Having been a huge fan of the TV series Outlander (Jamie Fraser, need I say more) I had wanted to visit Scotland for some time. Being originally from Australia I couldn’t have been further away from Scotland, except perhaps if I lived in Antarctica, so after having relocated to the UK (which you can read all about here) I was a mere hop, skip and a jump away from the land of haggis. When my best friend, who also suffers from the travel bug, visited me in London all the way from Australia we decided that there was no better time to pay Edinburgh a visit. Only having 4 days to spend in Scotland’s capital we needed to utilise the time we had whilst also taking it all in at a leisurely pace. Here are my top picks of what you shouldn’t miss when you visit Edinburgh.
5. Try Haggis
Vegetarians, I apologise in advance for what you’re about to read so you may want to look away. Ah the infamous haggis: Scotland’s most famous dish made from animal gizzards. Although haggis sounds disgusting I’m always up for trying new things and feel as though I should give the local cuisine a shot wherever I go, no matter how terrifying it sounds! I’m a self-confessed carnivore so the thought of haggis wasn’t too daunting for me and it didn’t taste as bad as it sounds. I probably wouldn’t try it again, once was more than enough for me. The best way to describe it’s taste would be meaty, mincey and strong. If you want to know what haggis is made of, google it. You’re welcome.
4. See a comedy show
Image from http://www.thestand.co.uk/
Edinburgh is known for it’s annual Fringe Festival that takes place throughout the month of August. Although I visited Edinburgh in April my friend and I couldn’t resist paying one of Edinburgh’s stand up comedy clubs a visit during our stay. We went to The Stand and had a brilliant time laughing at the various comediennes and having a few drinks. It’s affordable and something a little different to do on a weeknight!
3. Go on a tour around the Scottish highlands
If you’ve got enough time for a day trip, paying the Scottish highlands a visit should be high on your list. Leave Edinburgh city and take in Scotland’s natural beauty. The highlands are a sight to behold and after breathing in the polluted London air for 4 months, it was lovely to leave all that behind to see what mother nature had to offer. Castles in Europe are a dime a dozen that it’s easy to become jaded however set against these backdrops, who can resist a photo op?!
2. Walk through Edinburgh Park
Edinburgh Park is breathtakingly beautiful. Spring was a fabulous time to be in Edinburgh (despite the cold weather) as the flowers were blooming all around us; just look at those daffodils! Grab a coffee, take a stroll and admire the views of Edinburgh Castle perched on top of the hill. Best of all, it doesn’t cost a dime!
1. Climb Arthur’s Seat
Warning: there is no seat.
Although the walk up can be strenuous (note to self: bring joggers), the view is totally worth it. Arthur’s seat is the perfect spot to admire the beauty of Edinburgh from above as well and get a gauge of how big the city is (spoiler alert, not very). Bring a cardie and your best raincoat, cos you’re going to need it!
Have you ever been to Edinburgh? What’s on top of your to-do list?
Until next time,
Katie x
