Edinburgh has many faces – it is not just a popular destination for travellers, tourists and business people, it is also very much a university city! Home to the University of Edinburgh, Napier University, Heriot-Watt University and Queen Margaret University the Scottish capital attracts a large number of students from all over the United Kingdom and the world.

 Student life in Edinburgh reflects the fact that one fifth of its populations are students (according to The City of Edinburgh Council: http://www.edinburgh-inspiringcapital.com/study/edinburgh_student_life.aspx). Many shops, clubs, pubs and hairdressers offer a student discount. The Cosmopolitan character of the city means you will meet and make friends with people from many different corners of the world. Edinburgh has something to offer for everyone, no matter whether you’re interested in nightlife, art, comedy, or shopping. The Festival in August is a very special time here in Edinburgh – it feels as though the city doesn’t sleep for a whole month. You’ll come across so many entertainment opportunities you’ll lose count!

The quality of public transport in Edinburgh is another point recommending the city. Our local bus company, Lothian Buses was voted the UK’s top city bus operator 2011 – their route map is extensive, the service very regular. Students currently pay £40 for a monthly ticket (NightBus discount fare included). The tram works are STILL in process. Once completed you will be able to travel from St. Andrew Square all the way out to Edinburgh Airport.

The New Town of Edinburgh is at the heart of public transport in the capital.  Our experience tells us that due to its central location, our part of town is popular with those visitors who come to Edinburgh to visit one of the main universities.

The universities and colleges of the Scottish capital hold regular Open Days to give students an idea of what it would be like to study at their institution in Edinburgh. We’ve picked out the following upcoming events:

• The University of Edinburgh: Undergraduate Open Days on 15 June, 3 September and 22 September 2012. Lothian Buses number 23 and 27 will take you within 3 minutes walking distance of George Square. Your journey on the bus takes about 10-15 minutes.

• Edinburgh Napier University: Undergraduate Open Day on 13 October 2012., taking place at Craiglockhart, Merchiston and Sighthill Campus. Lothian Buses number 23 and 27 go straight past The Walton’s door and will take you straight to Craiglockhart. The number 23 also goes to Merchiston!

• Heriot-Watt University: Undergraduate Open Days on 28 and 29 September. Lothian Buses numbers 25, X25, 34, 45 will take you to its Edinburgh Campus. You can catch these buses from Princes Street (currently diverted to George Street), which is a 10 minute stroll from the guest house.

• Queen Margaret: Undergraduate Open Days on 6 September and 6 October. Lothian Buses number 15/15A and 30 take you from the city centre (Princes/George Street) out to the campus in Musselburgh. First Scotrail trains go from Waverley to Musselburgh station, which is right by the campus entrance!

We still have accommodation available for most of these dates. Centrally located as we are, The Walton is an ideal choice for prospective students and their parents, who visit the city to learn more about what it is like to live and study here. For information on our rates please visit our Tariffs page.

In the ‘Our Special Features’ series we aim to introduce you to all reasons big and small why The Walton is a unique place to stay in Edinburgh.

This week we put the spotlight on one of our best-liked rooms here at the guest house. The family room is a rare thing, and much appreciated by travelling families and other groups of up to five people.

Our family room is in many ways more a suite than simply a room. It comprises two adjoining rooms. The larger master bedroom has one very comfortable double bed and one single bed. Amenities include a large flat-screen TV with Freeview channels and free Wifi. It also features a desk with a stool, two tub chairs and of course, a hospitality tray with a range of delicious coffees, teas and shortbread. Its big window looking out over the back of the guest house turns the room into a bright and airy space.

The second, smaller bedroom has one set of bunk beds. Children love them! The bunks are made from wood, very sturdy and are well lit by a couple of bedside lamps.

The ensuite bathroom is adjacent to the larger of the two spaces. Once again, a large window is the centrepiece of the room. The wooden shutters, the walk-in shower and the spacious feel of this bathroom add to the lovely atmosphere of this room as a home away from home for the family.

The family room, like all guest rooms at The Walton, has been refurbished only last year. The local interior designers IDP did a fantastic job – both The Walton’s staff and our guests are delighted to work and stay in the contemporary and comfortable space they envisioned and created. A huge ‘Thank you’ to IDP!

