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You may find this information helpful when researching the area prior to your visit

In 1823 the collection of the Royal Botanical Garden was moved to its present position in Inverleith Row to the north east of the city centre. The gardens are now home to over 2,000 species of plant, spread over 72 acres. The result is a peaceful haven right in the heart of the city where, as well as admiring the greenery, you can get some fantastic views of the City. Among other things the gardens contain the biggest collection of rhododendrons in the UK and an excellent rock garden. However, for many the highlight of the gardens are the Glasshouses, particularly the Palm House, where some of the more exotic plants are housed.

Also situated within the gardens is Inverleith House, former home of the National Gallery of Modern Art. Nowadays the house is used as a venue temporary art exhibitions throughout the year. The gardens are open daily throughout the year, however times vary according to day and month so check in advance. Admission is free but you are expected to give a donation if you want to go in the Glasshouses. Especially popular with families, the Brass Rubbing Centre is located in Chalmers Close, just off the High Street section of the Royal Mile.

The Brass Rubbing Centre is housed in Trinity Apse, which is the only remaining part of Edinburgh's Holy Trinity Collegiate Church. The Church was built in the 15th century, and was regarded by many as one of the most architectually significant buildings in the whole city. However, in the 1840s the church was demolished to make way for the railway. The stones from the church were put to one side with the intention that the church would be rebuilt on a different site. But by the time the city's authorities gave the go-ahead for the re-building, most of the stones had been stolen.

As a result only the Apse of the chuch could be rebuilt, which is what you see today. Inside the Apse is the Brass Rubbing Centre. There are lots of medieval church brasses to take rubbings from and guides are on hand to show you what to do. The Brass Rubbing Centre is open daily except Sundays, from 10am to 5pm. Entry is free but you do have to pay a small fee for any rubbings that you do. One of Edinburgh's most recent tourist attractions is the Royal Yacht Britannia, which you can visit at the port of Leith.

The Royal Yacht Britannia was launched in 1953, the 83rd Royal Yacht since Charles II owned the first one in 1660. Although obviously meant to be used as a Royal Yacht during peacetime, the ship was also designed to be used as a hospital in the case of war breaking out, although luckily it was never used for this purpose. In her 44 years of service Britannia travelled over a million nautical miles and visited dozens of countries. She is 125m long, the main mast reaches 42m above sea level and her top speed is 21.5 knots.

When the yacht went out of service in 1977 it was decided not to replace her with a new Royal Yacht, which means that the Royal Yacht Britannia is the last of a long line.