Glasgow's East End

 Hello, friends! You may be aware of the age-old (friendly) rival between Edinburgh and Glasgow with locals from each city adamantly declaring their own city is the best. However, there's a small group which adore both cities and I fall into this group. Therefore, after nearly two years of being away from Glasgow, I was so excited when my friend and I book a two-day staycation to 'The Dear Green Place'. We spent our first day in the city revisiting our old favourite haunts of the West End. From Ashton Lane and the University of Glasgow to Tchai-Ovna and Kelvingrove Park, you can watch our adventures on YouTube, click here.

However, on our second day, we decided to take a bit of a gamble, despite the stormy weather, and visit somewhere neither of us had been, the East End/Dennistoun. I'll skip past the slight low points of the day, including my friend being soaked by a car driving through a giant puddle and accidentally "waiting" for a table for lunch for half an hour then finding out the restaurant was unaware of us, and share our highlights with you:

Glasgow's East End

Tuesday, 9 November 2021

Scottish Lavender Field

Like many of you, I've spent lockdown venturing no further than my neighbourhood and don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed exploring and getting reacquainted with the area I grew up in. However, now that lockdown is easing, it's been such a treat to venture out on short day trips. So, when my lovely friend Ildi (@edienthusiast on Instagram) alerted me to the fact that there's a lavender field just a short drive from my parent's home, I couldn't wait to head out on another outing! After a little online research, we discovered that Scottish Lavender Oils host open days to give the public a chance to explore their lavender field and learn a little about the process of converting freshly cut lavender into their various products, like soap or lavender essential oil. I'll leave a link here to their store if you'd like a browse.

Scottish Lavender Field

Wednesday, 22 July 2020

A Must-See Guide to Aberdeen

A Must-See Guide to Aberdeen

Monday, 2 March 2020

Exploring South of Scotland

Exploring South of Scotland

Monday, 10 February 2020

Exploring Drum Castle

Exploring Scotland's Castles: Drum Castle

I've caught the castle exploring bug. I think I've always had it but after a recent press trip to Aberdeenshire it's ignited a fascination with these wonderful old buildings which have so many tales to tell and secrets to share. On the way home from the press trip, I jotted down the Scottish castles I'd visited and realised it might make a fun blog series, and here we are. For no particular reason, I've decided to start with Drum Castle. 

How to Get There

Drum Castle is near Drumoak in Aberdeenshire, roughly a 20 minute drive from Aberdeen's train station and high street (according to good old Google Maps). If you're depending on public transport, it's also possible to visit by bus from Aberdeen Union Square bus station which takes around an hour.

A few fun facts

• Drum Castle is one of Scotland's oldest tower houses
• Part of the castle is home to a contemporary art gallery, current exhibition "A Considered Place"
• Their Garden of Historic Roses has over 200 varieties of roses

 

A little history 

If you're wondering where the castle gets its name from, it's due to the fact that the castle sits on a ridge known as a 'druim' in Gaelic.  Drum Castle and Estate was the family home for 24 generations of Irvines of Drum, totalling over 650 years. If that wasn't impressive enough, the estate lands were gifted by, none other than, King Robert Bruce in 1323, after William de Irwin had provided his services to the king.

FAQ

• Are there tours of the castle? Yes, and having been on one I can highly recommend it.
• Is it dog-friendly? Yes and no, the extensive woodland near the car park is dog-friendly!
• Does it have a cafe? Yes, it has a tearoom and shop.

 

A few photos to give you a feel for the place

 

Exploring Drum Castle

Tuesday, 29 October 2019

Day Trip From Edinburgh

I have been meaning to write this blog since spring and since we're already in autumn, I figured I better get a move on before it's too late! In my opinion, going on a day trip has to be one of the loveliest things to do. It's wonderful to have a change of scenery and explore somewhere new, but with the knowledge that you're returning to the comforts of home at the end of the day. Thankfully, Edinburgh is not only a gorgeous city to explore but also a great jumping-off point to visit various parts of Scotland - so much so that I struggled narrowing the list down! So, without further ado, here's a few day trip ideas from Edinburgh - happy exploring!

1. Head to the seaside... Portobello or North Berwick

If you're looking to escape Edinburgh's city centre and head to the seaside, there are various great options but here are two of my personal favourites. First, if you'd rather stay in Edinburgh, Portobello is just a short bus journey from the city centre and is a popular spot amongst locals whenever the sun decides to make an appearance. As well as a sandy beach, which stretches for roughly two miles, Portobello has a lovely high street crammed full of independent businesses like Bross Bagels, Twelve Triangles, and Portobello Books. I also really enjoy a wander through its quaint streets.

