Real History Talks recommendations
READING & LISTENING
We at Real History Talks hope that our tour will give you a better understanding of Edinburgh, and Scotland's history. Should you be interested in learning more about some of the events and characters which appear in the tour, then we can recommend the following:
Edinburgh Guide Books:
- The AA City Guide - Hilary Weston & Richard Brassey (2006)
- The Rough Guide to Edinburgh - Ronald Reid (2008)
- The Locals' Guide to Edinburgh - Owen O'Leary and Claudia Monteiro (2007) - our favourite! A friendly guide packed with local knowledge, created by local photographers, designers and illustrators. All entries are included on merit alone. (www.wordofmouthtravels.co.uk/)
Scottish History Books:
- Scotland - A Concise History - Fitzroy Maclean (2000), Thames & Hudson.
- Scotland - Story of a Nation - Magnus Magnusson (2001), Harper Collins.
- History of Scotland for Children - Fiona Macdonald (2008), Lomond
- Bannockburn 1314 - Chris Brown (2008), The History Press
- Mary, Queen of Scots - Antonia Fraser (2009), Phoenix.
- My Heart is my Own, A Life of Mary, Queen of Scots - John Guy (2004), Fourth Estate.
- Culloden - John Prebble (2002), Pimlico.
- The Best Laid Schemes, Selected Poetry and Prose of Robert Burns - edited by Robert Crawford and Christopher MacLachlan (2009), Polygon.
- Robert Burns, A Life - Ian McIntyre (2009), Constable.
- Greyfriars Bobby - Eleanor Atkinson (1996), Penguin Classics
- Greyfriars Bobby - Richard Brassey (2000), Orion
- Ghostly Tales and Sinister Stories of Old Edinburgh - Alan Wilson, Des Brogan and Frank McGrail (2002), Mainstream.
Music:
Music in Scotland (www.musicinscotland.com) has a good range of traditional Scottish songs and music available to purchase on line. 'There Was A Lad' (CDLS7008-K) is a good selection of the best-known songs of Robert Burns.
HOTELS & HOLIDAYS
TripAdvisor - read unbiased opinions about hotels and holidays at TripAdvisor.
Best of Edinburgh - 'The Essential Guide and Booking Service for Edinburgh
Citybase Apartments - For a comfortable, convenient base where you can tour this amazing city at your own pace, choose Citybase Apartments. Their serviced Edinburgh apartments provide a comfortable and affordable place to stay, offering a luxurious home away from home in the heart of the city.
VISITOR ATTRACTIONS
We have personally enjoyed visiting the following visitor attractions on, or near, the Royal Mile, and are happy to recommend them. The following information is for reference only: please check the websites for up to date information, as opening times and admission prices can vary, especially in high and low season.
1. THE SCOTCH WHISKY EXPERIENCE (www.whisky-heritage.co.uk)
Located on the Castlehill at the top of Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile.
The Scotch Whisky Experience has just opened its exciting new tour! Take a barrel ride as you actually become part of the whisky making process. From the gently swaying fields of barley all the way through the distillery equipment to the steaming and bubbling Pot Still.
Experience for yourself the varying aromas of regional whiskies and whether you like fruity, sweet or smoky flavours experts will help you select your perfect dram. Enter the vault containing the world's largest collection of Scotch Whiskies and enjoy a special tutored nosing and tasting of your dram.
Conclude your visit exploring Scotland's whisky history from the very beginnings of a cottage industry through to the global success of today. Whisky Bar with over 300 Single Malts, Blends, Scotch Whisky Liqueurs and Cocktails.
Opening times:
Open 7 days a week, 364 days a year, closed Christmas Day only
Standard hours (September to May)
10am-6pm; last tour 5pm
Extended summer hours (June, July, August)
9:30am-6:30pm
Last tour 5:30pm
Group bookings can also be made in the evenings - please enquire.
2. THE CITY OF EDINBURGH MUSEUMS ON THE ROYAL MILE
(www.edinburgh.gov.uk/CEC_Museums)
- There are several museums run by the city on the Royal Mile, all with free admission -
The Writers' Museum.
Located within the 17th century Lady Stair's House, The Writers' Museum is dedicated to the lives and work of Scotland's great literary figures. Particular attention is given to Robert Burns (1759-1796), Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832) and Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894).
The rich collection of manuscripts, first editions and portraits is complemented by a series of personal exhibits. This includes Burns' writing desk, Scott's chessboard and dining table and the Ballantyne Press on which Scott's Waverley novels were originally published. The Stevenson collection is of international significance.
Other prominent Scottish writers including contemporary authors are featured in the museum's temporary exhibition programme.
Makars' Court
The adjacent Makars' Court, which takes its name from the Scots word for a poet, is an evolving national literary monument. Inscribed commemorative flagstones celebrate Scottish writers from the 14th century John Barbour to Ian Crichton-Smith who died in 1998. New flagstones are added on a regular basis.
Opening times:
Monday-Saturday 10am - 5pm
Admission free
Museum of Childhood
Described as 'the noisiest museum in the world', the Museum of Childhood is a favourite with adults and children alike. It is a treasure house crammed full of objects telling of childhood past and present.
The museum opened in 1955, and was the first museum in the world to specialise in the history of childhood. There are toys and games of all kinds from many parts of the world ranging from dolls and teddy bears to train sets and tricycles.
Watch the street games of Edinburgh children of the 1950s, and find out how children have been brought up, dressed and educated in decades gone by. The Museum of Childhood also organises a regular programme of temporary exhibitions and events.