If you are a family staying with an infant or toddler at the guest house please ask to reserve our travel cot if required. We can also offer you a highchair for your breakfast table in the mornings!

Our guests travel from different parts of the UK and from overseas to visit Edinburgh. Quite a few of them visit our beautiful city for the first time and appreciate a restaurant recommendation for dinner or lunch.  Read on to learn more about one of our favourite eateries in the neighbourhood:

Food is important. This is especially true when you’re away from home on holiday, or on a business trip. Here at The Walton we only recommend places we trust – we want to be sure that you enjoy a high standard of food quality and service when you head out for a meal. After all, we recognise that dining out will be a big part of your Edinburgh experience – and we do want you to look back on your time in our beautiful capital city with happy memories.

The Spice Pavilion on Dundas Street is an Indian restaurant that ticks all the boxes for us! Its chef specialises in North West Indian cuisine, and on the Pavilion’s website the owners state their conviction “that Indian cuisine is not about ‘heat’ but more about a marriage of fine aromatic fresh herbs and spices.” The Walton Weekly Blog can confirm that the dishes on offer live up to this promise!

Having recently revisited the Pavilion, I have to give you my three main reasons why in The Walton Weekly’s humble opinion a visit to Edinburgh is not complete without a meal at the Spice Pavilion:

The Food

Edinburgh is a food lover’s paradise. Indian cuisine is a popular choice in the Scottish capital and as a result, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. However, the Spice Pavilion is in a different league to most of them.

The menu is extensive, and includes side dish suggestions for every meal. We ordered Poppadoms as a starter, which were served with a selection of tasty chutneys. I had the Chicken Vindaloo as a main, and a side of Bombay Alu. The curry sauce was hot and very flavoursome at the same time. A punch of different spices created an incredible depth of flavour for me. The consistency of the sauce was perfect, rich without being too heavy and fatty. The meat was the tenderest meat I’ve ever had in any curry dish! My Bombay Alu was well seasoned and the potatoes were cooked to perfection.

Also very important: the portions are of a decent size and the pricing is reasonable.

Families will be delighted to learn that children’s portions are available too!

The Service

As always the service was perfect. We had enough time to arrive, relax and choose our meals. As we were a group of four rather indecisive characters the patience of the staff has to be applauded. The waitress was very attentive and friendly at all times, without being intrusive. I do not eat dairy and both our waitress and the owner were very understanding, helpful and knowledgeable in making recommendation for me. It would have even been possible to amend a dish for me, but I had my eyes set on the Vindaloo Curry already anyway (for which this was not necessary).

The Atmosphere

The Pavilion creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere in elegant surroundings. Take a look at their website to see some pictures of the dining area. The whole restaurant is designed with a loving touch and the guest in mind. Not in many a restaurant will you find high quality toiletries in the bathroom!

For more information on The Spice Pavilion and its menu please visit the website.

You can reserve a table online, or give them a phone call on 0131 467 5506.

If you’re a guest at The Walton a member of staff at reception will be more than happy to book a table for you!

The Beltane Fire Society celebrates a colourful, pagan welcome to the month of May on the night of 30 April. The Beltane Fire Festival goes on until the early hours of the 1 May on Calton Hill (only a 20 minute walk from the guest house). For more information on this event, please read our previous blog post.

May in Edinburgh is a month in which sport and the outdoors dominate life in the city. Here at The Walton we think of May in Edinburgh as the ‘Marathon Month’. The last weekend in May sees runners from all corners of the British Isles and abroad take part in the Edinburgh Marathon. On Friday 25 May, the 10K, 5K, and Junior Races are scheduled as part of the Edinburgh Marathon Festival. The starting/end point for those runs is the EMF Hub at Dynamic Earth. On Saturday 26 May, the Edinburgh Marathon and the Scottish Half Marathon will take place in the capital (more than the one starting point). You may still enter for one of those runs – just visit the Edinburgh Marathon Festival’s website.

