Travel facts
Divisa: £ GBP.
Visas:
Generally tourists from Europe, USA and the Commonwealth do not require Visas for UK holidays. Check out: www.ukvisas.gov.uk
Getting there by plane:
Flights into Edinburgh Airport are serviced by an Express Bus (number 100). They run every 10 minutes during the day and take approx. 25 minutes to the centre of Edinburgh. Check out: Traveline Scotland
Getting there by train:
Trains to Edinburgh go into Waverley station. Waverley station is very central and exits into Princes Street.
Tipping:
10-15% is normal in cabs and
restaurants (where a service
charge is usually included in your
bill).
Theatre
| For the Love of Mrs Brown: 9th - 13th March 2010 Edinburgh Playhouse 18-22 Greenside Place Tel. 0870 606 3424 We?ve followed Agnes Brown through many family traumas in the Mrs Brown trilogy of the Last Wedding, Good Mourning Mrs Brown and Mrs Brown Rides Again. Well now it?s time for part four of the trilogy with the brand spanking new FOR THE LOVE OF MRS BROWN. Having discovered the internet, Agnes Brown accidentally sets up a date with a man she only knows as HairyHarry25. Despite some of her family?s protests, Agnes is determined to see her date through. We follow Agnes as she prepares for her ?big date?. Her preparations include learning all over again how to date a man ? but this time in the 21st century, where men expect rather more from a first date than they did in her day.So with the help of Winnie, Cathy, Maria and Betty, and despite the objections of the boys in the family, Agnes gets ready for her Valentine?s night date. This includes a radical diet, sex lessons, dressing for the occasion and self defence.Is it a case of ?Love is in the air?, or will Hairy Harry be sent flying? You can find out by joining us for the UK premiere of Brendan O?Carroll?s hilarious new comedy play, FOR THE LOVE OF MRS BROWN Nearest Hotels: Royal British Hotel - Royal Scots Club |
| Whistle Down the Wind: 15th - 20th March Edinburgh Playhouse 18-22 Greenside Place Tel. 0870 606 3424 Following its smash hit tour of the United States, a hugely successful West End season at London?s Palace Theatre, and, of course, the original 2001 UK tour which smashed box-office records across the country, Bill Kenwright?s critically acclaimed production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jim Steinman?s Whistle Down the Wind is set to thrill audiences once again.An extraordinary and uplifting tale about the transforming power of love, Whistle Down the Wind is based on the beloved sixties film starring Hayley Mills, and features numerous multi-award-winning songs, including Boyzone?s international hit No Matter What (which topped the UK charts for 6 weeks). In a twist of fate the bright-eyed and youthful Swallow discovers a mysterious man hiding in her family?s barn. When she asks for his identity the first words he utters are ?Jesus Christ??and it?s as though her prayers have been answered. While the rest of the townspeople are searching for a fugitive escaped from jail, Swallow gathers the town?s children who make a pact to protect their new found saviour from the cruelties of the outside world. Truly inspiring, Whistle Down the Wind shows how powerful love can be when the innocence of childhood collides with the cynicism of the adult world. In a stunning combination of multi-award-winning songs, powerful all new staging and epic storytelling, Whistle Down the Wind is a record breaking theatrical sensation that is both mesmerizing and moving. Nearest Hotels: Royal British Hotel - Royal Scots Club |
| Laughter in the Rain: 12th - 17th April Edinburgh Playhouse 18-22 Greenside Place Tel. 0870 606 3424 With a career spanning six decades and including nine smash hit singles (three which became Number One), Neil Sedaka has been inducted into the Songwriter`s Hall of Fame, had a street named after him in his hometown of Brooklyn, and was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. From the innocent Fifties to the cynical Seventies and beyond, he has written and performed some of the world`s most beloved pop songs including `Oh, Carol`, `Breaking Up Is Hard To Do`, `Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen`, `Hey Little Devil`, `Stupid Cupid`, `Amarillo`, `Laughter in the Rain` and many more. Born in Brooklyn, the son of a taxi-driver, Sedaka started songwriting at Broadway`s legendary Brill Building, penning his first hit, Oh Carol, for his then girlfriend, Carole King. He went on to become a teenage idol to rival Elvis but in 1964 his career collapsed as America embraced the Beatles and other bands of the so-called `British Invasion`. For almost a decade, he struggled to support his wife, Leba, and their two children but found salvation in moving to Britain, where he signed to Elton John`s Rocket Records label, and remarkably returned to the top of the US charts in 1974 with `Laughter In The Rain` - remaining a national treasure there as well as in the UK ever since. `Laughter in The Rain` - a remarkable story of triumph against the odds. Nearest Hotels: Royal British Hotel - Royal Scots Club |