Opening times:
Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12 noon-5pm
Admission free
The People's Story
The People's Story is housed in the Cannongate Tolbooth, a former tax collecting house, court and prison. It is now a museum that focuses on the history of the ordinary people of Edinburgh.
Oral history, reminiscence and written sources tell the story of their lives, work and leisure from the late 18th century to the present day. The museum is filled with the sights, sounds and smells of the past. Feel the despair of the dungeon; the convivial camaraderie of the 'pub'; the declarations of the town crier and the demands of political and social reformers. Listen to the lively conversation of the tea room; the gossip of the wash-house; and the bustle of the cooper's workshop.
The museum also has an outstanding collection of trade union and friendly society banners and regalia. These and other reconstructions are displayed alongside old photographs, everyday objects from the past and rare artefacts.
Opening times:
Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sundays during August only 12 noon-5pm
Admission free
The Museum of Edinburgh (Huntly House).
The Museum of Edinburgh is a series of interconnected 16th and 17th century buildings situated on the Royal Mile in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. Formerly known as Huntly House, the museum specialises in the history of Edinburgh from the earliest settlement to the present day.
The museum is packed with artefacts that illustrate the development of the city including the original plans for Edinburgh's New Town drawn by architect James Craig. Also on display are many items that help tell the stories of past inhabitants of Edinburgh.
Permanent Collection
The National Covenant, the great petition for religious freedom signed by Scotland's Presbyterians in 1638, is housed in the museum.
Greyfriars Bobby, the little Skye terrier whose dogged devotion to his dead master touched the hearts of mid 19th century Edinburgh, is represented by his feeding bowl and collar.
The museum also houses a spectacular collection of Edinburgh glass, silver and pottery.
Opening times:
Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sundays during August only 12 noon-5pm
Admission free
Brass Rubbing Centre and Trinity Apse
The Brass Rubbing Centre, just off the High Street opposite The Museum of Childhood, includes a large number of replica monumental brasses. They range from medieval knights and their ladies through Scottish Pictish symbols to Celtic designs copied from illuminated manuscripts including the Book of Kells.
The Brass Rubbing Centre occupies Trinity Apse, the sole surviving fragment of the 15th century Trinity College Church and Hospital founded by Mary of Gueldres following the death of her husband King James II at the siege of Roxburgh in 1460.
Experience is not required to make a rubbing and staff are on hand to assist.
Opening times:
Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm (April to September), Sundays 12 noon-5pm (August only)
Closed October to March, but open to organised groups by arrangement only.
Admission free, but costs to make a rubbing (last rubbing to begin by 4pm).
3. MARY KING'S CLOSE (www.realmarykingsclose.com)
Hidden beneath the Royal Mile lies Edinburgh's deepest secret: a warren of hidden 'closes' where real people lived, worked and died. For centuries they have lain forgotten and abandoned...
Until now! Don't miss the opportunity to visit Edinburgh's most famous Close where you will experience the sights, sounds and maybe even the smells of an amazing street that time forgot. Where everyday people went about their day to day lives and where you can now walk in their footsteps. Perhaps you'll even get to meet them...
VIEW the workshop of Andrew Chesney, the last resident of Mary King's Close
WITNESS the highs and lows of living in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries
VISIT the home of a grave digger's family to discover the truth about living with the plague
Opening times:
Open all year, seven days a week. Closed Christmas Day.
Standard hours (November to March)
10am-5pm (Sunday-Friday)
10am-9pm (Saturday)
Extended summer hours (April to October)
10am-9pm (daily)
9am-9pm (daily, August only)
4. THE 3D LOCH NESS EXPERIENCE EXHIBITIONS (www.3dlochness.com)
Looking for things to do in Edinburgh? The legend of Loch Ness is the World's most famous mystery. Adrian Shine, scientist & the foremost authority on Loch Ness, presents the whole story and all his and many others' findings.
Experience photos, illusions, hoaxes and hear real eye-witness accounts.
Does Nessie really exist? This is your turn to be the judge. Be prepared to be dazzled by the incredible 3D effects in this, one of the best exhibitions in Edinburgh.
Opening times:
Open daily from 9:30am (summer) and 10am (winter)
5. THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND (CHAMBERS STREET) (www.nms.ac.uk)
Welcome to the National Museum of Scotland, a landmark building in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. Their collections tell you the story of Scotland its land, its people and culture.
The exciting Royal Museum Project is now underway with around half of the museum complex currently closed, including the Victorian main hall. It is due to re-open in 2011.
There is still plenty to see and do! Discover life, the universe and everything in it. Some exhibits are millions of years old, others less than a decade. Your journey of discovery starts here...
Opening times
Open daily, from 10am-5pm
Admission free
6. DYNAMIC EARTH (www.dynamicearth.co.uk)
Dynamic Earth takes visitors on a journey through the planet's past, present and future, with interactive exhibits and impressive technology. Beginning with the Big Bang, children and adults alike can witness the creation of the Earth, follow the planet through its evolution and even catch glimpses of its future.
From coming face to face with an extinct dinosaur, feeling the sticky heat of a tropical rainforest or flying over glaciers in prehistoric Scotland, Dynamic Earth presents all aspects of the planet we live in. Population growth, concepts of time and the realities of climate change are just the tip of the iceberg - and there is even one of those too, sitting beneath the magical Aurora Borealis.
Opening times:
Open daily, from 10am-5pm. Last entry at 3:50pm.