For those of you who love spending as much time as possible in the spring sunshine, but may be less inclined to run a marathon, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh offer a beautiful alternative. On a tour entitled “The Magic of Spring” the Curator of the Gardens takes you on a journey visiting the breathtaking displays of the early summer season. This tour is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 8 May. The Royal Botanics are a mere 15 walking minutes away from the guest house, a regular local bus connection also exists (Lothian Buses Nos. 23 & 27)

And of course, I cannot write about fun things to do out in the May sunshine without mentioning Arthur’s Seat. Arthur’s Seat is the famous hill overlooking Edinburgh’s  city centre. It is one of the capital’s landmarks most conveniently enjoyed in warm, sunny weather. The hill climb is refreshing and the views are stunning!

A local charity, the Beltane Fire Society, stages a colourful festival on one of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks, Calton Hill. Since 1988, this modern day Beltane Festival uses ancient rituals to celebrate the changing of the seasons and the beginning of May. Hundreds of volunteers get involved in staging the event, which has its roots in Celtic culture. The symbolic significance of this costumed torchlight procession lies in a reminder that our lives are lived according to the rhythm of nature and its changing seasons.

This year’s event will be a very special celebration of summer – in its 25^th year this magical festival promises to charm its thousands of visitors with a spectacular fire display. The afterparty, the traditional Grand May Day Ceilidh (at The Caves, in the Old Town of the capital) comes highly recommended for those who wish to dance and party their way into Beltane during the wee hours of 1^st May.

If you’re in Edinburgh with your family on the weekend before the big day you may want to plan attending the Beltane Family Day on Saturday, 28^th April. A diverse range of events like Story Telling, Character Games and an opportunity to meet the May Queen are sure to entertain the whole family and get you in the mood for the beginning of the season ancient Celtic people referred to as Beltane.

The Beltane Festival Night 2012

 Date and Time: 30^th April, 8.00pm – 1.00am

 Location: Calton Hill, by Waterloo Place, near the east end of Princes Street.

Tickets: £6 plus booking fee. Tickets are available from The Hub (Edinburgh Old Town, close to the Castle) and Ripping Records (South Bridge). Tickets Scotland (www.tickets-scotland.com) and The Hub (www.hubtickets.co.uk) also sell tickets online. Tickets on the day will cost £8 if still available.

 Dos and Don’ts:

• Please don’t take any glass bottles with you to enjoy the show.
• Do wrap up warmly.
• Do be ready to enjoy a magical night!

The Beltane Family Day 2012

 Date and Time: 28^th April, 10.00am – 3.00pm

 Location: Calton Hill, by Waterloo Place, near the east end of Princes Street.

 Tickets: Free event.

 Dos and Don’ts:

• Don’t be afraid to come dressed up if you like.
• Do bring a picnic.
• Do donate to the Beltane Fire Society to make next year’s event possible.
• Do note your interest in attending on the Beltane Fire Society’s website.

Part of this year’s Edinburgh International Science festival is a tour called ‘Walking with Scientists’. This walking tour will take you around the south side of Edinburgh. It will focus on the quarters around the University where many great thinkers and scientists have left their mark on the history of Edinburgh. Did you know about the role Edinburgh’s Salisbury Crags played in the discoveries of Lord Hutton, changing the way in which geologists think of the formation of continents? Were you aware of Charles Darwin’s connection to the Scottish capital?

Colin Brown, actor and historian, will guide the ‘Walking with Scientists’ tour. He is an experienced guide, very adapt at taking the city’s visitors, and especially Inspector Rebus fans around town on one of his ‘Rebus Tours’. These tours are closely associated with Ian Rankin and his popular Inspector Rankin novels, which are set in and around Edinburgh. Detective stories like ‘Knots and Crosses’ and ‘Dead Souls’ are just two titles extremely popular with many avid readers of the genre. Colin Brown brings Ranking’s novels to life while taking you through the real life setting of these stories. Many people read an Ian Ranking novel before coming to Edinburgh to get a feel for the city – and its diversity. A diversity, which can easily be missed if you’re only here for a short time, focusing on the sights and more typical tourist activities.

If you’re in town for the Science Festival (still on until 15 April) we definitely recommend you try and get tickets for the ‘Walking with Scientists’ tour! However, if you’re reading this now knowing you won’t be able to make it on any of the scheduled dates be reassured that Rebus Tours will continue to offer this particular tour for group bookings of 10 people or more once the Festival is over.

