{"id":8021,"date":"2017-07-16T22:43:02","date_gmt":"2017-07-16T22:43:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thinkerten.com\/wordpress\/?p=8021"},"modified":"2019-07-03T12:41:50","modified_gmt":"2019-07-03T12:41:50","slug":"self-drive-in-uk-edinburgh-capital-of-scotland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thinkerten.com\/wordpress\/2017\/07\/self-drive-in-uk-edinburgh-capital-of-scotland\/","title":{"rendered":"Self Drive in UK : Edinburgh – capital of Scotland"},"content":{"rendered":"

Weather was no good when we woke up, it was raining non-stop. \u00a0Luckily the rain was not very heavy. \u00a0We know we need to drive for at least 3 hours before reaching our destination, Edinburgh – the capital for Scotland. When I think of Scotland I think of men wearing skirts.<\/p>\n

\"Kendal\"<\/a><\/p>\n

We passed by a few small towns on the way to Edinburgh, each small town has its own character and you can see from their buildings and houses.<\/p>\n

\"Kendal\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Kendal\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The drive up through the green hills was so breathtakingly beautiful, of course, we get to see more sheep and cows. \u00a0No, I never get bored of that! \u00a0We also encountered some farm animals or wildlife on the road, dropped dead – probably hit by the cars when passing through the road. \u00a0So be extra careful and avoid hitting them if you see the wildlife crossing the road.<\/p>\n

\"Scotland<\/a><\/p>\n

One thing you may want to take note is driving to Scotland can be a bit remote and fewer petrol stations so fill up your tank is always a good idea.<\/p>\n

\"Scotland<\/a><\/p>\n

The view gets prettier when the rain stopped!<\/p>\n

\"Scotland<\/a><\/p>\n

Renting a car enable you to set your own pace and bring you through this magical scenery! \u00a0Get ready some snacks and enjoy the view along the Scotland highlands.<\/p>\n

\"Scotland<\/a><\/p>\n

No toll roads and bridges throughout our 3 hours drive to Scotland. There is simply too many jaw-dropping “wow” sights to drive through Scotland’s landscape and this is the most beautiful moment along the way. Three words to describe my feeling – Free, Relax and Peaceful.<\/p>\n

\"Scotland<\/a><\/p>\n

We stopped by a park and used the public toilets. \u00a0There is a school next to the park. \u00a0As it was Saturday, there is no students in the school compound.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Scotland<\/a><\/p>\n

The primary school in the countryside.<\/p>\n

\"Scotland<\/a><\/p>\n

I walked over to the opposite of the school and take a look at the farm. \u00a0Most of the livestock ran away from me, the uninvited guest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Scotland<\/a><\/p>\n

We continued our pleasure highlands journey. \u00a0In the countryside, you will encounter a lot of aging drivers as the countryside has a more aging population. These aging drivers are really patience and always give way to us. \u00a0Really nice people.<\/p>\n

\"Scotland<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Scotland<\/a><\/p>\n

Even the farmhouses look so pretty in the countryside of Scotland.<\/p>\n

\"Scotland<\/a><\/p>\n

Finally reached Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. \u00a0Surprised to come across an old Scottish man wearing a skirt. \u00a0The skirt wore by Scottish man is called a kilt, also part of the national dress of Scotland. \u00a0I was happy to found one on the road. \u00a0Not the performer or soldiers, just an ordinary old man walking on the streets.<\/p>\n

\"Edinburgh<\/a><\/p>\n

Edinburgh<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Edinburgh<\/a><\/p>\n

This is a very busy city with many medieval buildings. \u00a0Any big city would have more cars and a little bit more traffic so be mentally prepared when driving into a big city. \u00a0This city has a lot more tourists too compared to the other location we have been to earlier.<\/p>\n

\"Edinburgh<\/a><\/p>\n

Where to park your car?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We wanted to visit Edinburgh Castle so we parked near the castle – NCP car park Edinburgh Castle Terrace. \u00a0The location is good but quite expensive, GBP 15 for about 4 hours. \u00a0Go for other cheaper car park if possible. \u00a0Avoid this one.<\/p>\n

Address: Castle Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2EW, UK.<\/p>\n

