Settled around two extinct volcanoes and steeped in history, Edinburgh is a cultural and culinary powerhouse boasting dramatic scenery, excellent food and fabulous shopping.
Edinburgh travel guide
Edinburgh: The Scran & Scallie
My mother is a big Tom Kitchin fan and one of her ambitions is to eat in his restaurant, The Kitchin. Unfortunately it's booked up months in advance and as our trip to Edinburgh was very last minute, I decided to take my mother to the next best thing, Kitchin and Dominic Jack's gastropub The Scran & Scallie.... Continue Reading →
Forth Bridges
On a boat trip along the Firth of Forth, I sailed under the two Forth Bridges (one for rail and one for road), both magnificent feats of engineering.
Inchcolm Island
This small, idyllic island in the middle of the Firth of Forth is home to a medieval abbey, tunnels from the First World War, and lots and lots of seagulls.
Linlithgow Palace
Just 20 minutes on the train from Edinburgh is Linlithgow Palace, the birth place of Mary, Queen of Scots. It's now a ruined shell, but nevertheless possesses a distinguished, stately air. When I first stepped into the palace, I entered the courtyard above and at first glance it didn't look as though there'd be much to see or that it... Continue Reading →
Rosslyn Chapel
With its intricate stone carvings over its walls, ceilings and pillars, the medieval Rosslyn Chapel in the village of Roslin not far from Edinburgh, makes for a fascinating visit. Possibly best known for its role as the setting of one of the pivotal scenes in Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, the romantic 15th century... Continue Reading →
Edinburgh: Arthur’s Seat
The first time I visited Edinburgh I was transfixed by Arthur's Seat and vowed to climb it the next time I was in the city. Fast forward 10 years and on my return to Edinburgh, I found Arthur's Seat to be much bigger and much more imposing than I'd remembered. Undaunted, I set off to... Continue Reading →
Edinburgh: Holyrood Palace and Abbey
One of the Queen's two residences in Scotland (the other being Balmoral), Holyrood is situated in the centre of Edinburgh at the bottom of the Royal Mile opposite the Scottish Parliament and boasts magnificent views of Arthur's Seat. Inside the palace, you can tour the state apartments, which are open to the public whenever the royal... Continue Reading →
Edinburgh Castle
Perched high on top of one of Edinburgh's two dormant volcanoes is Edinburgh Castle, an impressive fortification that dominates the surrounding landscape. A citadel home to lots of different buildings rather than a simple stone castle, it's worth taking the time to explore all the many structures within the castle walls, such as the various museums (including one on prisoners of war and a couple... Continue Reading →
Edinburgh
I first visited the Scottish capital 10 years ago on a brief day trip when I was at university, during which time I saw a little of the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace... and that was about it. Since then I'd been keen to go back and properly explore the city. Home to two dormant volcanoes, Edinburgh is... Continue Reading →
Little Old World 