Old Town

Many of the buildings of the Old Town date back to the 1500s and surround some of Edinburgh’s most important landmarks. As with most cities it grew around the castle which sits on the rocky crag of an extinct volcano at the top of the Royal Mile.

Edinburgh Old Town, Scotland, UK by Ian Cooper

If you look at the layout of the streets, you will see similarities to the old quarters of other European cities, with claustrophobic alleyways (known as a close) and streets weaving between the buildings. Because of the space restrictions caused by the lay of the land, Edinburgh’s Old Town has some of the earliest examples of high rises, some of which reaching 15 storeys.

As you wander this part of the city, because it’s built on such a steep hill, streets that run parallel, and only yards apart will be at different levels and connected by steep narrow stair cases and closes.

When you look at the old town and wander the narrow streets you can see where JK Rowling drew much of her inspiration.

New Town

By the 18th century overcrowding in the Old town became more of a problem so in 1766 a competition was run to find a winning design. Local architect James Craig won with a logical grid design which was more common in Glasgow over on the west coast.

The New Town was a huge success and was quickly expanded, but the grid design was abandoned for one that was more picturesque like the Old Town.

It’s an interesting point of curiosity among residents that the area called New Town was planned only 102 after the official seal naming New York city.

Edinburgh Castle

There is archaeological evidence that suggests there were human settlements here around 900BC and as a fortified position there are historical references to Din Eidyn – fortress on the rock – dating back to 600AD. It has been the site of some of the most important conflicts in British history.

Edinburgh fontain and castle, Scotland, UK by Paul Boxley

It was captured in 1296 by Edward I of England, then retaken by one of Robert the Bruce’s generals in 1314, the year of the Scottish victory over the English at Bannockburn near Stirling. After the overthrow and execution of Charles I in 1650, Oliver Cromwell invaded and once again Edinburgh Castle was captured and the Crown, Sword, and Sceptre of Scottish royalty were quickly taken away an buried to protect them from Cromwell.

At the foot of the Royal Mile is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the monarchy.

It’s a city that’s full of mystery and creepy alleys, and there’s even a haunted hotel in Edinburgh, as well as the eerie Mary King’s Close beneath the Royal Mile.

Edinburgh is a wonderful city full of amazing history, architecture and one or two ghosts of revolution.

Catherine Halsey writes for a digital marketing agency on a range of subjects. This article links back to https://www.radissonblu.co.uk/hotel-edinburgh

The post The Turbulent History of Edinburgh | Scotland, UK appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo by Mike Sowden

Walking. There are quite a few long distance paths which cross the country up here. The main one being the Pennine way.  It runs for some 400 kms from North Derbyshire, into Northumberland and along the Border Line of the Cheviot Hills to end in Kirk Yetholm just into Scotland.

In addition to this you have Hadrian’s Wall footpath which is very popular with charity raising events. At just over kms long the walk is traditionally done east to west. Starting at Newcastle the Wall follows the valley of the River Tyne but generally keeping to the higher ground of the Whin Sill. The Wall has recently found itself being used in popular films such as King Arthur and the Eagle of the Ninth. St Cuthberts Way which has a strongly religious basis runs from Melrose across the Cheviot Hills to end at the Tidal Island of Lindisfarne.

The Cheviot Hills. Based around the core of a long extinct volcano the gently rounded slopes of the Cheviot offer days of walking and wonderful views. Arguably the best parts are within the College Valley. Here you have over 12,000 acres of private wilderness. With vehicle restrictions in place you know that you won’t have some of the traffic problems which plague places like the English Lake District.

Redesdale. The Valley of the North Tyne runs down from Scotland into the heart of Northumberland. Down this valley came the Scottish raiders during the days of the Border Reivers. Here walked William Wallace and his army followed behind. Here you will find fortified farm houses now called Bastle houses. The northern part of the Valley was requisitioned by Sir William Churchill as a military testing range some eighty years ago. This has naturally restricted development and the whole area looks unchanged for at least one hundred years.

Hadrian’s Wall. Some 80 kms the Wall ran from coast to coast and was built in 122 AD by the Roman Emperor Hadrian. It is now a Unesco world heritage site and very popular with walkers. Some of the exposed sections are very dramatic and the archaeological sites and museums can offer a great day out. The main attractions are found at Vindolanda and Housesteads.

