Edinburgh Bucket List

Hello, friends! Welcome to my updated Edinburgh bucket list. To call it a bucket list is a bit dramatic, it's simply a fun list of things I'd like to do in Edinburgh. If you'd like to read my first Edinburgh bucket list blog post, I'll link it here. Since then, I've been fortunate enough to tick off a few things and have subsequently added a few more. This blog post you're reading was started over a year ago and has sat neglected and forgotten in my drafts so when I rediscovered it recently, I thought it was high time I finish it.

Edinburgh Bucket List (2023)

1. Visiting The Scotsman Picturehouse - Done!

I've decided to include The Scotsman Picturehouse on this list as it was part of my Edinburgh Bucket List in 2021. I've since been fortunate enough to tick it off my list as I was invited to attend a press screening of "The Road Dance" (which was brilliant!). I've always enjoyed an occasional trip to the cinema but I've generally been motivated by the movie rather than the cinema's surroundings whereas I would happily watch anything at The Scotsman Picturehouse. The cinema offers an intimate and opulent viewing experience with only 48 sumptuous leather armchair seats separated by individual tables adorned with classic empire lamps. I can't wait for my next visit!

Edinburgh Bucket List

Thursday, 29 June 2023

Edinburgh's Little Free Libraries

Hello, friends! Some of you will be familiar with "Little Free Libraries" but for those of you who aren't, it’s a wonderful book sharing movement and the concept is simple "Take a Book. Leave a Book". These little libraries are dotted all around the world and come in many shapes and sizes. They can range from charming upcycled wooden boxes with recycled glass doors to impressively crafted little works of art. It's such a delight to see the thought and care that's gone into creating something for the local community and, to me, that's what makes "hunting" them out so much fun. Not to mention, the wonderful and unexpected books that await you inside.

Over the past few years, much to my delight, I've watched Edinburgh embrace the concept with new little libraries are popping up all around the Capital. Since moving back to Edinburgh recently, my love for little libraries has only heightened as I realised my new neighbourhood has at least four little libraries that I was previously unaware of. So, I've set myself the task to visit all of Edinburgh's Little Free Libraries and document them here. I plan to update the blog as I discover new ones or tick off some from my list (you'll find this at the bottom of this post). So, if you know of a little library I haven’t mentioned, please let me know in the comments. One more thing before we begin, if you plan on visiting one of the Little Free Libraries on this list, please don’t forget to bring a book to swap with you!  

PS I’ve also added the ‘Charter numbers’ to the ones which are registered with Little Free Library so you can find their exact location on a map. I'm also considering creating a Google Map for them to show the exact locations.

 

A Guide to Edinburgh's Little Free Libraries

 

1. Teviotdale Place (Stockbridge Colonies)
The rest of the blog will be in no particular order (although, I have tried to group them into neighbourhoods) but I thought it would be fitting to start with Edinburgh's first Little Free Library. As far as I know, the Little Library was commissioned by Book Artist Rachel Hazell who was inspired by a converted phone box she came across in Somerset and decided to install a beautiful wooden library, with the help of Edinburgh Tool Library, in Stockbridge’s extremely picturesque Colonies. You'll find this little gem in the front garden of a Colony house on Teviotdale Place. 

Charter #36444 

Edinburgh's Little Free Libraries

Saturday, 14 August 2021

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

My Favourite Edinburgh Hidden Gems

This is a blog post I've been meaning to write for quite some time and have had a few requests for it - so I do apologise that it's taken this long! I've found it slightly tricky to write as what is a hidden gem to someone may not seem like one to someone else. So, I've tried my best to include a range of locations that both tourists and locals will hopefully find interesting! Also, all these locations I've chosen are free to visit and within walking distance from the city centre. So, in no particular order, let's begin!

1. Royal Mile Closes

Okay, so the Royal Mile isn't exactly a hidden gem but I'd argue that there a loads of hidden gems that can be found by popping into the Closes (small alleys) that lead off of the Royal Mile. Click Here to see a list of all the closes, their history, and where they are located. I've listed a couple of my favourites below.

