October 9, 2009
Edinburgh has a number of historic cemeteries which date back centuries, and are the final resting places of many important figures from the city’s past.
Most famously, Greyfriar’s is the graveyard where a dog named Bobby stood guard over his owner’s grave for 14 years, before dying and being buried nearby himself.
These cemeteries have some unique tombstones and architecture and really echo of the history of the city and its people, but sadly many have fallen into neglect, being used by drug addicts and youths.
However, finally a number of these sites have found their way onto the list of the World Monuments Fund, recognising their importance and need for protection. This fund lists sites around the world which need to be preserved and protected, so this is great news for the cemeteries in Edinburgh.
The five cemeteries which have made this list are:
- Canongate
- Grayfriars
- New Calton
- Old Calton
- St. Cuthbert’s
Read the full story at this link
September 22, 2009
Karen Bryan, who is editor of the wildly popular Europe A La Carte blog, has recently reviewed and recommends the Historic Walking Guide to Edinburgh.

She mentions that the book covers some of her favourite walks, and goes on to say:
Andy’s book enables you to explore the real Edinburgh at your own pace. It took me years to discover all these Edinburgh walks, so you can start your Edinburgh trip with detailed insider knowledge. It’s best to purchase the book before you arrive in Edinburgh, so you can decide in advance which walks are of most interest to you.
We’re glad Karen enjoyed the book and we’re sure you will too. Be sure to get your copy today.
August 5, 2009
This year’s Edinburgh Book Festival is just around the corner. I wonder how many of you are planning on attending?
Running from 15-31 August, it is described as: An inspiring literary festival, the world’s largest public celebration of the written word, right in the heart of Edinburgh: hundreds of author events, debates and workshops packed into 17 extraordinary days each August.
If you want to learn a bit more about the festival, visit http://www.edbookfest.co.uk/
We’re working hard to get the release of Historic Walking Guides Edinburgh in time for this festival. It would make the ideal companion for your trip if you’re visiting the book festival.
July 15, 2009
The Edinburgh Historic Walking Guide release is coming very soon, and we’re all busy but excited here at Destinworld getting the final touches ready on the product.
Here’s a little sneak preview of one of the walks on the guide - a wander along the Royal Mile. Here’s the map:

As you’ll see from the map, this section of the book is *packed* with interesting stops along theh Royal Mile, including:
- Edinburgh Castle - the most visited tourist attraction in Scotland
- Moubray House - the oldest inhabited building in the city of Edinburgh
- Gladstone’s Land - see what life was like in medieval Edinburgh
- Palace of Holyroodhouse - Her Majesty the Queen’s official residence in Scotland
The guide includes details on all the best attractions, including opening times, website informtion, and of course the historical angle.
The Royal Mile is a pretty easy walk - it’s just one street, as you can see - but the number of attractions competing for your attention is crazy. The Edinburgh Historic Walking Guide can help - we even include places to eat and little secrets about some of the medieval architecture that is still visible today.
See you in Edinburgh!
May 14, 2009
The famous Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh has opened a new tour for visitors, following its £3m upgrade and facelift. The tour includes an updated barrel ride, and access to the world’s largest collection of Scotch whiskies. There is also a large shop selling whiskies, and other related items, and you can enjoy a tutored tasting session.
The Scotch Whisky Experience can be found at 354 Castlehill, on the Royal Mile in central Edinburgh.