\"<\/a><\/p>\n

We looked for something to eat for our lunch before visiting Edinburgh Castle. \u00a0Behind is the Edinburgh Castle built at the top of a hill, castle normally built at a very high place.<\/p>\n

\"Edinburgh<\/a><\/p>\n

We had a quick Mexican lunch, ordered Burrito filled with beans, rice, pork and some vegetable plus some Tortilla chips with salsa.<\/p>\n

\"Mexican<\/a><\/p>\n

Let’s go, exploring Edinburgh Castle. \u00a0Since it is located on top of the hill, we have to walk for about 15 mins to reach the top. \u00a0Edinburgh Castle is very famous and considered an iconic landmark in Scotland! \u00a0Can you believe it is built high on an impressive 700 million-year-old extinct volcano called Castle Rock, in the middle of what is now the city of Edinburgh?<\/p>\n

\"Edinburgh<\/a><\/p>\n

When we arrived at the top where the entrance is, there were already many visitors waiting to get in the Castle. \u00a0The Castle has carried out some work so many cranes and tractors can be seen and it made the picture quite ugly.<\/p>\n

\"Edinburgh<\/a><\/p>\n

Not sure what they are building, looks like a spectator\/ arena seats?<\/p>\n

\"Edinburgh<\/a><\/p>\n

Edinburgh Castle is Scotland\u2019s most-visited paid tourist attraction, with over 1.4 million visitors every year. In fact, over 70% of all visitors to Edinburgh also visit the castle. \u00a0So you should not be alarmed by the number of visitors line up at the entrance. \u00a0We queue for about 20 mins to get our tickets.<\/p>\n

\"Edinburgh<\/a><\/p>\n

A young Scottish soldier at the entrance of the castle, performing some marching in front of the tourist.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Edinburgh<\/a><\/p>\n

One O’Clock Gunfire is a Time Signal<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Many visitors time their visit to the Castle to see the firing of the One O’Clock Gun. Originally used to assist mariners on the Firth of Forth and to allow the townspeople of Edinburgh to adjust their clocks, the firing of the gun is retained now solely as a tourist attraction. \u00a0We have missed the firing time and these soldiers were packing up.<\/p>\n

\"Edinburgh<\/a><\/p>\n

The Castle has magnificent views over the city and surrounding countryside.<\/p>\n

\"Edinburgh<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Edinburgh<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Edinburgh<\/a><\/p>\n

Edinburgh has too many visitors so taking a picture with no other people blocking your way is not easy.<\/p>\n

\"Edinburgh<\/a><\/p>\n

Crown Square<\/strong><\/h3>\n

There are a few important attractions in the castle, Crown Square is one of them. \u00a0The courtyard was built in the 15th century which is surrounded by the former Royal Apartments, the Great Hall, the Scottish National War Memorial and the tower containing the Crown Room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Edinburgh<\/a><\/p>\n

Crown Square is also known as Palace Yard.<\/p>\n

\"Edinburgh<\/a><\/p>\n

The square is formed by the Royal Palace to the east, the Great Hall to the south, the Queen Anne Building to the west, and the National War Memorial to the north.<\/p>\n

\"Edinburgh<\/a><\/p>\n

The Great Hall<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Edinburgh<\/a><\/p>\n

There are many canons line up at the wall, to defend Edinburgh Castle. \u00a0These canons no longer in use, only for show.<\/p>\n

\"Edinburgh<\/a><\/p>\n

The Scottish National War Memorial<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This building was opened in 1927 as a memorial to the Scottish dead of the 1st World War also commemorates the men who fell in the Second World War.<\/p>\n

\"Edinburgh<\/a><\/p>\n

There are many castle mysteries. One tale warns University of Edinburgh students not to pass through the castle gates or they will fail their final exams. Many waited until they graduated and step foot inside the castle.<\/p>\n

Some said the castle is haunted as it houses many prisoners of wars. \u00a0How true? \u00a0You need to find out yourself.<\/p>\n

Crown Room<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Edinburgh<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Edinburgh<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Edinburgh<\/a><\/p>\n

Edinburgh Castle Admission Fees<\/a> :<\/strong><\/h3>\n