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An Edinburgh landmark was named the best in the UK(Image: ewg3D / Getty Images)
An Edinburgh attraction has been named the best in the UK. It was described by experts as a “dramatic symbol of Scotland’s past”.
On Monday, August 18, Sykes Holiday Cottages shared a list of the top “cultural or historic sites Brits most want to visit in 2025”. The list was revealed as part of the holiday rental site’s Staycation Index report, which includes cultural attractions that are popular amongst travellers.
Coming in at number one on the experts’ roundup is Edinburgh Castle. The historic attraction is the only in Scotland to appear on the top 10.
Edinburgh Castle is situated on Castle Rock, which has been occupied by humans going back to the Iron Age. It is a world-famous symbol of Scotland, and is part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site.
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Visitors to Edinburgh Castle can follow an itinerary, allow an audio guide to show them around, or simply explore at their leisure. Among the highlights of the castle are its Great Hall, St Margaret’s Chapel, and the One o’clock Gun.
Sykes Holiday Cottages commented: “Towering above the historic Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle is a dramatic symbol of Scotland’s past. With its ancient walls, Crown Jewels, and sweeping views over the city, this fortress is sure to capture the imagination of every visitor.
Edinburgh Castle was described as a “dramatic symbol of Scotland’s past”(Image: TomasSereda / Getty Images)
“Whether you’re walking in the footsteps of kings or listening to the One O’clock Gun, the magic of this landmark is undeniable.”
In terms of places to stay near Edinburgh Castle for those looking for a staycation, 6 Coltbridge Gardens features five bedrooms and sleeps up to three guests. Available to book through Sykes Holiday Cottages, it can be rented out for £1237 for seven nights.
The property features a private garden where guests can enjoy the sounds of the Water of Leith. It has a rating of 4.9 out of five on Sykes Holiday Cottages after 19 reviews.
6 Coltbridge Gardens features a private garden(Image: Sykes Holiday Cottages)
One review reads: “6 Coltbridge Gardens is a lovely, warm, comfortable and well equipped house. It is very clean and the beds are lovely and comfortable.
“We thoroughly enjoyed our stay there, which is in a great location and close to public transport.”
Meanwhile, holidaymakers can rent out a flat in Edinburgh’s West End through Airbnb that is around 30 minutes on foot from Edinburgh Castle. Sleeping up to four guests, the apartment has a rating of 4.79 out of five on the rental site based on 274 reviews.
For those after a more traditional stay in the area, the nearby Cumberland Hotel has also received mostly positive feedback. On Tripadvisor, the accommodation has been described by previous guests as “lovely” and “super convenient”.
Elsewhere, the Jurassic Coast in Dorset and East Devon was named the number two attraction in the UK by Sykes Holiday Cottages. The Jurassic Coast is a World Heritage Site located along the English Channel coast, stretching 95 miles from Old Harry Rocks in Dorset to Exmouth in East Devon.
See below for the full list of the top 10 cultural or historic sites Brits most want to visit in 2025 according to Sykes Holiday Cottages.
Top 10 cultural or historic sites Brits most want to visit in 2025
- Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
- The Jurassic Coast, Dorset and East Devon
- Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
- The Roman Baths, Bath
- The Tower of London, London
- Portmeirion Village, North Wales
- Cheddar Gorge, Somerset
- Hadrian’s Wall, Northern England
- British Museum, London
- Stonehenge, Wiltshire