Impressive, historic, cultural and elegant, Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe that boasts both a medieval old town and a new town with stunning Georgian architecture. The Old Town and the New Town have been designated a UNESCO world heritage site since 1999.

Standing high upon Castle Rock is Edinburgh Castle. This historic fortress is one of the most visited attractions in Scotland and is open all year round. You can buy a whole day ticket and take one of the guided tours or choose your own route around this fascinating edifice which dates back to the 11th century. There are performances by costumed guides like the Rebels and Redcoats which is a spectacle all about the Jacobite War. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is performed annually and is a display of marching and music like no other.

Edinburgh has many superior hotels as well as plenty of bed and breakfast establishments so you will be able to find somewhere to suit your needs. This is a city that is ideal for either an extended holiday or for short breaks.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a huge draw for lovers of comedy, literature and all the arts. Whatever time of year you choose to visit you will find many places of interest suitable for all the family.

The famous Edinburgh Zoo, which is located on Corstorphine Hill, is second in popularity only to the castle. As well as providing a chance to view the wonderful array of animals and birds, the zoo helps with breeding endangered species and is the only zoo in Britain where you can see giant pandas and koalas. Children love to see the daily penguin parade and for those over 3 and up to the age of 15 the entry fee is reduced.

Many visitors to Edinburgh stay in self catering accommodation and there is plenty of choice both in the city and around the outskirts. There is a huge variety of restaurants and cafes for eating out and if you want to bring your dog you will find a good choice of pet friendly establishments in this amiable Scottish city.

One sight not to be missed are The Kelpies. Soaring up to thirty metres high, these horse head sculptures were completed in 2013 by the artist Andy Scott and they form a gateway to the Forth and Clyde canal. Based on mythological creatures that were said to haunt rivers and streams, the Kelpies are a monument to the horse powered industry that helped to shape Scotland's industrial heritage. Take a family photo or a selfie with these stunning works of art and then go to the visitors centre where you can buy a souvenir to remind you of the grandeur of the magnificent sculptures.

This is a city with so much history and culture that in the 18th century Scottish Enlightenment it was called the 'Athens of The North'. Whether this is your first trip or you are a regular visitor there is always something new to discover in Edinburgh.