Luckily, Colin Brown offers his Rebus Tours ‘Hidden Edinburgh’ and ‘Secret Edinburgh’ all through the year!

Further information on ‘Walking with Scientists’:

Dates and time: 5, 6, 12 and 13 April – starting at 12.45pm (prepare to walk around town for 2hours)

Location: Meet Colin Brown at Café Lucia / Festival Theatre on Nicholson Street

Tickets: £10 per person – book through www.sciencefestival.co.uk

How to get there from The Walton: Jump on a Lothian Bus number 23 or 27 (leaving from outside the guest house) and get off on George IV Bridge (by the National Museum of Scotland) and walk from there to the Festival Theatre. This journey should take you approx. 20 minutes.

All factual information was taken from www.rebustours.com and www.sciencefestival.co.uk

(As we realise how important detailed information is for people looking to book accommodation, we have created a page solely dedicated to the Drumsheugh Apartment on this site. Please refer to this for information about the layout, amenities and photographs of the flat.)

For now, here’s a different angle on the latest addition to The Walton’s accommodation possibilities – let’s see what Lyton says:

The Walton’s Weekly: The Walton has recently acquired a new self-catering apartment, located in Drumsheugh Gardens (EH 3 7RN). Can you tell us a little bit about the reasons behind the decision to acquire a second apartment to rent out?

Lynton: Due to an increasing demand in short term self-catering apartments, especially for families, we felt that having another apartment would help the demand we have seen from enquiries through reservations.

The Walton’s Weekly: Detailed information about the layout, as well as pictures of the apartment can be viewed here. However, we are also quite curious to learn: what are your favourite features of the apartment?

Lynton: The location with a private car park for one car.  In Edinburgh parking cannot only be hard to find, but is also extremely expensive, so having this car spot saves a lot of extra expenditure and time for our guests.  Also the large living room, which would be great to retire to after a day of sightseeing.

The Walton’s Weekly: The Drumsheugh apartment is bookable now, through our secure online booking system on this website. What do you think, who will enjoy staying at the apartment (holiday makers, business travellers, etc)

Lynton: Holiday makers & business travellers will both love this apartment.  It is situated right in the business district with many bars, restaurants and cafes to enjoy, and as it is only a 7-minute walk into the Old Town it’s ideal for all tourists.

The Walton’s Weekly: Many people come to Edinburgh in August to join the fun surrounding this Festival month. Is the apartment for hire in August? If so, do guests have to take into account a minimum/maximum stay requirement at all?

Lynton: We do require all guests to book a minimum of 2-nights, which is the minimum you need to enjoy Edinburgh in August.  We do advise guests to book early, as August bookings fill up so quickly.  All availability can be seen on our booking chart (see booking calendar on the right of your screen) and booking directly online will get you the cheapest rate with no booking fees.

The Walton’s Weekly: In which way does the Drumsheugh apartment differ from the Bellevue apartment (The Walton’s other self-catering flat)?

Lynton: The Drumsheugh is far more modern than the Bellevue apartment, and with one less bedroom it offers the perfect alternative for smaller families.

The Walton’s Weekly: Thank you, Lynton – this has been very interesting!

Lynton: My pleasure, we’re always happy to answer any questions or queries regarding the different types of accommodation we offer.

Our Dynamic Earth is an experience you are unlikely to ever forget. Go on an interactive journey which will take you from the Big Bang up to this planet’s future  – let yourself be dropped into the history of our beautiful earth (using 3D and 4D technology): Your kids can experience a journey into space from the perspective of an astronaut, feel a monsoon coming down on their skin in the tropics, and discover what it is like to be shaken by an earth quake that is reshaping whole continents…the whole family will love to let their senses explore what it means to live in our universe.

You’ll also travel different ages in the history of the planet we call home, and you’ll learn how different corners of the world have evolved to become what they are today. The effects are so real you will have to bring a change of warm clothes to make sure no one’s cold in the Antarctic!

