Edinburgh crowned most historic city in the north of England and Scotland

Edinburgh has been found to be the most historic city in all the north of England and Scotland, thanks to its vast array of historical experiences compared to its counterparts

Article Source: WM Wavemaker
Last Updated: 11 November 2019 13:05

For locals and visitors alike, the news that Edinburgh has been crowned the most historic city in the North of England and Scotland will come as no surprise. It only takes a brief stroll around the city to take in the stunning buildings, parks, monuments and heritage sites to realise why. A new study by TransPennine Express compared 19 cities to see which had the most historical hits on offer.

Edinburgh scored top marks in all categories except for one – monuments. To celebrate Edinburgh’s victory, let’s delve into just what makes the city so historically great, looking at some of the top sites.

Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is one of Edinburgh’s most significant landmarks. Encased in history, this 1.81km – not an English mile, but a Scottish mile - stretch runs from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It’s incredibly popular with tourists and divided into six areas. Castlehill and Castle Esplanade are the oldest part of the Mile, and the latter is known to be a space where witches were burnt at the stake. Lawnmarket was a marketplace until the 17th Century, and today connects The Hub to Bank Street. High Street is the most well-known part of the Royal Mile, housing St. Giles cathedral and Tron Kirk, as well as shops, pubs and restaurants. In contrast, Canongate is the least visited part – until 1856 it was an independent burgh, separated from the rest of the city. Lastly, Abbey Strand connects the end of Canongate to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, via Parliament Square. With so much history packed into a compact area, it’s no wonder the Royal Mile is the most historic site in Edinburgh!

Edinburgh Castle
The role of Edinburgh Castle in Scotland’s history cannot be understated. It has played two parts – a royal residence and a military stronghold. Both Queen Margaret and King Malcolm Canmore made it their home in the 11th Century. The castle then saw plenty of military action until 1745, and until the 1920s, it was the British Army’s primary base in Scotland. The rocky crags of Castle Rock was the most easily defended hilltop on an invasion route used by several different armies – from the Romans, to the Jacobite troops. The castle is so popular with tourists today due to the sheer volume of things to see – the world famous One O’Clock Gun, St Margaret’s Chapel (also the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh) and the Honours of Scotland, nicknamed the Scottish Crown Jewels.

The Real Mary King’s Close
Hidden beneath the busy Royal Mile, you’d be forgiven for passing it by, but the Real Mary King’s Close is something you don’t want to miss. Here, you can unlock the secrets of life in the 17th Century in Edinburgh, through streets, passageways and homes. You can learn about the dark past of the area and the people who lived here. This historic site is truly unique, so it is easy to see why visitors flock to it.

Royal Botanic Garden
If tranquillity is something you seek, the Royal Botanic Garden is a must-see. Encompassing 70 acres and with over 3000 exotic plants to see in the Glasshouses, you can easily spend a day here. This spectacular living collection is almost 350 years old – and visitors can embrace different climates, from the tropics to the deserts.

Gilmerton Cove
This archaeological mystery has left experts scratching their heads for over 200 years, and is still attracting curious tourists today. It’s a hand carved subterranean adventure, with seven rooms. After years of research, the origins of the site are still unknown. Was it a meet up spot for a secret society? A witch’s coven? Or home to the Romans? It’s all for visitors to decide when they experience it for themselves.

Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is most well known for its association with Mary, Queen of Scots, and Bonnie Prince Charlie. It still has royal roots today, as it is used by the Queen when carrying out engagements in Scotland. In fact, in July, Her Majesty spends a whole week celebrating Scottish culture, known as ‘Holyrood Week’. This tradition has been in place since the reign of King George V and Queen Mary. The palace itself dates to 1128, when it was founded by David I as an Augustinian monastery.

Whether you’re an architecture fan, a royalist or just a lover of all things spooky, Edinburgh’s historical sites are sure to entertain you. For history further afield, why not visit other cities on the list, like Glasgow, York and Liverpool? You can see the full historical index of the North and Scotland on the TransPennine Express website HERE

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

UNIQLO will officially open the doors to its Princes Street store tomorrow

Edinburgh – Global apparel retailer UNIQLO, will welcome its first Scottish customers through the doors of its Edinburgh store on Thursday, 25th April.

CHICAGO Announced for the Edinburgh Playhouse

David Ian for Crossroads Live in association with Barry and Fran Weissler are delighted to announce further dates for the 2024/2025 UK and Ireland tour with dates at Edinburgh Playhouse in 2025.

Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns for a delicious double helping

Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns to the town this weekend for a two-day feastival with plenty for everyone to sample and enjoy.

Racegoers go corgi crazy at Musselburgh Racecourse

A NEW four-legged champion has been crowned for the Corgi Derby at The Sky Bet Sunday Series Raceday, Musselburgh Racecourse.

Nationwide campaign encourages adults in Scotland to take the plunge

With a staggering 14 million adults in the UK unable to swim, the team behind The Learn to Swim National Framework has launched a new campaign to encourage adults in Scotland to learn the life skill.

Gilded Balloon and Edinburgh Street Food announce new, dog friendly comedy night

Edinburgh’s top street food hang-out and leading comedy producers Gilded Balloon have today announced a brand new partnership, bringing the city’s funniest night out to Edinburgh Street Food.