Favourite Closes:

• Boswell’s Court, is the entrance to The Witchery Restaurant and depending on the season is often decorated! During Christmas is my favourite.
• Brodie’s Close will forever be associated with one of Edinburgh’s most infamous residents, Deacon William Brodie. Click Here to read more about him. (Scroll up to the first photo to see it!)
• Advocate’s Close, is the subject of many photographs and paintings as it has a magnificent view of the Scott Monument!
• Dunbar’s Close is a hidden gem which most people walk right by. It’s a secret garden in the heart of the city that once you step into you soon have to convince yourself that you’re still in a city. A perfect place for a picnic - if you're blessed with nice weather!
• White Horse Close is one of the most picturesque closes, well worth a visit!
• Chessels Court houses a wonderful old building with an adorable heart-shaped ivy!

White Horse Close, Royal Mile

2. Dean Village & Belford Mews

Dean Village is one of my favourite hidden gems! Located next to the Water of Leith and only a ten minute walk from West Princes Street, it's a tranquil and picturesque place for a walk. I have a vlog on YouTube about Dean Village and how to reach it, Click Here to watch it. Whenever I want to get out of the city centre and have some peace and quiet, I head down to Dean Village! It also has some amazing photo opportunities.

If, like me, you admire cute mews houses, while you're in Dean Village take a wander to Belford Mews! The mews are made from red sandstone and are unlike any mews houses I've seen in Edinburgh.

3. Water of Leith Walkway & St Benard's Well

I've led many a tour here before and I always get a similar reaction. Everyone always comments at how peaceful it is and how they don't even feel like they're in the city centre anymore. The Water of Leith Walkway is a wonderful path that starts from Balerno and finishes in Leith. Personally, I've never walked the whole route but my favourite section is between Dean Village and Stockbridge - where you can find St Bernard's Well.

4. Circus Lane

If you follow me on Instagram, you'll know I love this little lane! With St Stephen's rising up in the background and an old cobbled lane - it's incredibly picturesque. The whole lane is lined with little mews houses (if you're unfamiliar with the term, they were once rows of stables, usually with carriage houses below and living quarters above, where servants of the larger houses would stay). Most of the houses on lane take great pride in their appearance and decorate the exteriors with beautiful flowers and foliage. 

5. Royal Bank of Scotland, Dundas House

Dundas House is located at 36 St Andrew Square and is currently the Registered Office of the Royal Bank of Scotland. However, the bank is extremely welcoming and encourages visitors to admire the stunning architecture and take photos! They even have a member of staff that is appointed to answer any questions you may have about the building.

Read more at: https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/no-place-like-dome-for-rbs-1-3970751

The grand architectural masterpiece in St Andrew Square, which has been home to the Royal Bank of Scotland since 1835,

Read more at: https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/no-place-like-dome-for-rbs-1-3970751

6. Scottish National Portrait Gallery

The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is one of my favourite art galleries in Edinburgh! Admittedly, it's architecture may play a major factor in my preference. First, a little history behind the building. At the end of the nineteenth century, the idea of a National Portrait Gallery for Scotland was championed by many, including the historian Thomas Carlyle. Rowand Anderson created a modern purpose-designed art gallery to rival the most advanced at the time in Europe and America. At the same time, he wanted his building to be a shrine for Scotland’s heroes. The only slightly annoying thing is, I find it impossible to take a good photo inside this stunning building, but it is well worth a visit!

Well, those are my top 6 favourite hidden gems in Edinburgh and no doubt there are plenty more to discover! Hope everyone has a lovely week.

My Favourite Edinburgh Hidden Gems

Saturday, 10 February 2018

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

Over the years, Edinburgh has grown in popularity among British visitors and visitors from around the world! So, it's only natural that one of the most common messages I get is "It's my first time visiting Edinburgh, what places and restaurants should I visit?". In the past, I've shared an Edinburgh weekend itinerary but I thought it would be a good idea to list my top 8 favourite places to visit if you are visiting Edinburgh for the first time, along with cafe recommendations and tips. So, if you're planning your visit to Edinburgh, I hope this is useful and I hope you have a fantastic time when you get here. Let's begin!

