A day in Edinburgh

For the first time ever, I travelled by train to Edinburgh.  Not going to lie, I thought it would be a bit more Hogwarts Express since I was visiting the place where JK Rowling wrote Harry Potter.

However, the Virgin Trains East Coast train which took me to edinburgh was very comfortable. I had my own window seat and spent my early morning train ride enjoying the view of the Northumberland coast.

It’s a great start to the day having a coffee that compliments you. 

I arrived in Edinburgh nice and early, before the crowds started to hit the shops.  If you’re visiting Edinburgh on a weekend, I would avoid Prince’s Street and the Royal Mile after 10:30 am because the crowds are huge. If you need to use a walking aide of stop frequently find a quieter route, maybe go through Princes Gardens instead.

The first place I visited was Stockbridge

A great place for brunch and enjoying the greenery of the city centre. Plus the  I will say that it is a very big hill to enter and leave Stockbridge but many buses drive through the main street. Plus the buses are super cheap £1.60 for a single anywhere in the city. I’m very lucky as my human photographer lived in Stockbridge for a long time. I chose to go to one of their favourite cafes for Brunch. Artisan Roast is a tiny, well hidden cafe, which looks like a flower shop, which you do have to be lucky to get a seat.  

This set me up perfectly for my next stop of the day.

 Edinburgh Botanical Gardens. 

From Stockbridge it is really easy to get to the botanic gardens. If you go via Inverleith Park. Which no matter the season is one of my favourite places in Edinburgh for the view. Their is a panoramic view of the castle all the way over to Calton hill and Arthur’s seat, if you are lucky and have a clear day.

I love the Botanic gardens because you can hand feed the squirrels.

After my relaxing morning, I made my way to the National Museum of Scotland to visit some ancestors. My uncle Hendrick is in the animal exhibition. If you want to easily have the best view of the castle. Take the lift up to the roof terrace, a hidden gem.

After a quick coffee break, I ventured up Calton Hill to look over to Fife. You can walk around the hill and view many of the tourist sites.

From Calton Hill, I viewed my final destination in Edinburgh, Arthur’s Seat.

Perfect way to end the day is watching the sunset over edinburgh castle from the top of Athur’s Seat. Tip from a local (my photographer lived in Edinburgh for many years) for the best sunset views, only go up to the lowest point with the smallest hill.

I’m looking forward to many more adventures to this beautiful city.

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Coming back to Edinburgh is to me like coming home. – Charles Dickens