Last week we shared our Scottish adventures in St. Andrews!  Today’s post, is all about Edinburgh!

EDINBURGH

We took two day trips to the city of Edinburgh.  What a cool, historic, eclectic city!  We did a LOT of different site seeing over two days so I’m breaking this post up into different activities.  First up is all about The Royal Mile and Edinburgh City.  But before I share pictures from city life, I have to share some photos of our train ride.  Riding through the countryside was seriously some of my favorite parts of the trip.  Scotland’s countryside is absolutely gorgeous with the rolling hills, views of the sea, and the cute little Scottish towns.   I’m for sure buying a house here some day. [I wonder if I’m part of that plan?]

Thanks to my brother-in-law Jhonny for thinking to capture these images!

Royal Mile and City Life

Edinburgh is home to the Scottish crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny, Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, and it’s the birthplace of Harry Potter (J.K. Rowling wrote the books in several coffee shops throughout the city).

Edinburgh is a VERY hilly city.  Once we embarked off the train, we had to climb up several streets just to get to The Royal Mile.  But there is so much to see, you forget what a great workout you are getting!

Edinburgh Castle

The Edinburgh Castle dominates the Edinburgh skyline.  The castle is over 3,000 years old and has provided sanctuary for many of Scotland’s kings and queens. The castle is home to the famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.  Within the castles walls there is SO much to see!  The Crown Jewels of Scotland are housed here.  You can also explore St. Margaret’s Chapel (the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh), the Scottish National War Memorial, the One o’Clock Gun, the Prison Rooms, and the National War Museum of Scotland.  Plus, there are some epic views of the city!

 

Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat is a rocky summit that towers over the city of Edinburgh.  Arthur’s Seat is a great place to escape the business of The Royal Mile while getting a view of the whole city.  It takes about an hour to climb and if you can make it to the top (I sadly did not) you are in for a treat with some magical views of the city! [Shannon’s sister said that it was just a “wee hill to climb.” It was not. I’m pretty sure that we looked down on Mt. Everest. At least I had thighs of steel the rest of the trip…]

Harry Potter Tour

One of my favorite activities we did in Edinburgh was a Harry Potter tour!! We walked all around the city, checking out sites that inspired J.K. Rowling while she was writing the books.

 

I know this was a lengthy post, but there was just so much to share of our days in Edinburgh!  We took hundreds of pictures that we wish we could share but this should give a pretty good glimpse into all the fun that is Edinburgh, Scotland!

Up next, the Highlands (get ready Outlander fans!).

Slàinte,

Shannon [and Rob]

Note: These pictures were taken collectively by myself, hubby, my parents, siblings, and in-laws! Thanks to everyone for sharing all the pictures!