If you'd like to travel a little further afield, North Berwick is just a 30-minute train journey from Edinburgh Waverley and has so much to offer. Much like Portobello, North Berwick has an eclectic mix of high street stores and miles of beach. For those who like something a little more adventurous, North Berwick has a Seabird Centre where you can take a boat ride out to visit the Bass Rock and do a little puffin spotting, as well as the North Berwick Law which you can climb for views of the surrounding areas.

Coffee shop recommendations (because a day trip isn't complete without a wee cuppa!):

• The Beach House 57 Bath Street
• Twelve Triangles 300 Portobello High Street 
• Steampunk Coffee 49A Kirk Ports, North Berwick
• Buttercup Cafe 92 High Street, North Berwick

North Berwick

2. For history & royal connections... Stirling

Just under an hour’s train ride from Edinburgh Waverley will bring you to one of Scotland’s most historic cities, Stirling. At one time, anyone looking to rule Scotland had to hold Stirling, making it an important city in Scotland's history. For those of you travelling by public transport, a 40-minute train journey will bring you straight into the town centre. From there, you can easily walk to Stirling's high street then wander up the hill to explore Stirling Castle. Along the way, you'll pass Stirling Old Town Jail which is open to the public and the Church of the Holy Rude which retains its original hammer-beam ceiling. Another historic site which is open to the public is The Wallace Monument built to commemorate one of Scotland's heroes, Sir William Wallace. The monument sits proudly on the shoulder of the Abbey Craig, a hilltop overlooking Stirling hills and is visible from various spots in the city centre.

Coffee shop recommendations:

• Unorthodox Roasters 12 Friars Street
• The Bluebell Tea Room 1A Pitt Terrace
• Darnley Coffee House 18 Bow Street

Stirling Castle

 

3. Edinburgh's friendly rival city... Glasgow

Edinburgh and Glasgow, two of Scotland's largest cities and despite only a short distance separating them, they are starkly different yet equally fascinating in my opinion. Glasgow is lively, urban, known for their friendliness, and full of character, and I think it's a shame that it's often overlooked by visitors. There is a wealth of activities depending on what you enjoy, I've included a few of my favourites below. I've also previously written a blog on a few of Glasgow's Hidden Gems if that's of interest!

• Over the years, Glasgow has created a brilliant mural trail which is well worth checking out, click here to see the map. 
• When you're in the city centre why not pay a visit to the Lighthouse – a modern art gallery which pays homage to Glasgow legend Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Don't forget to climb up their tower for fantastic 360-degree views of the city. 
• The city is also blessed with an easy-to-use Subway system making visiting various locations around the city very convenient. A few places to look out for are the Glasgow Science Centre, Finnieston, Riverside Museum, and Glasgow’s West End where you’ll find the Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens, and the University of Glasgow.

Coffee shop recommendations (there are so many for Glasgow, here are just a few):

• Papercup Coffee Company 603 Great Western Road
• Tchai-Ovna House of Tea 42 Otago Lane (for tea lovers!)
• Spitfire Espresso 127 Candleriggs

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum

4. Visit the Kingdom... (of) Fife

Some of you may be familiar with the fact that Edinburgh is a Royal Burgh, but did you know that Fife's official name is the Kingdom of Fife - sounds straight out of a fairytale, right? I might be slightly biased as I grew up in Fife, but there are so many lovely places to visit and with various train stations dotted around the county, there are plenty of options for day trips even if you don't have access to a car. From extremely quaint fishing villages like Anstruther, Crail, and Pittenweem to historic treasures like Culross (pronounced Coo-ross), Dunfermline, and St Andrews - to name a few!

Don't forget to follow @WelcomeToFife on Instagram and check out their website here for more inspiration!

Coffee shop recommendations (Fife is a huge area, but these are just a few recommendations!):

• The Bakers Field 19 Tolbooth St, Kirkcaldy
• The Roasting Project - Coffee House 253a High St, Burntisland
• Gorgeous 7 Bell St, St Andrews
• Biscuit Cafe Sandhaven, Culross

Anstruther

5. Explore Palace Ruins in... Linlithgow

Linlithgow is only a short train journey (roughly 30-minutes) from Edinburgh and is known for its quaint high street and impressive palace ruins. You'll find the 15th-century palace ruins just a short walk from the trains station and next to the picturesque Linlithgow Loch. The palace is famous for being the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and despite its current ruined state, it has been well maintained and there is still plenty to see, plus I don't know about you but I always find it fun exploring ruins and trying to guess the purpose of each room. Don't forget to climb up to the very top where you'll be greeted by fantastic views of the surrounding area.

