Scotland is your oyster. After leaving Edinburgh Airport you can make a beeline straight for the city and throw yourself into a whirlwind of Scottish food, atmospheric cobbled streets, and stories of literature and music past and present.
Cities of literature and creativity
Walk the same Gothic streets as the likes of Arthur Conan Doyle and JK Rowling in Scotland’s capital. Wander from the Queen’s Edinburgh residence at Holyrood Palace, up the medieval thoroughfare of the Royal Mile to the imposing Edinburgh Castle. Along the way you’ll see the turrets and spires of the Old Town buildings that are said to have been the inspiration for Hogwarts. If you’re a huge Harry Potter fan, you can make a pilgrimage to the café where she toiled away at the early drafts of the first book. While some think that is the Elephant Café, she actually wrote large chunks of it at Nicholson’s. Of course, there’s no reason why you can’t do both.
Every August, millions of visitors descend on Edinburgh to enjoy ‘The Fringe’, the world’s biggest arts festival. You can see a Shakespeare play in a church hall, a stand-up comedy gig in a pub basement, or a piece of political satire in a shipping container as every available space becomes a venue for a month. You won’t be able to leave your hotel without having a flyer thrust into your hand, it’s a thrilling city takeover.
Venturing forth
Car rental from Edinburgh Airport gives you access to a great array of sights in the city and beyond. Visit the famous Rosslyn Chapel to the south of Edinburgh, which has been standing since the 15th century and gained further fame from the Da Vinci Code movie.
To the north of the city, the small village of Cramond sits on the banks of the Firth of Forth. Walk along River Almond to find the ruins of an old mill, or cross the causeway to Cramond Island, which is submerged for most of the day.
Take a day trip to North Berwick, a quaint seaside town on the shore of the Forth. Here you can hike up to Berwick Law to find stunning views out to sea. Tuck into freshly cooked seafood at the Lobster Shack on the pier or play a round of golf with a sensational vista at North Berwick Golf Club. This 17th century course overlooks the Firth of Forth and Bass Rock.
Scotland’s wild side
Go in search of the settings of Outlander and Braveheart with a trip to the Highlands. Drive your rental car up to Inverness where the capital of the Highlands sits on the shores of Loch Ness. A boat trip from one of the loch-side village gives you the chance to spot the Loch Ness Monster – or at least find out more about the mythical beast, while also taking in the spectacular views of Urquhart Castle, which perches on the banks.
From Edinburgh, drive across the Queensferry Crossing for a stunning view of the Forth Rail Bridge over the craggy outcrop of Inchcolm Island. You’ll then find yourself in the Kingdom of Fife, filled with beautiful countryside, impressive castles and charming coastal fishing villages.
Whether you’re staying in the capital or venturing out to Scotland’s wild side, car rental at Edinburgh Airport will get your visit off to the perfect start.