Travelling around the National Park

Most of the National Park is only really accessible by car. However there are sections, particularly around Hadrian’s Wall where a combination of train (Newcastle to Carlisle line) and the Hadrian’s Wall 122 bus can get you around quite well. For the more adventurous there is also good cycling up here. Whether you chose to take a mountain bike across the many miles of paths on the Cheviot Hills or maybe a touring bike along the quiet green lanes you can be sure of a lovely holiday.

Article written by Colin Corlett for Northumbria-byways who have been welcoming visitors to Northumberland for over 15 years.

The post The Northumberland National Park – the least visited of all the English National Parks appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Matt Riggott

1. Arthur’s Seat/ Holyrood Park

Arthur’s Seat, the extinct volcano, is one of the defining features of the Edinburgh skyline. It is in Holyrood Park which lies close to the city centre and is one of Europe’s largest urban green spaces, containing an array of hills, lochs, glens and ridges. Lying about a mile east of Edinburgh Castle, it’s the highest point in the city and provides panoramic views over the spectacular skyline. It’s a popular walking spot among tourists and locals. Don’t be put off by its height: it’s not too steep so it’s relatively easy to climb.

2. Gilmerton Cove

Hidden beneath the streets of south Edinburgh, Gillmerton Cove is a series of underground tunnels and chambers. Guided tours of the cove are popular; a guide will take a small group down for around forty-five minutes to one hour and will explain the history and myths surrounding the cove. Entrance is £5 per adult. The attraction is very popular so it’s advisable to book in advance.

3. Royal Botanical Garden

Located 1.5 miles north of Princes Street (one of Edinburgh’s main shopping streets) is the Royal Botanical Garden. The garden spans 31 hectares and is a family favourite, with plenty of benches dotted around for picnics. If you don’t fancy making your own sandwiches fear not, because the garden also features an on-site café and restaurant which provides food, and shelter for when the weather isn’t as good. Entrance to the site is free; there’s a charge to enter the specialist greenhouses but according to reviews, seeing them is worth the extra cost.

After a long day of outdoor activities why not consider staying in one of the serviced apartments Edinburgh has to offer?

Phil Hudson, PR & Marketing Support, SilverDoor International Serviced Apartments

View Edinburgh’s top 3 outdoor attractions United Kingdom in a larger map

The post Edinburgh’s top 3 outdoor attractions | United Kingdom appeared first on Europe Explored.

The castle complex consists of a group of objects originating from the 12th to 20th century, thanks to which a visitor can see how the castle changed over the centuries from the fortress through a royal palace, garrison and finally into a state prison. At a place, where the castle stands now, was a fortress already in the 6th century, built by King Edwin of Northumbria – after whom the city is named.

Edinburgh Castle can be visited either by yourself or you can use the services of local guides, who tell you about the history of the castle, about the battles that took place here and other interesting legends. Another option is to rent an audio guide, which costs about £3.

Visitors should not miss a tour to the Royal Botanical Gardens, which are located about 3.2 km from the castle. Do not be surprised if among the plants you find a cannon ball – during the wedding celebration of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland, a cannonball was fired in her honour from the castle and fell to the gardens.

The castle is open daily from 9:30 to 17:00 (during the summer to 18:00) and a basic admission is £15. For further information visit official website of Edinburgh Castle.

View Edinburgh Castle – one of the most visited places in Scotland United Kingdom in a larger map

The post Edinburgh Castle – one of the most visited places in Scotland | United Kingdom appeared first on Europe Explored.

Rupite includes a small mountainous protected area in the part Blagoevgrad Province, about 10-12 kilometres northeast of Petrich.

View Rupite – extinct volcano in Bulgaria in a larger map

The post Rupite – extinct volcano in Bulgaria appeared first on Europe Explored.

In the shadow of Ischia and Capri is small, only 2.5 km long and fewer tourists visited island of Procida. However Chiaiolella offers good swimming and, like Ischia, also cheap accommodation. In a neglected town of Procida is the main ferry port, Marina Grande.

View Ischia and Procida – two gems of the bay of Napoli in Italy in a larger map

The post Ischia and Procida – two gems of the bay of Napoli | Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.