Edinburgh: a staycation city break

With direct flights to Scotland’s capital from CornwallAirport Newquay, now is the time to start planning your next city break. 

What’s a city break without an itinerary of sights to tick off your travel list and get those all-important photos? Edinburgh is a city full of beautiful historical architecture and landmarks, many of which you’ll find in Edinburgh’s Old Town. The heart of this area is the The Royal Mile. Connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, The Royal Mile is a web of cobbled streets waiting to be discovered. Overlooked by an array of landmarks including royal residencies, parliament - new and old, a cathedral, churches and much more there is no shortage of impressive architecture. Walk the streets and enjoy the sights, shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants.

By far the most famous sight is Edinburgh Castle, the fortress sits above the city on Castle Rock, an extinct volcano and a site which historians have found to have been a human residence since the Iron Age. Visit the iconic building for unrivalled views of the city, and head inside to discover its history in the Great Hall, St Margaret’s Chapel and the One o’clock Gun.

The official Scottish residence of Her Majesty The Queen, The Palace of Holyroodhouse is best known as the home of Mary Queen of Scots. Visitors can explore 14 state apartments, Holyrood Abbey, and the beautiful gardens. There is also the Queen’s Gallery which displays exhibitions to visitors throughout the year.

Climbing just short distance away from the royal mile, you’ll find the 640 acres of Holyrood Park. With breath-taking views across the city, and a well-preserved ancient fort, the park is the highest point of Aurthur’s Seat – an ancient volcano. Explore the park to find a fresh-water loch, a chapel, impressive cliff faces and a diverse range of plant life.

Finally, head to Grassmarket – once a medieval marketplace and public execution site, the area is full of history and now home to buzzing bars and independent shops.

If you don’t fancy walking around the city, why not buy a ticket for a hop on and off city bus tour? 

Edinburgh is the perfect city to hit the shops, from high street favourites to luxury high-end, and unmissable independents, there is something for everyone. For high street stores with views over beautiful gardens head to Princess Street, you’ll also find seasonal markets in the gardens. For luxury shopping head to Multrees Walk where you’ll find iconic high-end brands.

If you’re after something a bit different you’ll want to seek out Edinburgh’s array of independent retailers, try the West End Village, The Grassmarket, Victoria Street (where it is said Harry Potter author J.K Rowling based Diagon Alley), Stockbridge, Bruntsfield and Morningside.

If you fancy making your way out of the city centre for some fresh air in the countryside, make the short journey to Pentlands Regional Park. Around a 30-minute drive from Edinburgh, the parkland is located in the West Lothians and is a vast expanse of stunning scenery. There is 10,000 hectares of land to explore and 100km of footpath, follow the capital view walk for magnificent views over Edinburgh.

Fly Newquay to Edinburgh with Loganair, book now.