Edinburgh Airport is a great base for exploring the British Isles. You’re a stone’s throw from Scotland’s capital, but also ideally located for rural adventures in the Highlands. This is an endlessly exciting city where you can wander past the river, see where JK Rowling wrote Harry Potter, delve into the past at the castle and eat fantastic local fare.
Of culture and castles
Immerse yourself in the historic streets, such as the Royal Mile, and admire the imposing presence of Edinburgh Castle. This is a hilly city, built on a number of volcanoes (don’t worry, they’re extinct) and the up-and-down nature of Edinburgh gives it much of its character.
For the ultimate view, take a trip up to Arthur’s Seat. This hill over the city offers spectacular vistas. From here you can marvel at the spectacle of Edinburgh, taking in the elegant shopping streets, open parks and stunning Georgian architecture.
Descend and explore the phenomenal art collections at both the Scottish National Gallery on The Mound and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. There’s culture everywhere you look if you visit during the Fringe or the International Festival – comedy, live music, concerts and theatre both mainstream and experimental. It’s a busy time for the city though, so book ahead to snap up accommodation and the best seats in the house.
The gift of golf
Scotland is renowned for having some of the best golf courses in the world. So if you’re looking to work on your handicap, there’s no better place. Less than two hour’s drive from the airport is St. Andrews, often referred to as the ‘Home of Golf’. Play on courses graced by the professionals and visit the Old Course where the game was first played over 600 years ago.
Continue your golf practice at Carnoustie Golf Links, a coastal course considered to be one of the most difficult in the country. It’s no wonder golf fanatics travel from all over the world to play here. Carnoustie has played host to a number of Open Championships and oozes character, a true test for any golfer.
The Scottish larder
The fresh produce in Scotland is famous, with game from the Highlands and fish from the lakes both a speciality. Both are treated beautifully at The Kitchin, Tom Kitchin’s Michelin-starred restaurant on the Leith waterfront. This is the place for local produce, always in season, cooked sensitively and presented beautifully. Highland venison comes as both a terrine and a tartare, while North Sea turbot is a delight with roast chicken jus. Even the sea buckthorn served with a dessert of orange meringue and Granny Smith apple sorbet is from East Lothian.
However you plan to spend your time, car hire at Edinburgh Airport is a great place to start. From golfing to shopping and even stepping back in time to discover Scottish history, your time in the north promises to be truly memorable.