Coffee shop recommendations:

• Taste 47 High Street
• Granary Cafe 102 High Street 
• So Strawberry Cafe 3 The Cross

Linlithgow

6. Enjoy spectacular views... South Queensferry

From pretty pastel houses and cobbled lanes to scenic coastal paths, South Queensferry has all the makings of a picture-perfect seaside town. However, what truly sets it apart from other seaside towns is the spectacular views of Scotland's three iconic bridges, spanning three centuries– the Forth Bridge, the Forth Road Bridge, and the Queensferry Crossing. If you're looking to escape Edinburgh's city centre without travelling too far, South Queensferry is a great option as it's only roughly 15-minutes by train to Dalmeny train station then a short walk to the main high street. Once there, there's the option of exploring its quaint high street, enjoy a walk along South Queensferry’s coastal path to Dalmeny House and Estate, hop on a boat and cruise along the Firth of Forth, under the iconic bridges, and pay a visit to Inchcomb Island.

Coffee shop recommendations:

• Honey Pot Creative Cafe 1 Longcraig Road
• The Little Bakery 6-7 High Street 
• Manna House Bakery & Patisserie 45-46 High Street

South Queensferry

7. Step into another time... New Lanark

New Lanark is a picturesque little village, roughly an hour's drive from Edinburgh, it earned UNESCO World Heritage status by telling the fascinating story of the cotton mill village of New Lanark. New Lanark was founded in the 18th century and flourished under the management of enlightened social pioneer, Robert Owen. Owen believed in providing good quality housing, education, fair wages, free health care, and the first workplace nursery school in the world! When you arrive in the village, you immediately feel like you've been transported to another era.

Coffee shop recommendations:

• Unfortunately, there isn't any choice in New Lanark, so you'll either have to bring something from home or visit their Mill Cafe.

New Lanark

8. Step into Sir Walter Scott’s Home... Abbotsford House

Tucked away in a corner of the Scottish Borders lies Sir Walter Scott's grand home, Abbotsford House. There's either the option of driving or taking a train from Edinburgh Waverley to Tweedbank station (roughly an hour) then catching the free minibus to Abbotsford Estate. As you step into Abbotsford House, you'll be greeted by elegant and luxurious rooms, full of history and intriguing objects which inspired Scott's greatest poems and novels. Once you've explored the house, head outdoors to enjoy the beautiful formal gardens and tranquil woodlands which sits beside the River Tweed. All in all, it makes for a lovely day trip.

Coffee shop recommendations:

• Similarly, there isn't any choice at Abbotsford, so you'll either have to bring something from home or visit their Ochiltree's Café.

Abbotsford House

9. Explore the Granite City... Aberdeen

Those of you who follow my explorations on Instagram may be aware that after one press trip to Aberdeen, I was completely won over! For this blog, I'm just focussing on the city centre as I think that's all you'll have time for on a day trip but if you'd like to read more about Aberdeen click here. From Edinburgh to Aberdeen by train takes roughly two and a half hours which may seem like a long time but there are some beautiful views along the way to keep you occupied. The train station is extremely central allowing you to easily explore the city centre, Footdee, and Old Aberdeen on foot.

Don't forget to follow @visitabdn on Instagram and check out their website here for more inspiration!

Coffee shop recommendations:

• FoodStory 13-15 Thistle Street  
• The Coffee House 1 Gaelic Lane
• Books and Beans 22 Belmont Street

Old Aberdeen

10. Named Scotland’s coolest city by WSJ... Dundee

Last but not least, since the opening of the V&A, there has been a buzz surrounding Dundee and rightly so, the V&A is a fantastic addition to the city. I have to admit, I'm not very familiar with Dundee having only visited it a few times but I think the city deserves a mention! The train station is very centrally located and you'll be able to spot the V&A and the Discovery Point (a famous polar expedition vessel the RRS Discovery) as you exit the station. From there you have the option of exploring Dundee's high street, visiting the McManus Art Gallery, Dundee Contemporary Arts, Verdant Works Industrial museum, climb up the Dundee Law, plus much more!

