Travelling to Scotland has always been high on my bucket list so I was estatic about my first trip away since the pandemic began. For years, I had dreamed about visiting the world famous Edinburgh Castle, one of the most exciting historic sites in Western Europe. I wanted to walk in the footsteps of of soldiers, kings and queens – and even the odd pirate or two!
Taking full advantage of having 5 days off work, I set off from Dublin on St Patrick’s bank holiday weekend. Arriving in Edinburgh on a beautiful sunny day, I made my way to the hip & modern Market Street hotel. The hotel boasts a city centre location overlooking Waverley train station between the Old & New town. My room on the 5th floor afforded panoramic views of Waverley bridge and the Scott Monument in Princes Street Gardens.
Edinburgh Castle
In order to get my bearings in a new city, I took a hop-on-hop-off bus tour. On a beautiful sunny Friday morning, I sat in an open top double decker bus listening to a live guide regale us with colourful snippets of local history. On our journey up the Royal Mile towards the castle, we passed historic landmarks such as the Palace of Holyroodhouse (where the Queen stays during Royal Week) and Greyfriars Bobby on Candlemaker Row.
Disembarking the bus and climbing up Castle Hill towards the castle, I was welcomed by the sound of Scottish bagpipes. You always hear bagpipes in the distance no matter where you are in the city. Walking up towards the castle, I imagined myself on a medieval film set, ready to enter the castle on a white steed! However, I didn’t pay to go in, instead enjoying panoramic city views east and west of the fortress.
The Underground Vaults
I normally avoid dark, damp & claustrophobic places, but had an urge to experience Edinburgh’s most haunted location! Eager to experience something outside my comfort zone, I booked the Underground Vaults tour. We met our charismatic guide outside Deacon Brody’s tavern (the perfect place to get a feel of Auld Reekie). Following a brief walking tour along the Royal Mile, she led us into one of the chambers of the South Bridge – a room showcasing displays of medieval torture instruments. We continued through the dark, damp underground vaults to an authentic witches wiccan coven named The Source Coven of the Blue Dragon. The room had an altar and a space set for rituals untouched like a time capsule. The creepy atmosphere was giving me serious Discovery of Witches and Penny Dreadful gothic vibes!
Next our guide brought us to the Stone Circle vault, warning us not to step inside. She regaled us with a story of how witches practised wiccan ceremonies inside the vault. The stone circle is for protection and a pentagon, drawn in chalk, is placed inside. Many times the witches experienced room temperature changes which indicates the passing of spirits. Although I was in the room with about twenty other tourists, I still felt creeped out! Wearing a mask made me feel extra claustrophobic. Needless to say, I was relieved to see the light of day when we finally returned to street level! I highly recommend the excellent guided tour available by booking at Get Your Guide.
Calton Hill
Following a delicious breakfast on Saturday morning at The Ivy on the Square, I felt energised enough to climb Calton Hill. This historic site boasts panoramic city views of Edinburgh and neoclassical monuments. One of the most striking is the National Monument, inspired by the Parthenon in Athens and nicknamed, ‘Edinburgh’s Acropolis’. From the top of the hill you can see Arthur’s Seat – an ancient volcano which forms the peak of hills surrounding Holyrood Park.
Leith
A buzzing port district and home to hip creatives, it’s no secret that Leith is one of the coolest places to live in Edinburgh. The Shore is packed full of great eateries, such as The Granary, and drinking spots. Delighted to find a farmer’s market at the docks, I picked up a delicious home made cookie and some hand crafted jewellery. It was a beautiful sunny day so before heading back to the city centre, I enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the canal.
Cuisine
The food is excellent in Edinburgh and I enjoyed delectable dishes in some fantastic restaurants. I highly recomment Cafe Marlayne, a cute little French Bistro where they served the best orange & mascarpone cheesecake I’ve ever had! Also, L’Artigiano for amazing Italian cuisine. Here’s a highlight roll of my favourites:
Some tips
- Edinburgh is pretty hilly so be prepared and bring a good pair of walking shoes.
- Stay at the Market Street hotel – ideal location for exploring both the Old & New town.
- The Scotch Whiskey Experience is a must for whiskey lovers.
- The best selfie spot for the castle is in Grassmarket!
Street Style Notes:
The parka I’m wearing in these photos is a quilted layer parka in olive green by Littlewoods.
All photos copyright of the author
