The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is located near the scenic Firth of Forth. Somehow, the city seems even more atmospheric in the rain. The sounds echo even more, and you can almost sense the ghosts surrounding you.
Edinburgh Castle is a great place to visit, rain or shine. A former royal residence, it is now a military museum, and the home of the Stone of Destiny, the Scottish Crown Jewels, and Mons Meg, one of the world's oldest cannons. Also, every day at 1300 hours, the One O'clock Gun is sounded. If you do visit, try and take one of the guided tours; there is no additional fee for these tours.
Holyrood Palace, the one-time home of Mary, Queen of Scots, is one of the official residences of the Royal Family of Britain. Parts of the palace and grounds are open to the public, and it is a great place to spend a few hours on a rainy day.
In between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace runs The Royal Mile, one street that undergoes a few name changes--from Lawnmarket to High Street to Cannongate. Down this road are many historic sites and small museums. Among the more notable are The Scotch Whiskey Experience, where visitors can learn about the making of whiskey and (for those over 18 years of age) enjoy a taste, St. Giles Cathedral, with its small bagpiping angel carved near the doorway in The Chapel of the Thistle, and The Museum of Childhood, with its displays of toys.
Try taking one of the many ghost tours that operate in Edinburgh. The tours take you to haunted cemeteries and down into the underground vaults that were populated throughout the city's history. Most tours last between one and two hours, and many may not be appropriate for young children or the faint of heart.
For those wanting something a little less frightning, a literary pub crawl or, if the weather is not too bad, a book lover's tour may be of interest. Also, about an hour's train ride away is the city of Glasgow.
Visitors who want to see more of Scotland may want to try one of the many bus tours that take you outside the city to the Highlands, Loch Lomond, or a few of the famous whiskey distilleries.
When planning your trip to Edinburgh, keep in mind that the month with the highest average precipitation is July with 3.3 inches, followed by August with 3 inches.