1. Edinburgh Castle

Okay, let's get Edinburgh's most iconic landmark out of the way first, Edinburgh Castle. I know a lot of people try to avoid overly touristy locations when they travel but I have to admit (even though I can't stand crowds) when I visited Paris I had to see the Eiffel Tower and likewise in New York, the Empire State Building was top of my list. However, the great thing about Edinburgh Castle is even if you're travelling on a budget or avoiding tourist hot spots, you can still enjoy great views of it from various spots around the city, as well as visiting the Castle esplanade for free.

My favourite views of Edinburgh Castle:

• My all-time favourite view is from the Vennel steps, recently renamed "Miss Jean Brodie steps". You'll find the set of steps in the north-west corner of the Grassmarket. Look out for the famous Mary's Milk Bar ice cream parlour and you'll be near them.
• Speaking of the Grassmarket, it also boasts a brilliant view of the Castle.
• Lastly, another favourite spot of mine is West Princes Street Gardens. You can get a particularly good photo of the Castle with the Ross Fountain framed with whatever foliage is in season.

Since I have a Historic Scotland membership, I've visited the Castle on many occasions and do think it's worth visiting if you're interested in its history. It also offers wonderful panoramic views of the city. At the moment, it's £17.50 if you buy your tickets online and £19.50 if you turn up on the day.
Once inside, I would highly recommend going on their free walking tour around the Castle, as it gives you a chance to get your bearings and learn some of the Castle's fascinating history.

Places to Eat Nearby:

• The Witchery: Hidden down Boswell Court, the Witchery is a gothic and decadent restaurant.
• Hideout Cafe Old Town: A lovely nook for soups, sandwiches, coffee etc..

Edinburgh Castle from the Vennel

2. The Royal Mile Closes & Victoria Street

As its name suggests, the Royal Mile separates the Castle and Holyrood Palace and is a Scots mile long (Scotland once had its own measuring system). Before you set off exploring the Royal Mile, take a short detour at George IV Bridge to visit the extremely picturesque Victoria Street which will bring you to the Grassmarket. The Grassmarket has an interesting history, originally (as the name suggests) it was a marketplace for horse and cattle from the 14th century, and till this day there is still a weekly market on Saturdays. But, it was also known for its public executions. Nowadays it's a lively area, which often hosts events and is surrounded by bars and restaurants.

As you walk down the Royal Mile and nip into its various closes (small alleys) it's easy to forget that you're in the 21st  century and start imagining who walked or lived here 300 years ago. The closes have always been one of my favourite aspects of the Royal Mile as there are so many hidden gems waiting to be discovered within them, plus they're a great way to escape the crowds during peak-tourist months. Click Here to see a list of all the closes, their history and where they are located. I've listed a couple of my favourites below, in case you're interested.

My favourite closes:

• Boswell’s Court as mentioned above is the entrance to The Witchery Restaurant but even if you're not dining there it's such a pretty and characterful close. Plus, depending on what time of the year you visit you may be fortunate enough to see it decorated. 
• Brodie’s Close will forever be associated with one of Edinburgh’s most infamous residents, Deacon William Brodie. It's quite a fascinating story that even inspired Robert Louis Stevenson to write the Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Click Here to read the full story.
• Advocate’s Close is one of the most popular photo hot spots and it's easy to see why. The Scott Monument is perfectly framed by the close and the old-fashioned lamp.
• Dunbar’s Close is hidden towards the bottom of the Royal Mile and is often passed by local residents or visitors without a second thought. Once you enter the close, you'll leave behind the sounds of the city and be met by one of the loveliest secret gardens.
• White Horse Close is just a few steps from Holyrood Palace and is one of the most picturesque and charming closes. It's higglety pigglety architecture style and quirky features make it so endearing. 

Places to Eat Nearby: 

There are countless places to eat along the Royal Mile, the trickiest part will be choosing which one! Here are just a few of my favourites.

• Gannet & Guga and Baba Budan: Not technically on the Royal Mile but just a short distance from it is Gannet & Guga. Tucked away in one of the New Waverley Arches, this lovely cafe serves up a range of delicious gourmet sandwiches and salads at affordable prices. If, like me, you enjoy a sweet treat after, head past a few more arches to Baba Budan for an artisan doughnut!
• Angel with Bagpipes: The restaurant got acquired its quirky name thanks to St Giles Cathedral who's situated directly opposite them and is home to a tiny wooden statue of an angel with bagpipes - apparently the only one in the world. Angel with Bagpipes is a Michelin Guide restaurant and serves up modern takes on Scottish classics. Having been, I would highly recommend it. 
• La Locanda: Located on Cockburn (pronounced Coburn) Street, just off the Royal Mile, is a little Italian gem called La Locanda. The restaurant has a lovely cosy yet elegant atmosphere and serves up authentic Italian dishes. My personal favourite is their home-made lasagne!
• Looking for Haggis? I know many visitors are keen to try haggis in Scotland for the first time and if that's the case I know that Howies and the Haggis Box offer both authentic and vegetarian haggis!

White Horse Close

3. National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is one of Edinburgh's great treasures and the great thing is it's completely free (although donations are welcome). The vast museum houses everything from Scotland's history to modern fashion, you could easily spend a day wandering around all the rooms and looking at the different exhibitions. I've spent many a rainy afternoon here. If you're travelling with your family, they have a brilliant children's room which will keep your little ones entertained for a while! Lastly, if you thought the museum couldn't get any better, find the lift/stairs which takes you up to the roof terrace and you'll be greeted by wonderful views over the city.

Places to Eat Nearby: 

• Balcony Café, Museum Brasserie, and Tower Restaurant: If you'd like to spend the whole day in the National Museum of Scotland, you can as the museum has three lovely places to choose from.
  
• Union of Genius: If you're visiting in the colder months or on a particularly miserable day, head along to Union of Genius (Scotland's first soup cafe) for lunch. It's a popular spot among locals and students so I would aim to get there just before or after the lunch rush as the cafe is pretty small.
• Black Medicine Coffee & Brew Lab: If you're looking for a coffee or light lunch, Black Medicine Coffee and Brew Lab are both near the museum.

National Museum of Scotland rooftop terrace

4. Calton Hill or Arthur's Seat for views of the city

If you feel like a little light exercise and fantastic views of the city, there are two great locations in the city centre. First, Calton Hill, which is definitely the more accessible of the two but still boasts brilliant views of the city. It's also home to the National Monument (known as "Edinburgh's Disgrace", the Nelson Monument, and The Collective Art Gallery. Second, if you'd rather something more strenuous, head along to Arthur's Seat or the Crags for a hike up Edinburgh's extinct volcano.

Places to Eat Nearby: 

• MILK at Collective: If you fancy sitting on Calton Hill admiring Edinburgh's cityscape with a cup of coffee in hand, look no further than MILK's takeaway coffee stand inside the Collective.
• The Lookout: Calton Hill's newest addition is the Lookout restaurant by the Gardeners' Cottage. The fairly modest-in-size restaurant has made the most of its location with floor to ceiling windows looking out over the city. They're open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and be sure to book if you want to guarantee you get a table.

5. Dean Village

Dean Village is a tranquil green oasis on the Water of Leith and only takes roughly 15-minutes to walk from the west end of Princes Street. Just a few years ago, Dean Village remained a relatively hidden gem, however, thanks to its extremely picturesque views and Instagram, Dean Village has become a fairly popular spot amongst visitors. Despite its relatively small size, I've always had a soft spot for Dean Village and it comes close to one of my favourite spots in Edinburgh!

Places to Eat Nearby: 

• Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art: The Gallery itself is well worth a visit, but if you're near Dean Village and fancy breakfast, lunch, or a snack then I recommend popping into either Café Modern One or Café Modern Two. Both cafes are extremely lovely and offer a wide range of food and drink options.
• Cafe Braw: The only cafe that I know of in the Dean Village vicinity is Cafe Braw. They serve a range of home-baked goods, hot drinks, and welcomed dogs. It's fairly small so if you visit on a fair day you can sit outside or get a coffee or snack to-go.
  

