Edinburgh, Scotland

 

Greetings, fellow adventurers! Edinburgh, with its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, is a city that effortlessly blends the old with the new. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of folklore, or simply seeking a new destination to explore, Edinburgh has something magical to offer.

 

1. Edinburgh Castle: Perched atop Castle Rock, this iconic fortress dominates the city’s skyline. With a history dating back to the 12th century, the castle offers breathtaking views and a fascinating glimpse into Scotland’s past. Don’t miss the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny!

2. The Royal Mile: This historic street stretches from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Along the way, you’ll find charming shops, historic buildings, and hidden closes (alleyways) that tell the stories of Edinburgh’s past.

3. Holyrood Palace: The official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, this stunning palace is steeped in history. Explore the beautiful gardens and the ruins of Holyrood Abbey.

4. Arthur’s Seat: For the adventurous, a hike up Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano, offers panoramic views of the city. It’s a bit of a climb, but the vistas are well worth the effort.

 

Edinburgh is a city rich in folklore and ghost stories. One of the most famous legends is that of the Greyfriars Bobby, a loyal dog who guarded his master’s grave for 14 years. You can visit his statue near Greyfriars Kirkyard. The city is also known for its haunted sites, such as the Edinburgh Vaults and Mary King’s Close, where you can take guided tours to learn about the city’s eerie past.

 

Greyfriars Bobby

 

Edinburgh’s culinary scene is a delightful mix of traditional Scottish fare and contemporary cuisine. Here are some must-visit spots:

1. The Kitchin: This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a farm-to-table dining experience with a focus on seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. The tasting menu is a culinary journey through Scotland’s finest produce.

2. The Scran & Scallie: A cozy gastropub owned by renowned chef Tom Kitchin, this spot serves up hearty Scottish dishes with a modern twist. The fish and chips are a must-try.

3. The Devil’s Advocate: Nestled in a historic building in the Old Town, this bar and restaurant offers an impressive selection of whiskies and a menu of delicious, locally-inspired dishes.

 

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1. The Balmoral Hotel: This luxurious hotel is a landmark in itself, located at the end of Princes Street. With its elegant rooms and top-notch service, it’s the perfect place to indulge in some pampering.

2. The Witchery by the Castle: For a truly unique experience, stay at this opulent hotel located near Edinburgh Castle. The lavishly decorated suites and the atmospheric restaurant make it a memorable choice.

3. The Scotsman Hotel: Housed in the former offices of The Scotsman newspaper, this historic hotel offers a blend of traditional charm and modern comfort. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the city.

 

We did not stay at any of these places but they came highly recommended by our local tour guides.  From the outside, they appeared very nice and places we might stay on our next travel. 

Sadly we were very not happy with the Roseate Edinburgh. We personally do not recommend and will not stay there again. The price for the room and what we got was extremely disappointing.

 

 

Day 1:

• Morning: Start your day with a visit to Edinburgh Castle.
• Afternoon: Stroll down the Royal Mile, exploring the shops and historic sites.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Kitchin.

Day 2:

• Morning: Take a guided tour of Holyrood Palace.
• Afternoon: Hike up Arthur’s Seat for stunning views of the city.
• Evening: Dine at The Scran & Scallie.

Day 3:

• Morning: Visit the National Museum of Scotland to learn about the country’s rich history.
• Afternoon: Explore the haunted sites with a ghost tour of the Edinburgh Vaults or Mary King’s Close.
• Evening: Enjoy a whisky tasting at The Devil’s Advocate.

 

 

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Scotland is famous for its whisky, and Edinburgh is home to some fantastic distilleries. Be sure to visit the Scotch Whisky Experience for a guided tour and tasting. For gin lovers, the Edinburgh Gin Distillery offers tours and tastings of their award-winning gins.

 

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Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 tbsp Scottish oats
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp whisky
• Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Toast the oats in a dry pan over medium heat until they are golden brown. Set aside to cool.
2. In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks.
3. Gently fold in the honey and whisky.
4. In serving glasses, layer the whipped cream mixture with the fresh raspberries and toasted oats.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a drizzle of honey.

Enjoy your Cranachan, a delightful Scottish dessert that perfectly captures the flavors of the region.

 

Truly amazing dessert!