Coffee shop recommendations:

• Tatha Bar and Kitchen V&A (1 Riverside Esplanade)
• Coffee & Co 64 Reform Street
• Empire State Coffee Artisan Roasters 28 Whitehall Crescent

V&A, Dundee

Day Trip From Edinburgh

Monday, 23 September 2019

Sunny Day in North Berwick

 

After what feels like a year of winter, we finally had a day warm enough to head to the beach! My friend Ashleigh and I were determined we would make the very most of the sunny weather, so we hopped on a train to North Berwick. Despite being rather suspicious of the sunny weather (as it can often still be rather chilly) the weather was surprisingly warm.

Sunny Day in North Berwick

Wednesday, 2 May 2018

Afternoon in Culross, Fife

Culross (pronounced Coo-riss) is little Scottish village located in Fife. With cobbled lanes, quaint houses, and even a palace, it's little wonder that Culross is considered one of the most picturesque villages in Scotland - or that it's so often used as a film and television location (*cough* Outlander *cough*). Having spent most of my youth in Fife, I'm honestly surprised it's taken me this long to visit it! So, when one of my dearest friends, Kate, suggested we take a drive to visit it, I was beyond excited. Here's what we got up to.

Armed with my trusty Sony a6000, my phone, and my grandma's old film camera, we set off to explore (and photograph) all that Culross had to offer! Having been there many times, Kate was an amazing guide. We started off by walking out onto an old (rather rickety but certainly authentic) pier that looked out over the Firth of Forth. If it wasn't for the scar on the landscape that is Grangemouth Refinery, I could easily picture myself in an old Enid Blyton novel! Since the weather was looking slightly ominous, we swiftly proceeded to explore the village.

So far, Culross vaguely reminded me of a mix of North Berwick and St Andrews, with its pastel coloured homes and cobbled lanes. We soon reached a stunning orange-coloured limewash building with terracotta roofs, which Kate informed me was Culross Palace. Built by wealthy coal merchant George Bruce in the late 16th century, it is in fact not a palace but a grand and impressive house. Unfortunately for us, the Palace is only open between March-September.

Soon we came upon the village centre, where the Mercat Cross stands. Unfortunately, there was a fair amount of construction so I made a mental note to revisit during the summer to take more photos and also to visit the Palace. There was a fairly steep path that snaked upward with a sign informing us that it led to Culross Abbey. Kate admitted she had never been and was eager to see what it was like. As we walked, we noticed many of the homes had signs like "Coachman's Cottage" which hinted to who were the original tenants of the home.

I'd highly recommend the steep climb as we were rewarded with fabulous views of Culross from the top! After snapping a few photos, we wandered into the Abbey grounds (Culross Abbey is free to visit) and discovered that despite the church being intact there were also old ruins too. The monastery dates back to the 1200s and was once home to a community of monks and lay brothers. Nowadays, it's in the care of Historic Scotland. I think they've done a great job at retaining what was once there and providing visitors with interesting information and illustrations of what it once looked like. I enjoyed having the freedom to roam around and especially liked climbing up the ladder to have a look at one of the old rooms!

We finished our day by enjoying a hearty lunch at Bessie's Cafe (part of Culross Palace). Originally, Kate had wanted to take me to Biscuit cafe but unfortunately, they were closed for a holiday or refurbishment, as was their cute Pottery and Gallery shop. However, I thoroughly enjoyed our meal at Bessie's Cafe, we both had their soup of the day, a hearty bowl of spicy lentil. Plus, their staff were very friendly and the cafe was extremely cosy - which we were very grateful for as it was a chilly day!

That brings our visit to a close, if you haven't visited, I would highly recommend it!

Afternoon in Culross, Fife

Sunday, 4 March 2018

A Must-See Guide to Glasgow (First-Time Traveller)

I just wanted to start this blog post with a caveat, I definitely don't feel qualified to write an in-depth must-see guide to Glasgow as I've never lived there and I'm only familiar with a small portion of it, that being said, I have such an admiration for the city that I wanted to share where I would recommend visiting if it's your first time to the city or if you're unfamiliar with it! If I'm honest, it wasn't that long ago that I only visited Glasgow for shopping or concerts and didn't fully appreciate what the city had to offer. However, I remember being utterly won over by it on a visit in 2017. So, what changed my mind? Well, before the trip I asked my Instagram friends and Glasgow locals to send their recommendations and that proved to be an invaluable source of information. I thought it might be useful to put together their brilliant recommendations to create a must-see guide to Glasgow!

Day Trip to Glasgow & Local Recommendations

• First Recommendation - George Square and City Chambers (City Centre) 

If it's your first visit to Glasgow, I think George Square is a lovely place to start. It's at the heart of the city centre and is used throughout the year as a venue for many popular events like Glasgow's Christmas markets! Personally, one of my favourite aspects of the square is the beautiful and grand buildings that surround it. If you're blessed with sunny weather, you might even catch sight of the sunlight bouncing off modern glass buildings and reflecting onto the older architecture. One building, in particular, to keep an eye out for is Glasgow's magnificent City Chambers building, which sits at the east of the square!

