My friends sometimes can be more impulsive than me, that’s the reason why I like them a lot! Some general talking in early summer and here we got in late August with tickets, already, booked. Edinburgh was for years in our bucket list so we were eager for our Christmas trip.
The trip
We had a direct flight from Athens with Aegean Airlines and booked our accommodation via Booking.com at Hampton by Hilton. Both of them, turned to be excellent choices. Also, for the first time ever, we had scheduled an airport transfer; pricey but convenient service.
Arrival Day
Time difference favoured us so we had almost a full day ahead of us. We wandered some hours around southern suburbs of the city and we had a pit stop at Montpeliers for lunch. There I tasted Mulled Gin,- hot gin with herbs,- delightful nonetheless. Some more strolling up to the hotel and that was all for the day; 36 hours awake in a country where sun sets at 4 p.m, getting to bed early was a kind of salvation.
Day 1
Xmas day. As expected, we woke up in a ghost town; no one out there, everything was closed. A typical Scottish day, drizzle and heavy rain in turns and pure cold. Who said that it would be a wasted one though. We walked up to the castle and through the Royal Mile. Coffee break to one of the few places to be found running this day at the lobby of Ibis Hotel. Then, we attended the Christmas service in St Giles cathedral. Believer or not, a unique experience. Following feeding expedition ended at Milnes pub, our only option but, at least, we found something decent to eat and to take shelter for a couple of hours. This time I tasted Toddy,- hot single malt with herbs.
Day 2
Edinburgh was dressed in white. Snowed but sunny, perfect for an early start. We walked through the streets of the old Town, crossing Grassmarket and visiting Greyfriars Kirkyard. We took a break at The City Cafe. Then, we strolled up to the Carlton Hill and returned back to New Town. Boxing day without shopping isn’t fair. Yet, most time spent in Waterstones’ Bookshop. A brief stop for beer at Queens Arms pub and there we went to open Christmas market to get a bit childish again. Escorting the kids, was the perfect excuse for a ride in the Big Wheel and the Star Flyer.
Day 3
It was about time to visit the famous Edinburgh castle. We had to wait in the queue for about 45′ since it was extremely crowded. Certainly worth all the appraisals, though. A short break followed in the Elephant House, the birthplace of Harry Potter. Cozy atmosphere, perfectly crafted coffee, baked stuffed potatoes and tasteful cakes sure could be inspiring for writing! Later, we visited Scottish National Gallery and we ended the day with exquisite dining at Bon Vivant .
Day 4
We had a daily trip by train to Glasgow. Getting off at Queen Street station, we walked along the Buchanan street up to the river and then we headed to People’s Palace. Later on, we fooled around a bit on the shops. Some burritos on the way and a craft beer in Drum & Monkey pub.
Day 5
Lovecrumbs was the ideal place to watch the heavy snowfall in the morning,- perhaps, a bit more heat inside would be welcomed guys! Later, a visit to National Museum, an early dinner at Lebowskis and beer tasting in The Hanging Bat. There I tasted a fine smoked beer, Schlenkerla, coming from Bavaria; bar tender described it as “barbecue in a bottle”.
Day 6
Initial planning had a visit to highlands but due to severe weather conditions road network was in yellow alert so we decided to cancel the trip. Thus, this day ended to be a leisure one, spent in a long walk through Royal Botanic Gardens up to the sea shore of the North Sea. A coffee break at Cafe Rouge and an excellent Thai dining at Passorn filled the rest of it.
Departure Day
Not much to say. Time gained on the go, lost on the return!
All in all
To sum up with, it is a trip absolutely worth taking. Cityscape is simply breathtaking. Additionally, people are extremely kind and friendly so you are going to feel more than welcome. Moreover, there are plenty quality bars and restaurants. I would like to be back soon, preferably during summertime, to explore the highlands, to hike or cycle a bit.
Some tips
Try to be there on Hogmanay; we felt sorry that we didn’t make it.
Scottrail “peak hours” almost double the ticket price.
Book in advanced everything.
Bear in mind that is a strict policy about kids in bar/ pubs/ restaurant.
