Travel - Edinburgh

Our summer staycation in EDINBURGH

Edinburgh, Auld Reekie, the Athens of the North or Dunedin in Scots Gaelic. Whatever you want to call it, Scotland’s capital city is a world-class destination and the perfect option for a staycation this year.

Steeped in a rich cultural history, the city is as famous for its famous residents, from princes to poets, as it is for stunning architecture - boasting the historic old and new town within the city boundary.

As Scotland’s tourism industry begins to open up, so too will the city itself. While things may be slightly different this year, as the city adapts to a new normal, there is still plenty to explore and enjoy. These are our family Staycation highlights.

The Royal Mile A thoroughfare running through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, The Royal Mile is a street teeming with historic buildings. The name comes from its tradition as a processional route for kings and queens over the last 500 years. It connects the Queen’s official residence in Scotland, the Palace of Holyrood House, at one end, and Edinburgh Castle at the other. Walking it today gives a real sense of walking back through time. The street boasts a wide selection of shops and visitor attractions, including Mary King’s Close, John Knox House, and the Museum of Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Castle A visit to Edinburgh would not be complete without a picture outside its most famous landmark, Edinburgh Castle. Strategically perched on Castle Rock at the top of The Royal Mile and enjoying panoramic views across the city, a selfie outside the historical fortress is a must for any tourist. It hosts the famous Royal Military Tattoo every year, a celebration of music, pomp and military regalia from around the world, which is on hiatus in 2020. It also houses the Honours of Scotland, the nation’s crown jewels.

J K Rowling’s Edinburgh For our Potter mad teenager, what could be better than walking around the city, where you see the streets and sights that inspired the global sensation. Visiting locations and getting a real sense of Hogwarts and the Wizarding World, right here in Scotland’s capital. Head across the Grassmarket and find the curve of Victoria Street and The West Bow, where restaurants are stacked on top of shops tightly packed together in brightly painted buildings and selling oddities and trinkets. It’s no wonder then, that this colourful street is rumoured to have served as the inspiration for London’s magical shopping thoroughfare, Diagon Alley. Soak up the atmosphere of this colourful area and pick up something unique as a souvenir from this unique street.

In between her writing sessions in the Edinburgh cafés, J.K. Rowling would stroll around the streets of Edinburgh, which served as much of her inspiration for the Harry Potter universe. Perhaps somewhat morbidly, she would walk around the nearby Greyfriar’s Kirkyard and look at the gravestones, with some of the names slipping into her books. Undoubtedly the most famous resident in Greyfriar’s Kirkyard is Thomas Riddle, also known as Lord Voldemort or “He who must not be named”. Many fans (our family included) make the pilgrimage here to pay tribute to the man who gave his name to the most evil of the wizarding world, so the grass path leading to this grave is well worn!

From Greyfriars Kirkyard to Scotland’s Most Haunted Underground Experience with Auld Reekie Tours Visit the infamous vaults hidden under the South Bridge in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Hear tales of how the poor and unfortunate lived in these former slums. Explore these dimly lit vaults, once the haunt of criminals, body snatchers and witches alike! Each vault has stories of crime, disease and death and lots more, with which your guide shall enlighten you with all the gory details. You will see a genuine witchcraft temple, recently used by the “Source Coven of the Blue Dragon” and you will enter their former temple, and learn why it was no longer safe for them to practise their craft in that vault. DARE you step inside the infamous stone circle? We Did, and it was fascinating!

Family Staycation in Edinburgh - Fabulous experience! Editor Jacqui, and family June 2021

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