The one that started it all: Edinburgh Science Festival announces its new Director

Edinburgh Science Festival drew its 35th anniversary edition to a close last weekend and now announces its new Director, Hassun El-Zafar, and dates for the 2025 Festival.

Pomegranates Festival kicks off next week

There’s just one week to go before the Pomegranates Festival of International Traditional Dance (25-30 April) kicks off at the Scottish Storytelling Centre and various venues across Edinburgh.

Top tips for visiting the Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show

Now in its 30th year, the show is the go-to exhibition for any self-builders or renovators looking for practical tips, expert advice, or the chance to view 1000s of products.

Edinburgh Seafood Festival returns to St James Quarter

The popular Edinburgh Seafood Festival returns to St James Quarter, with even more opportunities to get a taste of the finest Scottish fare!

Cineword celebrates Danny Boyle

Cineworld Edinburgh celebrates the acclaimed British director Danny Boyle from May 7th to May 28th with a limited time big screen re-release of four of his classic titles at only £5 per ticket!

Johnnie Walker Princes Street Introduces Sunrise Yoga Experience

Johnnie Walker Princes Street is inviting guests to find their flow and embark on a journey of tranquility and connectivity with its latest offering, Sunrise Yoga on 3rd May!

Red Carnation Unveils 100 Princes Street, a historically rich new hotel in Edinburgh

Red Carnation Hotels, the family-owned hotel collection, proudly announces the opening of its latest masterpiece and first property in Scotland, 100 Princes Street.

Edinburgh Zoo named best zoo in Scotland

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo has been named the best zoo to visit in Scotland by TripAdvisor, the world’s biggest travel guidance platform.

Ambassador Theatre Group becomes ATG Entertainment

Ambassador Theatre Group (“ATG”), a leading live entertainment organisation, and owner of the Edinburgh Playhouse, today announced that it is rebranding as ATG Entertainment.

New Finds at Culloden Battlefield shed more light on intensity of battle

Latest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts.

First Look and opening date confirmed for The Spanish Butcher in Edinburgh

RUSK & RUSK, the independent Scottish restaurant group, today shares first look impressions of The Spanish Butcher, Edinburgh, and confirms it will officially open on Friday 10th May.

New Edinburgh Dog Friendly Brunch Spot Opens Today

Sip & Bark is opening its doors today on Raeburn Place in Stockbridge, with a delicious brunch offering, a selection of cocktails and fine wines, plus it’s dog friendly!

Port Edgar Open Weekend is back with a splash as it celebrates 10th Anniversary

The annual Open Weekend returns to Port Edgar, the largest watersports and activity centre in Scotland, for a special 10th-anniversary event on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May!

Kinky Boots struts into Edinburgh

Broadway and West End phenomenon Kinky Boots The Musical, is strutting into Edinburgh in a brand-new production starring Strictly's Johannes Radebe and rising star Dan Partridge!

Laser Station Teams Up with Cash For Kids for Fundraising Event

Laser Station will be hosting an exciting fundraising event from April 22nd to April 28th, aimed at raising funds to support Cash For Kids initiatives.

Lloyds Early Careers event coming to Edinburgh

Lloyds Banking Group is hosting a free event on Saturday 13th April in Edinburgh for young people wanting to explore the wide range of careers options available in the banking industry.

Owen Thompson MP visits Newtongrange inspiring community garden to mark Community Garden Week

Volunteers at the Newtongrange Community Garden were delighted to welcome a special visitor on Tuesday 2nd April - Owen Thompson MP.

Scottish Game Fair returns for its 35th year

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair (SGF) is back for 2024, celebrating its 35-year anniversary at Scone Palace.

New UNIQLO store to open on Princes Street on 25th April 2024

Global apparel retailer UNIQLO will open its doors to Edinburgh’s highly anticipated store on 25 April 2024, with the arrival marks the regeneration of the shopping scene in Scotland’s capital.

Dobbies Garden Centres unveils Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience

Dobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is inviting plant enthusiasts and foodies alike to a brand new Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience at its stores nationwide.

POSTPONED: Springfest at Loch Lomond Shores

This year's Springfest, set to take place this weekend, has been postponed due to forecasted high winds.

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh is Back with Breakfast 7 days a week and Kids Eat Free the Easter Break

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh is thrilled to announce the return of breakfast service seven days a week and to celebrate KIDS EAT FREE for the Easter break!

Cracking line up of cinematic classics and big screen blockbusters at Vue this April

A fantastic range of brand-new blockbusters, haunting horrors, theatre productions and all-time action classics lead the roster of releases heading to Vue this April.

Edinburgh Folk Club looks to future with wealth of musical talent and annual Songwriting Competition

Edinburgh Folk Club’s weekly folk, roots and acoustic nights are set to continue into the spring and summer, along with the return of their annual Songwriting Competition.

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall

Edinburgh crowned most historic city in the north of England and Scotland

Edinburgh has been found to be the most historic city in all the north of England and Scotland, thanks to its vast array of historical experiences compared to its counterparts

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings