. From the west end of Princes Street, take a stroll along Queensferry Street for great views from either side of the bridge.

TOP PARKS TO EXPLORE IN EDINBURGH

Princes Street Gardens Built in the hollow of a drained loch, these gardens run the full length of Edinburgh's main shopping street. Bridging the Old and New Towns and separated by the National Galleries' complex, the east side is home to the Scott Monument while the west has the oldest floral clock in the world, the Ross Theatre and a small busy play park. For further information visit: www.edinburgh-royalmile.com

Royal Botanic Garden A short walk or bus journey from the city centre, the Botanic Garden offers acres to stroll through, a collection of glasshouses, sculptures, cafe and shop to pass a few hours. With no sports, bikes, picnics or dogs allowed you'll be guaranteed a peaceful. For further information visit : www.rbge.org.uk

The Meadows On the site of the drained Borough Loch, the Meadows are now a popular spot in the south side of the city for locals to jog, play frisbee, fly a kite or just hang out. Spring time sees numerous pink cherry trees in full bloom. For further information visit: www. edinburgh.gov.uk

Holyrood Park In the shadow of Arthur's Seat this amazing variety of landscapes offer crags, moorland, glens, lochs and fields. Holyrood Park can be found at the end of the Royal Mile, just beyond the Palace of Holyroodhouse. For further information visit: www.edinburghguide.com/parks/holyroodpark

Water of Leith This gentle riverside walk has a number of manageable sections within its full 12 mile route from Leith to Balerno. For further information visit: www.waterofleith.org.uk

EDINBURGH VILLAGES Within the city you'll find a number of self-contained communities, each with its own distinct character and village-like vibe. These 'villages' are well worth discovering. Many of them are close to the city centre.

Bruntsfield: Just 20 minutes walk from Princes Street lie the tall, Victorian sandstone tenements of Bruntsfield. This busy district's many delis, wine merchants, gift shops and florists give it a real village vibe. Enjoy a leisurely lunch then stroll across the Meadows - a lush green space, right in the heart of the city. You can even get some golf in, as the Meadows boasts its own links (putting equipment can be hired). Staying with the golfing theme, relax after your game in the nearby Golf Tavern, which is reputedly built on the site of the oldest golf club in Scotland.

Stockbridge: Head across George Street and down Frederick Street and Howe Street and you'll soon find yourself in Stockbridge. Explore St Stephen's Street for vintage clothes, unusual art or fabulous jewels. The area is a real magnet for shoppers and also boasts many antique and craft shops, all ideal hunting grounds for an unusual memento of your visit. After your shopping, relax in the nearby Royal Botanical Gardens or take a stroll by the Water of Leith, then while away the rest of the afternoon in one of Stockbridge's many bars or coffee shops.

Corstorphine : There has been a settlement in this historic village since medieval times. Today the area is home to the world famous , where you can see over one thousand animals ranging from addax to zebra (it's also home to a huge variety of primates including some very lively lemurs!). Explore further and you'll come across an unusual beehive shaped dovecote, which is owned by and is all that remains of Corstorphine Castle which was demolished in the 18th century. Head up Corstorphine Hill for some breathtaking views across the Forth.

Dean Village : lies beneath Thomas Telford's famous Dean Bridge and is a fascinating blend of old and new architecture. The area has a bit of a storybook feel to it with its quirky old buildings overlooking the Water of Leith and its bridges and winding pathways. Walk along the Water of Leith towards nearby Stockbridge and you'll come across St Bernard's Well with its faux temple. Or, if you head in the other direction, you’re just a short walk from the National Gallery of Modern Art and the Dean Gallery.

Colinton: Although only about 15 minutes drive from the city centre, Colinton feels as if it's a million away. Few of the Edinburgh villages have such a feeling of being entirely separate from the rest of the city. Colinton is a great place to stroll round and the old Kirk (church) and its fascinating churchyard are definitely worth investigating.

Cramond: This coastal area is great for an afternoon adventure - wander along the beach and cross the causeway to Cramond Island (be very careful about the tides, they can change more quickly than you may expect and come in fast). The area is rich in history and the Romans had a settlement here. The village itself has a really relaxed feel, with picturesque whitewashed cottages with pretty gardens and some cosy pubs and cafes for leisurely lunches.

Leith has enjoyed a major redevelopment in the last few years. Its long maritime history is evident in the many fabulous seafood restaurants and the fact that the Royal Yacht Britannia - a five-star visitor attraction - is berthed alongside Ocean Terminal. Visit the new weekly market, which is held every Saturday, and find unusual antiques and fine foods.