6. The Shore & Newhaven

The Shore is somewhere most tourists miss as it is slightly further out of the city. However, there are several buses which will get you there in roughly 20-30 minutes. As you can see from the photo, the Shore is fairly different from what you'd imagine Edinburgh to look like and some have even likened it to a few European cities. From the Shore you can walk along to Newhaven (or take the bus). Newhaven is extremely picturesque and was once an old fishing village and harbour. As you walk around you'll spot houses that are traditional Scottish fishing villages and Newhaven's own little lighthouse!

Places to Eat Nearby: 

• There are so many lovely cafes and restaurants along the water so you have no trouble finding somewhere, here are just a few of my favourites.
• Roseleaf Bar Cafe: The Roseleaf Bar is one of my absolute favourite places to visit for lunch. Despite looking like a fairly traditional pub from the outside, the Roseleaf is actually extremely quirky inside with a great menu of delicious food. They also host events like mad hatter's tea parties with Pot-Tails (cocktails in teapots).
• William & Johnson Coffee: Tucked away in Custom Lane, W&J is well-loved coffee shop who also roast their own coffee. The coffee shop is joined onto Custom Lane's pop up venue, which hosts a wide range of wonderful brands and exhibitions. 

8. Stockbridge and Circus Lane

Edinburgh is a city made up of various 'villages' and Stockbridge is the quintessential example of this. From specialised shops like local butchers, cheesemongers, florists, fishmongers, etc... there's a wonderful feel to the place. It's also very supported of independent businesses, making it a great place to pick up gifts or untraditional souvenirs with streets like St Stephen Street home to a range of thriving businesses like The Method, Golden Hare Books, and Catalog Ltd.
Tucked away on the boundary of New Town and Stockbridge is Circus Lane, most likely the most loved little lane in Edinburgh! With its charming mews houses, traditional street lamps, and iconic church spire, it's an Instagrammer's dream location.

Places to Eat Nearby: 

• The Pastry Section, La Barantine, Soderberg, and Lovecrumbs: Stockbridge is so blessed to have four fantastic places to visit for a sweet treat. The Pastry Section is a contemporary bakehouse supplying Stockbridge with all manor of delectable desserts; La Barantine specialises in all things French patisserie; Lovecrumbs is famed for their cakes; and Soderberg serves up a range of delightful Scandanavian treats; as you can see they all have their own unique styles but are equally good!
• Smith & Gertrude: I haven't personally visited Smith & Gertrude but a good friend of mine who has great taste has recommended it to me on several occasions and she's not alone! The wine and cheese bar has won over the hearts of locals by offering a great wine selection, various cheeses and nibbles, in an extremely laid-back and cosy atmosphere.

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

Monday, 28 August 2017

48 Hours in Edinburgh (A Local's Itinerary)

Edinburgh's a wonderful city for a city break so I thought it might be fun to design a 48 hours in Edinburgh itinerary! I've had several friends visit Edinburgh for the first time which I've shown around, so this guide is roughly what I where I would take them. One last point before we start, as Scotland’s well-loved comedian Billy Connolly said, “There are two seasons in Scotland. June and winter". Therefore, just be aware when you’re visiting Scotland that you come prepared and don’t just expect lovely weather in Summer!

Old Town - View from The News Steps

Day One (Exploring Old Town)

It’s your first day in Edinburgh and where better to start than Edinburgh's Old Town. To me, Old Town is unlike anywhere in the world and is most likely one of the reasons which have drawn you to visit Edinburgh. Early examples of skyscrapers rise in a disordered, jumbled fashion to create the magnificent cityscape that so many recognise and love. Depending on what time of the year you visit, Old Town can get very busy so I'd recommend starting your day as early as possible, especially if you visit in the summer months. 

• Coffee

Before we start exploring, why not stop for a tea or coffee at one of Edinburgh's brilliant independent coffee shops. There are so many dotted around Old Town so here are just a few of my suggestions: The Milkman, Zebra Coffee, La Barantine, and the Hideout Old Town.

