Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
artifacts amassed by an industrialist who bequeathed the entire wonderful lot
to the city. If you find that “Greek” Thomson intrigues you, then definitely go
to
Holmwood House
(p. 201); it's the best example of his sumptuous and
timeless villas. Families will enjoy the
Science Centre
(p. 204) on the south-
ern banks of the Clyde.
EDINBURGH & SIDE TRIPS IN 1 WEEK
With more time, you can see some of the picturesque countryside that surrounds
the capital of Scotland. I have devised these trips for travel by car. See chapter 5 on
p. 58 for information on renting cars.
Days 1 to 3
Follow “Edinburgh in 3 Days” itinerary, above.
Day 4: Kingdom of Fife & Linlithgow
If you're up very early and it's a dry day, you might scale
Arthur's Seat,
the
ancient volcano that rises up above Edinburgh. From there you can see across
the Firth of Clyde and the so-called
Kingdom of Fife
(p. 152)—your next
destination. First head north to the seaside town of
St. Andrews
(p. 153),
about a 1-hour drive once you're out of Edinburgh. World famous for its golf,
this seaside town is also an important historic site of Christian pilgrimage and
home of the first university in Scotland. You might wish to come back south
along the coast, stopping briefly, if you're interested in Scottish art, to see the
excellent
Kirkcaldy Museum
(p. 155), with its priceless collection of the
Colourists, Joan Eardley, and even a Vettriano. After this, you should have
enough time to head back across the Forth (20 minutes) and get to
Linlithgow
(p. 143) and its ancient palace, the birthplace of one of Scotland's most iconic
figures: Mary, Queen of Scots.
Day 5: East Lothian Coast
In the morning, head east out of the city for the town of North Berwick and its
popular
Scottish Seabird Centre
(p. 147), where, thanks to a host of video
cameras dotting the nearby islands and coastal cliffs, you can see a range of
avian and sea-life colonies. Other highlights of the region include two castle
ruins, the romantic
Dirleton
(p. 147), in the cute village of the same name, as
well as the magnificent
Tantallon
(p. 148) on bluffs above the sea. Golf buffs
may want to see
Muirfield,
although others will settle happily for a stroll
around nearby
Gullane
village and its sandy beaches (p. 148).
Day 6: South into the Borders
Make another early start and head south toward Melrose, which takes about 1
hour by car. This village has
Melrose Abbey
(p. 151), which has inspired
many—including writer Sir Walter Scott. His home,
Abbotsford
(p. 139), is
next on the agenda. This mansion has a host of historical artifacts collected by
Scott, and it is where he wrote many of his most enduring tales. Next up is the
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