Historic Sites in South Gyle

"Enric Miralles’ Post-Modern Scottish Parliament complex was officially opened in 2004. Designed to mirror the surrounding landscape of crags and hills, the building is strikingly difficult from the traditional architecture of the Old Town it sits beside. The building, adorned with abstract, geometric shapes, sits under the gaze of Arthur’s Seat."

"The Scottish parliament is housed in a modern building of unique architecture at the east end of The Royal Mile. Taxi, public bus or tour bus is the easiest way to reach the venue which is a 15 minute walk from Waverley Station. There is some car parking nearby for the Holyrood area, including disabled blue badge parking but it is limited."

"The Scottish Parliament Building, on the site of a former brewery and designed by Catalan architect Enric Miralles (1955–2000), was opened by the Queen in October 2004. The ground plan of the complex is said to... Top ChoiceShip in Leith"

"Visiting Dean Village is like taking a step back into time to old Edinburgh. In recent years, this little neighborhood has become a huge draw to photographers and tourists because of just how Instagrammable it is. For the best shot of the beautiful architecture and river, walk over the stone bridge and down besides the river."

"Take a break visiting the beautiful Dean Village, explore the Water of Leith walkway, take some pictures and enjoy realaxing at this peaceful location."

"Find this picturesque view at the bottom of Hawthornbank Lane if you don’t mind climbing down to the edge of the river!"

"Located on the Royal Mile a short distance from the castle, the John Knox House & Scottish Storytelling Centre attraction is a treat for anyone interested in Scotland's rich cultural heritage. It was built in 1470 and is said to be the one time home of the protestant reformer after which it's named. A highlight of a visit is exploring the exhibits and displays related to the Scottish Reformation, a pivotal moment in the country's history."

"The John Knox House dates back to 1470, making it one of the oldest buildings in Edinburgh, as well as the oldest on the Royal Mile. Today, it’s a beautifully maintained museum that showcases the house and those who lived here, with special attention paid to the Scottish Reformation. Although it’s not on every tourist’s trail, those who do their research will be well rewarded with a fascinating trip back through time."

"Getting to John Knox House : Located on the Royal Mile, the museum is a 6 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Edinburgh. Photo credit: David Ross. John Knox (1514-1572) was a Scottish minister, founder of the Scottish Presbyterian Church and leader of the Scottish Reformation."

"Located close to the castle and featuring a vast cobbled square surrounded by pubs, restaurants and shops, it’s the perfect place for dinner and/or to have a drink in a relaxed atmosphere. In the past, in addition to being a market place, Grassmarket square was also the place where public execution took place. Hopefully nowadays, the atmosphere is a lot more joyful!"

"Walk down Victoria Street (there’s a fantastic whiskey bar there – The Bow Bar – which is my favorite in Edinburgh’s Old Town!) and you’ll end up on the Grassmarket, a cute historic square with tons of pubs and a fabulous view of the Edinburgh Castle. Visit the Edinburgh Castle"

"A great place for unusual finds such as vintage clothes, contemporary jewellery and rare books. Distance from Hotel:500 m6 mins6 mins4 mins"

"The Royal Mile, so called because it covers roughly a mile between Edinburgh Castle and reaches down through the city centre towards Holyrood Palace (the Scottish Residence of Elizabeth II). A stroll down this main road, listening to the bagpipes and entering all the small shops which line its two sides is simply one of the best things to do in the Scottish capital."

"Dismal past aside, the Holyroodhouse is still a great place to walk around and learn about Scottish history and the royals who called this palace home over the centuries. An audioguide is included with the price of admission (£14) and offers a great overview of the history."

"Onetime haunt of Mary, Queen of Scots, with a long history of gruesome murder, destructive fire, and power-hungry personalities, the…"

"The plans to construct an iconic city hall in Edinburgh were sparked in 1896 by Andrew Usher, renowned whisky distiller, who promised to fund the project. In 1914, Usher Hall was built by architects Stockdale Harrison and Howard H Thomson, a magnificent and classical beaux-arts-style concert hall which stood in defiance against the Victorian Gothic architecture so commonly found within the city of Edinburgh. Situated on Lothian Road in the west of the capital, Usher Hall is instantly recognizable with its curved walls, geometric precision and intriguing exterior design, featuring famous Scots such as Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns."

"Usher Hall is Edinburgh’s premier concert venue and a must-visit for fans of entertainment and culture. The hall was built in 1914 and features beautiful architecture, including a curved exterior decorated with panels of famous figures such as Sir Walter Scott and Mozart. The hall has historically been used for a variety of events, including concerts, political events, and sporting events."

"The Water of Leith is a great bistro style cafe which has gained a huge local following and become one of the most popular eateries in the Cannonmills area. The cafe has a relaxed and extremely welcoming ambiance and the French style food is both delectable and reasonably priced. Great Cullen Skink sits happily alongside French classics such as Croque Madame and the specials board is always brimming with tempting treats."

"A gem within a gem, Bistro du Vin is a cracker of an eatery tucked inside the first-class boutique Hotel du Vin. With a knowledgeable sommelier, smart menu and chic décor, the set-up is seamless. However, the pièce de résistance is the courtyard, which is suited to intimate alfresco dining in summer months with divine seasonal nosh and innovative cocktails."

"Lush have made a name for themselves with unique, handmade, ethically sourced health and beauty products. Now they have taken the next step an offer spa treatments from their Edinburgh store. Like their products, the treatments are unconventional and fresh and more specifically tailored to the individual than is the norm."

"If you love Lush or want to experience something different from your usual spa experience, Lush Spa is a must-try!. Each treatment therapist is highly knowledgeable and professional from the moment you meet them and will have a consultation with you before selecting the products for your treatment!"

"Best for Incredible views of the city’s most famous landmark In a nutshell Also known as The Caledonian, this large red sandstone building at the west end of Princes Street first opened in 1903. It was originally a railway hotel, and while the Princes Street Station it was next to no longer exists, you can see part of the original concourse in The Peacock Alley — the hotel’s lounge area. After a £24 million refurbishment in 2011 it became part of the Waldorf Astoria collection and today is one of several historic five-star hotels in the city.Don’t miss Some of the rooms have dramatic views towards Edinburgh Castle which is located less than 200m away."

"Once better known as the Caledonian, the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh underwent an extensive renovation to bring it into the Waldorf a few years ago. These upgrades resulted in the hotel winning awards like the Luxury Hotel of the Year and the Spa of the Year, among others, for 2014. Whether you opt for a classic room or a luxury suite with a view of Edinburgh Castle, expect sumptuous linens and muted colours that signify class and elegance."

"Amidst the Tony award-winning musicals, famous shows, high calibre ballets, and musical prodigies are some of the major comedy kingpins. The Edinburgh Playhouse has been host to the likes of Amy Schumer, Louis CK, Jack Whitehall, Jimmy Carr, and Catherine Tate, to name just a few. This former cinema, which was built in the style of The Roxy cinema in New York, has been around since 1929 and makes for the most brilliant of comedy venues due to its sheer size and acoustics."

"EdinburghThe Edinburgh Playhouse has some great shows throughout the year including a great Panto. There are also childrens events in the school holidays and youth drama activities"