| Les Miserables: 20th - 15th May Edinburgh Playhouse 18-22 Greenside Place Tel. 0870 606 3424 The magnificent score of Les Misérables includes the songs, I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, Bring Him Home, Do You Hear the People Sing, One Day More, Empty Chairs at Empty Tables, Master Of The House and many more. This international award-winning musical sweeps its audience through an epic tale of passion and destruction, against the backdrop of a nation in the grip of revolution. Seen by more than 55 million people worldwide in 40 countries and in 21 languages, this spectacular adaptation of Victor Hugo`s masterpiece continues to thrill audiences night after night. Nearest Hotels: Royal British Hotel - Royal Scots Club |
Cinema
| Alice In Wonderland 2D & 3D Odeon 118 Lothian Road. Tel. 0871 22 44 007 From Walt Disney Pictures, Tim Burton directs an epic fantasy adventure; ?Alice in Wonderland?. Featuring an all-star cast including Johnny Depp, Mia Wasikowska, Anne Hathaway and Helena Bonham Carter; Burton adds a magical, imaginative twist to this classic story.When Alice returns to the world she encountered as a young girl, she embarks on a journey to discover her true destiny, and encounters some of the most fantastical, charismatic characters ever created. Prepare to see the White Rabbit, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Cheshire Cat and the Mad Hatter as you?ve never seen them before. Nearest Hotels: Edinburgh City - Point Hotel |
| Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief Odeon 118 Lothian Road. Tel. 0871 22 44 007 High school student Percy Jackson is in a bit of bother? with the gods of Mount Olympus. So much so, that they step out of his Greek mythology textbooks and into his life. It seems that someone has stolen Zeus` lightning bolt and Percy is the prime suspect. As Percy adapts to his status as a demi-god, he and his friends embark on a cross-country adventure to catch the true lightning thief, save Percy`s mum, and unravel a mystery more powerful than the gods themselvesbr>Nearest Hotels: Edinburgh City - Point Hotel |
Exhibitions
| Beltane Fire Festival 30th April 2010 Carlton Hill City Centre Held every year at the top of Calton Hill, the Beltane Fire Festival is one of Edinburgh`s less conventional festivals - a neo-pagan fertility ceremony in which costumed revellers dance around the hill accompanied by drummers, musicians and spectacular props.Justifiably famous for its intensity and colour, the event has become a much-loved feature of the Edinburgh calendar since it was first organised in the mid-1980?s.Beltane Fire Society is part of a large and important culture both in Edinburgh and the rest of the world Nearest Hotels: Royal British - Barcelo Edinburgh Carlton - Holyrood Apartments |
| Edinburgh International Film Festival June 2010 Edinburgh International Film Festival 88 Lothian Rd, EH3 9BZ Tel: +44 (0)131 228 2688 The Edinburgh International Film Festival is the world`s oldest continually running film festival. In 2008 it moved to June, while retaining its wide programme, including international premières and retrospectives on show at the Edinburgh Filmhouse. Nearest Hotels: Edinburgh City - The Knight Residence - Apex City |
| Edinburgh Marathon 31st May 2010 Edinburgh Marathon Tel: +44 (0)131 226 0026 The Edinburgh Marathon is an annual fundraising marathon for successfully ballotted entrants and those with guaranteed entry from the London Marathon and Great North Run. Taking place over the late May Bank Holiday it is a unique opportunity to run through Scotland`s historic capital.The money raised goes to children`s charities, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, cancer and blind charities, among others. The ballot for participants closes on 1 December, but keen runners can still compete by running for one of the chosen charities (you need to guarantee a certain amount of sponsorship to qualify). The marathon website gives details of how to apply Nearest Hotels: Apex City - Apex European - Apex International |
| Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival July-August 2010 Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival Tel: +44 (0)131 226 0026 Every year the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival - sponsored by Starbucks since 2004 - brings together top quality performers in venues all over the city. Founded in 1978 when jazz guitarist and banjo player Mike Hart booked a weekend of bands at the long-gone Astoria Ballroom, it is now the longest-running jazz festival in the country. Nearest Hotels: Ten Hill Place - Canon Court Apartments - Dunstane City |
| Edinburgh Military Tattoo. August (exc Sun) 2010 Edinburgh Military Tattoo Edinburgh Castle Tel:+44 131 225 1188 Against the spectacular backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, the Edinburgh Tattoo has been a must since its first outing in 1950 with a spectacular range of traditional military costumes, music and parades, not just from the Scottish tradition of kilts, bagpipes and pipe bands, but combat and motorcycle display teams, parachute displays and visitors from military forces from around the world. Every year there is the haunting sound of the Lone Piper, performed against the famous backdrop of the castle, as well as Massed Highland Dancers. Nearest Hotels: Edinburgh City - Barcelo Edinburgh Carlton- The Knight Residence |
| Edinburgh Fringe Festival August 2010 Edinburgh Fringe Festival Tel: +44 (0)131 226 0026 It`s the biggest arts festival in the world, with something for everyone: theatre, comedy, music, dance, exhibitions and much, much more. In fact, it`s the number one tourist attraction in the whole of Britain. Nearest Hotels: Tailors Hall Edinburgh - Apex European- Bank Hotel |
