If you are looking for a relaxing weekend away in one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in the world, look no further than Edinburgh, Scotland.
The Royal Mile
The Royal Mile, named thus, since the 16th-century is a long stretch of streets which form the main strip of the Old Town of Edinburgh. A stunning walk, this row leads from Edinburgh Castle right down to the Palace of Hollyrood House, the residence of The Queen when she is in town. There are many shops to indulge any shoppers tastes and a variety of cafes and restaurants to stop for lunch. There is no need to mention the pubs, Scotland is famous for them and Edinburgh is full of them.
Night Tours
An interesting way to see the Old Town is by night. An experienced guide will lead you through the old cobbled streets of the city sharing the many stories, both true and legend, of the famously haunted region. Ghost tours will take you to the Calton Cemetary and Calton Hill where you will be able to see Edinburgh’s own take on the Parthenon and enjoy an aerial view of the old and new areas of the city. Jacob’s Seat looms in the distance.
Day Trips
Edinburgh is centrally located and one of the easiest places to jump off from on a Scottish Highland day tour. Wind your way through the Old Town out to the Highlands. Take a boat ride on Loch Ness and hunt for the infamous monster. Learn the tales of the Campbell clan and follow the steps of William Wallace and the battle of Glen Coe.
Stirling Castle is only an hour from Edinburgh and is well worth the trip.
Edinburgh Festival
Every August, the streets of Edinburgh are flooded with Fringe visitors. Having visited the Fringe Festival, I would highly recommend visiting during this time. The old stone streets are filled with colour and there are so many acts to choose from, it is easy to fill every night of your stay with entertainment.
If a relaxing pace is more your speed, avoid this season. Usually running from around the 2nd-22nd, Edinburgh is packed solid. The weather is best at this time, and as it rains for most of the rest of the year, people usually take advantage of the summer months. This includes proprietors, hiking up accommodation prices for the eager tourists. Aim for Spring if possible as the weather is still mild-ish, and the prices are far more reasonable.
Check websites like lastminute.com for cheap rates and make the most of any mid-week deals if possible. Edinburgh is an easy weekend destination for local Brits, so aim for Tuesday to Friday.
Prepare for rain, all year round. Keep a light rain sheath in your packpack to avoid getting caught out and a jumper nearby in case the temperature drops. Even in the cold, this city is a stunning way to spend a couple of days away. For more information see visitscotland.com.