Edinburgh

Edinburgh presents a spectacular cityscape which divides into two - the historic Old Town, with its medieval cobblestone wynds and alleys and the elegant neo-classical facades of the Georgian New Town. Visitors can walk the Royal Mile, an ancient network of historically linked streets, and walk in the footsteps of some of the best known figures in Scottish history from Mary, Queen of Scots to Robert Louis Stevenson. Edinburgh Castle, which dominates this World Heritage Site, takes visitors to the heart of the nation's history. The Scottish capital is also a modern, dynamic city of art and culture with its museums, galleries, universities and festivals.

Travelling time from NewcastleGateshead: 1½ hours by train.