It can be no surprise that once again Edinburgh Castle has been awarded the prize as the most popular Heritage Attraction in the UK. This nation is awash with ancient buildings reaching back into the distant past and even after a thousand years the castle is far from being the oldest. With this is mind it reveals just how well the castle operates, how popular such buildings are with tourists, how excellent the setting in which the castle is found and how wonderful the city and its people deals with tourists. The years of history fascinate the tourist. Tales of English barbarity, the activities of kings, some who lost their heads here, the Scottish Royal Regalia (Which any king must wear if they wish to be King of Scots I say pal!), prison cells for misbehaving soldiers and the Scottish National War Memorial. During the Napoleonic War prisoners of war were lodged here for a while. To keep them occupied and to provide for themselves they were allowed a weekly market. here the citizens would buy the trinkets they made, exchange foodstuffs I believe and buy one of the facsimile Scottish pound notes that they sold to visitors for a few shillings. Both sides happily enjoyed their profits from that line of work!
With the Great Hall once the dwelling of the Kings, the room in which Mary Queen of Scots brought James VI & I into the world, the many army museums which you must visit and of course the One O'Clock Gun, the Castle is a must visit for a tourist. The views are wonderful also, although some complain that the gray cloud that covers the land on occasion might be a bit of a dampener, and I mean 'dampener!' In Edinburgh it has been known to rain on occasion, accompanied by a west wind sent over from Glasgow to annoy us. However usually being so high up it is possible to see forever, apart from the horizon getting in the way. Of course as well over a million folks visit the place it might be crowded at times. Just ask them if they are English, if so, chuck them over the wall, it's traditional!
It is interesting to note that of the dozen Heritage Attractions only one came from Scotland yet that one came out the clear winner. Now I could draw conclusions here, couldn't I?
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6 comments:
Not surprised it won although I have to say that cardiff castle is also wonderful. Edinburgh though has such a matchless setting, it looks like everything a castle should be. I have never been there, can you believe, and it is a place i have always wanted to go.
I was waiting for the guy to tell me how many overstuffed freeloaders could swill down food and drink in the chapel for one moment...
But the castle well deserves to win...even someone from the west of Scotland has to agree.
It reminds me of my cabin! A home away from home!
Jenny, How can you never go to Edinburgh? It's time he gave you a long weekend break!
Fly, You from the west, and you appear so civilised!
Lee, ptah!
Toss Cameron over the wall for this weeks party tradition
Mo, Wot a good idea! :)
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