Strange Must See Places To Visit In Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s Strange Places To Visit

Scotland has been a major tourist destination for many decades and it has recently been named by the American news channel CNN as the world’s top travel destination for 2013. Its super rich history, natural beauty, pristine lakes, glens and well-preserved enchanting castles are among the top reasons for making Scotland the place to see and visit this year.

A trip to the capital of Edinburgh has hundreds of attractions to see and do, such as Arthur’s Seat, the Military Tattoo and the National Museum. If you don’t fancy these mainstream attractions and want to witness the places that are tinged with mystery and strangeness, then there are plenty of sights to visit. The plus side to these locations is that most of them are free, which certainly sounds good for the budget-conscious traveler.

Here are 3 strange must-see places to visit in Edinburgh:

Mary King’s Close

Opened in 2003, Mary King’s Close is a series of alleyways and streets under the buildings of Edinburgh’s Old Town area. It was closed to the public but had been preserved, renovated and reopened for visitors. It is considered to be a historically accurate example of Edinburgh in the 16th and 19th century. Shrouded with myths, legends and mystery, the Close has its share of ghost stories, murder mysteries and the unrested spirits of plague victims who were left on the streets to die. A definite must-visit for those who are enthralled by the movies set in ye old Scotland.

For great Victorian sculpture and art, visit the tombs of the Warriston Cemetery. This vast 14 acres of land area consists of Celtic inspired tombs, Victorian sculpture and mausoleums that are both beautiful and eerie. There are tens of thousands of graves for the notable Victorian and Edwardian figures across its impressive landscape. Just make sure to visit during the day or you’ll find yourself scared to your wits in the darkness of the night among the sleeping souls.

Gilmerton Cove

Another attraction that opened its doors to the public in 2003 is Gilmerton Cove. A hundreds of years old underground passageway with hand carved walls, the cove is located in a residential suburban area of Edinburgh. Not many people know about this site but it is a well worth visit as it also has its own questions and mysteries. No one really knows who built the passageways and made the carvings. Its purpose is also still unknown. Several theories say that it may have been used as a smuggler’s lair, drinking den or a covenanter’s refuge. Try to figure it out for yourself with a visit to the Cove.

The Innocent Railway Tunnel

A site that may not get so much attention for people who pass by it, The Innocent Railway Tunnel is a 500 meter subterranean passageway that once connected trains in its heyday. The first ever public railway tunnel in Scotland, it is used today by cyclists and runners who don’t want to encounter fast cars on the highway. It is also an acoustic chamber of secrets. A 3-part harmony can be heard if you make a series of sounds inside the tunnel. It has been vandalized by graffiti artists in recent years but it still maintains its captivating beauty – definitely well worth a look to go back in time.

If you’re planning to spend a few days in the city and are looking for a bed and breakfast Edinburgh we can recommend the Edinburgh Townhouse for great accommodation close to all of the main sites and attractions.