The Milkman, 7 Cockburn Street

• Edinburgh Castle

Okay, let's get Edinburgh's most iconic landmark out of the way first, Edinburgh Castle. Yes, it's touristy, but I'm not sure about you but (despite not enjoying crowds) I still enjoy visiting a city's iconic attraction when I go on holiday. So, one option is to pay to enter, where you can spend the morning wandering around the castle, visiting  the oldest crown jewels in Britain, the oldest building in Edinburgh, and various well-curated exhibitions. If you do enter, don't forget to take their free walking tour! However, it can get extremely busy so if that's not for you, I'd recommend having a stroll around the esplanade (which is possible every month except August) to soak up views of the city and visiting the Grassmarket which boasts wonderful views of the castle.

Entrance & Exit to Edinburgh Castle

• Lunch 

Time for a spot of lunch. Old Town is crammed full of wonderful cafes and restaurants so there should be something for everyone's tastes. If you're looking for a few suggestions, here are some of my favourites:

1. Indulgent... The Witchery or Angel and Bagpipes
2. Cheap & Cheerful... Hideout Old Town or Union of Genius 
3. Scottish Food... Howies or The Cellar Door 
4. Street Food... Tupiniquim or Haggis Box
5. Afternoon Tea... The Colonnades or Clarinda's Tearoom 

Hideout Cafe Old Town (5 Upper Bow)

The Colonnades at the Signet Library

• A stroll down the Royal Mile

After lunch, let's start exploring The Royal Mile. The great thing about the Royal Mile is that it's impossible to get lost so you won't have to spend time constantly checking your phone for directions plus with many of Edinburgh’s most iconic tourist attractions located here, there's just so much to see and do. I’ve listed a few of my recommendations below so you can pick and choose which interest you:

1. Victoria Street - Easily one of Edinburgh's most popular and picturesque streets, Victoria Street is a must-see. 
2. St Giles - St Giles is the High Kirk of Edinburgh and is at the heart of Old Town. It's open to the public and there are also rooftop tours (something I still want to tick off my Edinburgh Bucket List) which boast magnificent views, click here for more info.
3. Edinburgh Closes - A personal favourite of mine is all the little “closes” (alleyways) that led off the Royal Mile, you never know what you'll discover. A few of my favourite are: Advocates Close, White Horse Close, Dunbar’s Close and Chessels Court.
4. Writers' Museum, Edinburgh Museum, Museum of Childhood - There are also various lovely museums dotted along the Royal Mile which are great to pop into (especially on a rainy day).
5. Holyrood Palace - At the very foot of the Royal Mile, you'll find Holyrood Palace, the Queen's official residence when she's in town. The Palace is another attraction which you can pay to enter to see its beautiful interior, Holyrood Abbey, the Queen's Gallery. However, just a reminder, you can't take photos inside the Palace. 

View down the Royal Mile

Writers' Museum

Advocates Close

• The National Museum of Scotland

If you have spare time, I would also highly recommend a visit to the National Museum of Scotland. Plus, it’s a brilliant place to head if the weather has taken a turn for the worse. The grand hall is one of my favourite spaces in Edinburgh, even on one of the dreariest days of the year, it still manages to feel light, airy, and calming (except when they host school events!). The rest of the museum is a wonderful cavern of various exhibitions, from fashion and Scottish history to wildlife and a brilliant interactive hall designed for families. You could easily spend the whole day here. Before you leave, don't forget to head to their roof terrace that boasts nearly 360-degree views of the city and is the perfect way to soak up the cityscape if you don’t have time to climb Arthur’s Seat. 

View from The National Museum of Scotland roof terrace

• Evening

For dinner, Edinburgh has many wonderful restaurants to chose from, I rarely go out for dinner so I don't feel qualified in recommending where to go, so check out these wonderful foodie blogs for inspirations Plate Expectations, The Wee Food Blogger, Tartan Spoon, Vegan Edinburgh, and Gluten-Free Edinburgh.

