Edinburgh Excursions

For a Half Day

Rosslyn Chapel: Rosslyn Chapel (tel: (0131) 440 2159; website: www.rosslynchapel.org.uk), in Roslin, is one of the most fascinating churches in Britain and has become increasingly popular after being featured in the best selling Da Vinci Code novel and Hollywood film of the same name. It has strong links with the Knights Templar, a medieval religious order who travelled to the Holy Land and are believed to have brought back many treasures - some of which it is claimed are buried at Rosslyn. The chapel is full of rich carvings, including many ancient pagan symbols known as ‘green men'. It is situated approximately 45 minutes' drive from the city centre - signposted from the A701 to Penicuik. Bus 15A or First bus 62 from central Edinburgh stop near the chapel. After visiting the chapel, the nearby Rosslyn Glen is a good place for a stroll. The chapel is open Monday to Saturday 1000-1700 and Sunday 1200-1645. Admission charge.

For a Whole Day

Scottish Seabird Centre: The Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick (tel: (01620) 890 202; website: www.seabird.org) gives visitors a unique opportunity to view the birdlife of the Firth of Forth. High-tech cameras, controlled by the visitor, allow close-up views of gannets on the Bass Rock (the world's largest single rock gannetry) and nesting puffins on the island of Fidra. In winter, when many birds have migrated to warmer climes, visitors can watch breeding colonies of seals instead. The pleasant seaside town of North Berwick is also well worth exploring and is easily reached by train from Edinburgh - the centre is a 10-minute walk from the train station. First buses 124 and X5 also travel from Edinburgh to North Berwick. The centre is open daily 1000-1700 (to 1730 Saturday and Sunday) in the summer and 1000-1600 (to 1730 Saturday and Sunday) in the winter. Admission charge.

South Queensferry: The picturesque suburb of South Queensferry lies just over 10 minutes northwest by train from Edinburgh Haymarket station and enjoys a spectacular location tucked beneath the epic Forth Bridge. This is one of the most outstanding legacies of Victorian engineering, a triple cantilever iron red monster that vaults trains across the Firth of Forth with a majesty that has withstood the ravages of time. It is accompanied today by an attractive road bridge, a 1960s creation, and both are visible from all over a town that also boasts a historic cobbled High Street. The pubs and restaurants of the High Street are a draw for visiting tourists as is the free Queensferry Museum (tel: (0131) 331 5545; website: www.cac.org.uk), which delves into some of the rich history of ‘The Ferry' - including the Battle of Britain's first dogfight which was fought above the town and the Burry Man, a pagan creation that still walks the local streets once a year. One of the best times to visit is on January 1 for the ‘Loony Dook', when dozens of locals and an increasing number of visitors take to the chilly waters of the Firth of Forth to the skirl of the bagpipes. On the fringes of the town is Hopetoun House (tel: (0131) 331 2451; website: www.hopetounhouse.com), one of Britain's most impressive stately homes, which reclines in a large waterfront estate. Deer and buzzards patrol the grounds, which are home to myriad events throughout the year including outdoor Shakespeare in summer.

Glasgow: Scotland's largest city is less than one hour away by train. The Glasgow Tourist Information Centre, 11 George Square (tel: (0141) 566 0800; website: www.seeglasgow.com), is open daily and provides information (see our Glasgow City Guide for more information).