Spring break is here and after a mean deadline on Friday I decided to give myself a day off this weekend to work on all the blog post I never got around to posting. First up is the last bit about Edinburgh. Gosh I miss Scotland! I’ve always had it big for the countries overseas, but I never thought I’d fall so hard again after London. Edinburgh now holds a special place in my heart and we will return. But what else could you expect from a city that has everything I live for: friendly people, good food, coffee bars, a rich history, nature, a botanical and department stores with the best home departments ever.
I’ve shared about the botanical gardens and Calton Hill already, and in this post I give you an overview of the other things we did, starting with Arthurs Seat. The volcanic hill rises high above the Scottish capital and gives you mesmerizing panoramic views over the city. Because of the rain it was impossible to climb all the way up, but we managed to get almost there. After the climb, we walked through Holyrood Park and made our way back to the city for drinks in a pub. Holyrood park, together with Inverleith park, were two of my favorite spots in town.
Our trip to Edinburgh included a mini “try something new every day”-challenge. First up: haggis. We stumbled across Patisserie Valérie on Rose street one morning and decided to go for a full Scottish breakfast. Basically an English breakfast with an extra side of haggis. It was… not that bad actually! But this comes from a girl who ate worm-schnitzels last week. Yes, for real. Not bad either. Anyway. We also made an attempt at drinking tea everyday. Not so much a success for me, but K is still going strong two months later! I even gave him a tea set for his birthday recently. On our last day we tried eggs Benedict at the Southern Cross Cafe on Cockburn street. Very much recommended!
On our way up to Edinburgh Castle (which we eventually did not visit that day) we came past the farmers market on Castle Terrace that offered many different delicacies we had never tried. Perfect for our challenge! I played safe with a meat pie, because I knew what was coming next: deep fried mars bars! Bridgette from The Headless Mannequin had recommended to stop by a place on Grassmarket, which is within walking distance of the castle. Deep fried mars bars basically taste like pancakes with a truckload of Nutella on them. So. Freaking. Gooooood. I went for a second one. #YOLO. We lingered around Grassmarket and Victoria street for a while. You will find The Red Door Gallery, a shop with beautiful illustrations and gifts, on Victoria street just in case your are looking for a perfect souvenir.
When you are in Edinburgh you inevitably end up on The Royal Mile. The street stretches from Holyrood park to Edinburgh Castle and has the most beautiful buildings lining the cobble stone street. There are also many narrow pathways leading you away from the rather busy street and hiding beautiful open spaces, the Lady Stair’s close probably being the most well-known of them all. Just off The Royal Mile, on St. Mary street, there’s a cute little shortbread bakery called Pinnies and Poppy Seeds. Another food item that was on my must-try list and so it happened.
Finally, on the very last day, we made it up to the Edinburgh Castle. We also had tickets for the Camera Obscura and to be honest the showing and roof terrace were the best parts. The museum itself… hmm… I was not a fan. Much more fun was had afterwards on the Grassmarket, where we had our last meal and a dessert I had been looking forward to after spotting it on menus all around town: Rocky Road pie! Cookie crumbs, marshmallows and a good dose of chocolate. YES PUHLEASE.
And lastly two photos from a late evening that I liked but didn’t know where to put. I hope you enjoyed my tour around Edinburgh and we’ll travel again soon. Who’s up for a little bit of Germany!?
Incredible photos (as always!) Nikki! 🙂
Looks like you had a wonderful and busy time. I loved the view from camera obscura too, definitely my fave part of the trip to that museum! I went there a few years ago.
I love deep fried mars bars – there is a place here that does them, so decadent but so delicious too.
Hope you enjoy your spring break! 🙂
Away From The Blue
That trip looks amazing! I’m so jealous! Also I lvoe tea, and drink at least 2 cups a day, I don’t know how people make it through without the stuff.
yum!! all the food looks amazing!
xx nikki
http://www.dream-in-neon.com
So beautiful! I had to Google “haggis” and I’ll just say, you’re brave to try!
Holy cow, these photos are seriously amazing. How have I been to England so many times yet never made the venture up to Scotland?! Gahh, I need to get myself back overseas. The travel bug has bitten!
Wow, these photos are incredible!! It looks like you have quite the eye for photography (and food).
Jackie
Something About That
Oh nu wil ik ook eens naar Edinburgh gaan! Mooie foto’s!
Gorgeous photos! xo
Eatlovemerry
Ok nu mis ik Edinburgh weer! Ik was er net over 😉
Serieus, ik wil ook echt zo graag terug. Wat een geweldige stad! Je hebt het ook echt mooi vastgelegd op je foto’s:)
Gorgeous photos of a gorgeous place. It looks like you had lots of fun and ate some good food; I’d love to try a deep-fried mars bar! Thanks for showing me around Edinburgh! 🙂
Brooke | brookewrote
Fantastic photos! The second to last photo is my favorite. I love Edinburgh a lot, I only visited it once before but I hope to go back soon! XO Naomi in Wonderland
EDINBURGH <3
Haha mijn Schotse familie heeft mij nog geleerd dat je Cockburn uitspreekt als 'koebeurn' 😀
Naomi, x