View from the Outsider restaurant

Day Two (Exploring New Town)

As we leave behind the higgledy-piggledy charm of Old Town which we explored on your first day, we're going to crossover into the uniform and elegance of New Town. New Town is regarded as a Georgian masterpiece and is one of the largest complete examples of town planning from the Georgian period anywhere in the world, making it a lovely area for a wander.

• Morning walk up Calton Hill

I can't think of a lovelier way to start your morning than by a walk up Calton Hill. The humble-in-size hill offers spectacular 360 degree views over the city and out to the Firth of Forth which rivals its considerably taller neighbour, Arthur’s Seat. As well as views, Calton Hill is also home to the Collective Art Gallery, a beautiful contemporary art gallery which has sympathetically incorporated itself into the historic City Observatory and City Dome. If you fancy a to-go coffee or morning pastry, you'll find Cafe MILK within the Collective!

Once you've explored Calton Hill, I suggest taking the Greenside path (at the rear of the hill) to Blenheim Place. This will bring near to the top of Leith walk where you'll find one of the best bookshops in Edinburgh, Topping & Company. If you're a book lover like myself, you won't want to miss a browse here!

• Independent Shopping at Broughton Street

Broughton Street is one of the select few streets in Edinburgh which has become a melting pot for brilliant independent businesses. It's also a great place to browse if you’re looking for a gift or to treat yourself. A few of my favourites include, Scandinavian lifestyle store, Lifestory; the quirky gift shop, Curiouser & Curiouser; the tea shop with 140 different teas to choose from, Rosevear Tea; plus many more.

Lifestory

Narcissus

Rosevear Tea

• A walk through New Town through Circus Lane

From Broughton Street, we're going to slowly make our way to the village-like neighbourhood Stockbridge via one of the prettiest streets in Edinburgh, Circus Lane. This walk will hopefully give you a chance to experience the charm and elegance of New Town.

Circus Lane is regarded as one of the most picturesque lanes in Edinburgh - each little mews house is utterly sweet - and the little lane leads to the quaint suburb of Edinburgh, Stockbridge.

Little Free Library on Scotland Street

Circus Lane

• Lunch in Stockbridge, and a walk along the Water of Leith

Welcome to Stockbridge! Originally, a small village outwith Edinburgh, it has kept lots of its village-like characteristics – and those who love the area are quite fierce about protecting its independent, village-like feel. There are so many reasons why I love the area, I've even written a "Exploring Stockbridge - An Edinburgh Neighbourhood Guide" blog post, so if you'd like more info click on the link.

By this point, you might be feeling a little peckish and I've brought you to Stockbridge with that in mind. I'd recommend a walk down Stockbridge's main high street, Raeburn Place, as there are various different cafes and restaurants. Here are also a few suggestions in and around the area:

1. Cheap & Cheerful... Cowan & Sons, Hectors, or Leo's Beanery (near Circus Lane)
2. Scottish Food... The Scran & Scallie
3. Street Food... Stockbridge Sunday Market
4. Sweet Treat... The Pastry Section, La Barantine, or Soderberg

Brunch at Leo's Beanery

The Pastry Section

• Water of Leith and Dean Village

If you have spare time after you've finished exploring Stockbridge, I'd recommend a leisurely walk along the Water of Leith walkway. If you haven't heard of the Water of Leith, it's a river that runs through Edinburgh, from Balerno to Leith, and is accompanied by a footpath. A section of the river connects Stockbridge and Dean Village, and makes for such a lovely walk. You'll be surrounded by nature, the sounds of the rushing river, and look out for neo-classical temple structure called St Bernard’s Well.

Water of Leith

• Dinner

Your second day in Edinburgh is nearly over, so once again I'll link a few wonderful foodie blogs for dinner inspiration Plate Expectations, The Wee Food Blogger, Tartan Spoon, Vegan Edinburgh, and Gluten-Free Edinburgh.

View from the Lookout by the Gardener's Cottage

48 Hours in Edinburgh (A Local's Itinerary)

Friday, 16 June 2017