Our Dynamic Earth has thoughtfully been designed with children in mind: there is the Ocean Commotion Play Area, whisking the little ones away to the bottom of the sea in a yellow submarine. Our Dynamic Earth also works with the Edinburgh International Science Festival to offer exciting educational events over the Easter period – among them “In the Footsteps of Giants.” This will take them out to the magnificent Salisbury Crags, while learning about Edinburgh-born Lord James Hutton and how he influenced the way we look at the land we live on  – can you think of a better way to get an authentic feel for Edinburgh?

If you’d like to plan your visit you’ll find the information below of interest:

Opening Times:

10.00 – 17.30 (in July & August until 18.00)

From October until March Our Dynamic Earth is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

The Play Area is open from 10.00 – 17.00

Tickets can be booked online, or purchased on the day.

In the Footsteps of Giants is an event open to 8+ year olds, taking place on 1^st, 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, 6^th and 7^th April at 2.00pm. For tickets please phone 0844 557 2686.

Audio Guides are available in English, German, French, Italian and Spanish.

Birthday parties for different age groups (4-12 years) can be booked and organised for you.

All factual information was taken from Our Dynamic Earth’s website: www.dynamicearth.co.uk (accessed on 18/03/2012).

Of course, our guest rooms, which were refurbished only last year are very much in the centre of our guests’ experience. Our guest book reveals that many people appreciate these thoughtfully decorated spaces, with their warm colours and cosy atmosphere.

Among the different room types we offer are triple rooms (with one double and one single bed) and a family suite. The family suite can sleep up to five persons. The room is comprised of a master bedroom, which contains one double bed and one single bed, and a separate room equipped with a bunk bed that sleeps up to two.

For families in need of holiday accommodation these two room types are of special interest – although any party of five is more than welcome to stay.

The family suite is very much sought after. It is convenient for families with more than the one child: in this suite the whole family can stay together, as only one not two rooms need to be booked. This can significantly reduce the cost of your family holiday.

Edinburgh is a brilliant destination if you’re looking to travel with children. It is a child friendly city, where all family members will enjoy spending their holidays. Places like the Royal Botanic Gardens, the National Museum of Scotland and Edinburgh Zoo (to give you but a few examples) offer attractions and activities that guarantee a good time for children and parents alike.

I will use next week’s blog post to give you some ideas of what activities are available during your family holiday in Edinburgh. If in the meantime, you’d like to get an idea of the kind of place Edinburgh is, why not visit our facebook page – this is where we try to keep you updated with what’s happening in Edinburgh and at The Walton.

Our guest house is centrally located, in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town. From where we are it takes you about 15 minutes to walk to the Playhouse. It is a short walk, which takes you through some of the most beautiful streets of Edinburgh. In fact, I cannot think of many other walks as pleasant as this one for a mild spring evening….. However, if the weather let’s you down you can always count on our reception staff here at The Walton to organise a cab for you.

The Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre started out as a cinema in 1929. Fifty years later and thanks to the efforts of various passionate campaigners the Playhouse’s future as a theatre could be secured.

The building was designed by architect John Fairweather and is categorised as an A-Listed Building by Historic Scotland. As you might expect from such a historic venue rumours about a ghost are surrounding it….His life is said to have been entwined with that of the Playhouse. Learn more about the Theatre’s history here.

Selected highlights at the Playhouse this year include performances by the Russian State Ballet (March), Lionel Bart’s Oliver (May and June), as well as a new production by C. MacIntosh of the famous musical The Phantom of the Opera (September and October).

Did you know that the Playhouse also has its own restaurant? Here you can enjoy tasty Italian creations prepared by Giuliano’s (one of Edinburgh’s most popular eateries). Why not find out more about restaurant offers and book a table?

If you enjoy a visit at the theatre not just because of the show, but if you are also interested in theatre itself you will be pleased to know that you and your friends or family can take tours of the Edinburgh Playhouse. To experience the Playhouse in this way, contact its Group bookings office beforehand on +44 (0) 131 524 3301 to enquire about availability.

If you’re booked to stay with us at here at The Walton later this year and are still looking for things to do during your visit to the Scottish capital, don’t hesitate to include the Playhouse in your plans. We highly recommend spending some time at the Theatre – it’s an Edinburgh institution you wouldn’t want to miss out on!

References: Factual information about the Edinburgh Playhouse has been gained from its official website and www.scottishcinemas.org.uk/edinburgh/playhouse/.