• Second Recommendation: The Lighthouse (City Centre)

When I asked for Glasgow recommendations, The Lighthouse was one of the most recommended Glasgow attractions and, after my first visit, I completely understand why. In case you're wondering, its name stems from the fact it is a beacon for the creative industries in Scotland!

You'll find The Lighthouse tucked away down Mitchell Lane (keep your eyes peeled as you enter as there are several murals dotted around the area). The Lighthouse has various aspects in its favour, such as a wonderful permanent exhibition dedicated to Glasgow's golden boy Charles Rennie Mackintosh, a well-curated and ever-changing exhibition space, a lovely cafe, wonderful gift shop, as well as being one of the best viewpoints in the city centre. What makes The Lighthouse even more special is that it offers two views - one, accessible by the lift which leads to an enclosed glass viewing platform, and the other only accessible from level three via the Mackintosh Tower, which leads to an external balcony space with panoramic views of the city

View from the Lighthouse's Mackintosh Tower

Mackintosh Tower Spiral Staircase

• Third Recommendation: The Mural Trail 

As I briefly mentioned above, there are several impressive murals in and around Glasgow's city centre. Personally, I love street art and think it works particularly well in Glasgow - there's something exciting about turning a corner and spotting a playful mural adorning a gable end or brightening up a back alley. There are a host of brilliant murals scattered around the city centre and I'd love to visit each one someday, here's the map in case you'd like to hunt them out for yourself!

• Fourth Recommendation: Princes Square & Argyll Arcade

Although fairly humble in size, Princes Square is quite possibly the most beautiful shopping mall I've been to and is particularly beautiful during Christmas. If you're short on time, its exterior - which is impressively adorned with a massive Art Nouveau Peacock - is worth passing by as it's just a short distance from The Lighthouse. Almost directly next to Princes Square is ever-so-elegant Argyll Arcade, reminiscent of the Burlington Arcade in London. The arcade is one of Europe’s oldest covered shopping arcades and Scotland’s first-ever indoor shopping mall and is now home to a range of luxury jewellers.

Princes Square during Christmas

• Fifth Recommendation: West End & The University of Glasgow

Once you've explored Glasgow's city centre, I'd highly recommend heading to the West End which is known for being home to the University of Glasgow, the Kelvingrove Museum, cafes, vintage shops, Kelvingrove park and much more. There's the option to walk to Glasgow's West End or hop on their underground train. If you take the subway, I'd recommend getting off at Hillhead station and walking through the extremely charming Ashton Lane (directly next to the station) which eventually leads to the University of Glasgow. Now, being an Edinburgh University graduate, it somewhat pains me to concede that Glasgow university is the more beautiful of the two, but it really is marvellous!

• Sixth Recommendation: Kelvingrove Museum

The Kelvingrove Museum is another West End gem and whenever I'm in the area, I try to make a point of visiting it! From wonderful architecture, a lovely blend of art gallery and museum (there's something for everyone), a Salvador Dalí painting, daily organ recitals, and lovely cafe, there's so much in its favour. You could easily spend the whole afternoon here and would be ideal for a rainy day.

• A few foodie recommendations

Again, I'm by no means qualified to share the best places to eat or drink in Glasgow, but these are just a few places I've come across over the years which I enjoyed.

1. Paesano Pizza (94 Miller Street & 471 Great Western Road) - The first to bring authentic, traditional Napoletana pizza to Glasgow, news of Paesano Pizza has spread across Scotland with many visitors (including myself) flocking to try it when they're in Glasgow.
2. Tantrum Doughnuts (27 Old Dumbarton Road) - If you find yourself feeling slightly peckish while wandering around the University of Glasgow or the Kelvingrove Museum, just a short walk will bring you to Tantrum Doughnuts where you'll find doughnuts of every colour and flavour. They also have a branch in the city centre (28 Gordon Street)
3. The Butterfly and the Pig Tearoom (153 Bath Street) - A shabby chic tearoom situated on the ground floor of a charming Glasgow tenement. You can look forward to scrummy brunch options, homemade breads, cakes, pastries, and afternoon tea!

Click here to read "A Few of Glasgow's Hidden Gems"! 

Bye for now!

A Must-See Guide to Glasgow (First-Time Traveller)

Wednesday, 7 June 2017