| Edinburgh International Book Festival August 2010 Edinburgh International Film Festival Charlotte Square Gardens, EH2 4DR Tel: + 44 (0)131 718 5666 The Edinburgh International Book Festival is one of the biggest literary festivals in the English-speaking world. In 2008 some 800 writers came to Charlotte Square Gardens to appear in 750 events in just 17 days.. Nearest Hotels: Royal Overseas League - Melvin House - The George |
| Edinburgh International Festival August/ September 2010 Edinburgh International Festival Tel: 44 (0)131 473 2000 Every August, the Edinburgh International Festival transforms one of the world`s most beautiful cities, presenting three exhilarating weeks of the finest creators and performers from the worlds of the arts - for everyone. Edinburgh`s six major theatres and concert halls, as well as a few smaller venuescome to life with the best classical music, theatre, opera, dance and visual art from around the globe Nearest Hotels: Royal British - Edinburgh City - The George |
| Edinburgh International Festival Closing Firework Concert. September 2010 Edinburgh International Festival Princes Street Gardens Tel: +44 (0)131 473 2099 Europe`s largest annual firework display with live music, a long-standing final fling to the Edinburgh International Festival, the Bank of Scotland Fireworks Concert is presented by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra in Princes Street Gardens. Only those with tickets for Princes Street Bandstand get to hear the music at close hand, otherwise the piped soundtrack to the gardens is often completely drowned out by the sheer noise of the pyrotechnics Nearest Hotels: Old Waverley - Melvin House- Thistle Edinburgh |
| The Scottish Storytelling Centre - 23rd October- 1st November 2010 The Scottish Storytelling Centre 43-45 High Street.Royal Mile. EH1 1SR Tel: +44 (0)131 556 2647 The Scottish International Storytelling Festival is Scotland`s annual celebration of traditional and contemporary storytelling. The Festival brings together artists and audiences from Scotland and beyond in entertaining and inspiring live storytelling performances, thought-provoking talks, workshops and discussions and fun family activities. Discover a warm Festival welcome and the magic of live stories at the award-winning Scottish Storytelling Centre across Edinburgh in various spaces. Nearest Hotels: Barcelo Edinburgh Carlton - Radisson SAS - Tailors Hall |
| Edinburgh Christmas Days Out. November and December 2010 Edinburgh Christmas Days Out Princes Street Gardens Tel: +44 (0)131 332 23681 Edinburgh`s Christmas plays host to the tenth anniversary of Britain`s most beautiful outdoor ice skating rink; Edinburgh`s Winter Wonderland. Set in the stunning surroundings of Princes Street Gardens delight in the magical Christmas atmosphere with twinkling lights in the trees and beneath the Edinburgh skyline of the castle.There are perfomances by professional skaters along with ice hockey matches on the ice rink-If you do not fancy a go yourself! For the first time ever there will be a kiddies rink for children under the age of 7 years old, where double edged skates can be hired and skating becomes that much easier. As well as the ice-skating rinks, Edinburgh`s Winter Wonderland includes a play area for winter sports, traditional food and to warm up; tea, coffee, mulled wine and minced pies.Please see Website for all the goings on around this time Nearest Hotels: Royal British - Mount Royal- Old Waverley |
| Edinburgh Hogmanay & New Year Party - 29th December 2010 - 2nd January 2011 Edinburgh c/o The Hub, Castlehill. Edinburgh EH1 2NE Tel: 0844 894 2010 Edinburgh?s Hogmanay is the largest New Year event in the world and its celebrations are internationally renowned. The Festival is best known for it`s unrivalled New Year`s Eve street party which attracts up to 100,000 people every year. Throughout the Festival there`s an entertaining and engaging programme of festive celebrations, with activities suitable for the whole family. |
| The Family Hoog & The Hoog -New Year st the Assembly Rooms-30th-31st December 2010 Assembly Rooms 54 George Street, Edinburgh. EH2 2LR Tel: +44 (0)131 220 4348 One of the great alternative venues in Edinburgh, the Assembly Rooms` annual ceilidh-cum-dance party, The Hoog, is one of the city`s most popular parties on Hogmanay night. Unsurprisingly, the tickets are like gold dust. Drawing a young and smartly-dressed crowd, the event features a mixture of traditional Scottish dance music and more contemporary sounds. The traditional ceilidh sounds to see in the New Year are provided in The Ceilidh Room, while over in Le Club Bar, DJs keep the crowd on their feet until the wee hours. Nearest Hotels: The George- Mount Royal |
| Great Winter Run - January 2011 Holyrood Park 1 Queens Drive. Edinburgh EH8 8HG Tel: +44 (0)131 652 8150 The sister event of the BUPA Great Edinburgh Run (held in May) and gets the muscles working in a 5km circuit around spectacular Arthur`s Seat.. Nearest Hotels: Holyrood ApartHotel - Carlton Hotel |
Music
| APRIL 2010: **5th- James MAY: **5th & 6th- Florence and the Machine **20th- Pendulum Edinburgh Corn Exchange Train: Haymarket or Slateford train station 11 Newmarket Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1RJ 0131 477 3500 Please see the website for a full listing of live bands Closest Hotels: Royal Ettrick Hotel - Apex European |