Exploring Edinburgh

As a Glasgow girl I adore my city but I also enjoy travelling through to Edinburgh and spending a few days in Scotland's beautiful capital. Edinburgh is a stark contrast to Glasgow- Glasgow is essentially an industrial city whereas Edinburgh has such wonderful architecture and lots of open spaces which are harder to find within Glasgow's maze of streets.

Upon arrival in Edinburgh city centre one of the first things I always notice is the imposing sight of Edinburgh Castle dominating the skyline from high above the city on an extinct volcano. The origins of the castle date back to 1130 and so much history has taken place within it's walls, including the birth of one of Mary Queen of Scots' children and it is even reported to be haunted by ghosts and phantoms of years gone by. I'm not sure I believe these tales but there are many ghost walks and tours in the city which might convince me otherwise!

Edinburgh Castle

In the middle of Princes Street lies the stunning monument to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott (I wrote my dissertation on his novels!). The monument features him seated in the centre with his beloved dog next to him. Visitors can climb the 287 steps to the top of the monument and enjoy stunning panoramic views over the whole city.

Walter Scott Monument

If you want to get a great view of the city and enjoy some fresh Scottish air then the best place to head is for a walk up Arthurs Seat. I've only walked part of the way up to Holyrood park and the remains of St. Anthony's Chapel. The views over the city and towards the Forth even from this point were incredible. One day I'll have more time to climb to the very top of Arthurs Seat, I'm determined.

The remains of St. Anthony's Chapel

View from St. Anthony's Chapel

View from St. Anthony's Chapel with Calton Hill in the distance

The remains of St. Anthony's Chapel date back as far as the early 15th Century and although exact origins are unknown it is likely that it had a tower which was around 40 feet high.

St Andrews Square lies at the east end of Edinburgh's George Street, just seconds from Princes Street, and is dominated by the Melville Monument and surrounded by lovely gardens which are a great place to relax in the summer.

Melville Monument, St Andrews Square

Whilst I was in Edinburgh there was a really interesting art exhibition 'Invisible Words' in St Andrews Square which is part of the Edinburgh International Science Festival.

The pictures were all images from the science world and some of them were so colourful and really fascinating.

I think this one was my favourite. Would you believe these are all bacteria contained within agar plates?

Just moments from St Andrews Square on George Street is one of my favourite eating and drinking spots in Edinburgh is The Dome. The Dome is a gorgeous converted bank which dates back to the mid 19th Century and is now an amazing bar, restaurant and meeting spot. You can get an amazing champagne afternoon tea which I definitely recommend.


The very first thing you notice when you step inside The Dome is the stunningly beautiful chandelier which dominates the entrance hall. Anyone who knows me will know I adore chandeliers and this is one of my favourites.

Chandelier in the main entrance hall

The Dome

The Dome which dominates the The Grill Room area where you can have lunch, afternoon tea, dinner or drinks is stunning. It is decorated in such an ornate manner that when I'm inside I simply can't stop staring up at it and admiring it.


Annnnnd there's even chandelier's in the bathrooms...!

Yes, okay, I took a picture of the bathroom chandelier.

I can't wait to get back through to Edinburgh and spend more time exploring this gorgeous city. Has anyone been before? What are your favourite places in the city?

Whilst I was in Edinburgh I had a complimentary stay at Haggis Hostels- an amazing hostel in the city centre. Check out my review of it here.

My First Ever Hostel Experience | Haggis Hostels Edinburgh

Okay, I have a confession, I've never stayed in a hostel before. Until now that is! I've just had my first hostel experience at Haggis Hostels in Edinburgh.

It was with some nervous trepidation that I decided to make this my home for the evening in Edinburgh as I've heard some real horror stories about hostels involving bed bugs, thiefs and general grubby conditions. I needn't have worried, Haggis Hostels isn't your average hostel, it's so much better.

You'll find Haggis Hostels located smack bang in the centre of the city, just 50 metres off Princes Street, the main shopping street. This means that everything you could need is nearby- shops, restaurants, bars and clubs which is perfect. From the moment I walked through the door the first thing I noticed was how clean it was, everything was absolutely spotless. I was met by Chris, one half of the brains behind Haggis Hostels who showed me my room and gave me a little tour.

Four bed room at Haggis Hostels

I was placed in a room with 4 beds yet the hostel was quiet so I had the room all to myself, what luxury! The lovely Chris had made my bed ready for my arrival and he'd even set out a few goodies for me...

The mattresses are lovely and thick and very comfortable to ensure a great nights sleep and it's luxury bedding and towels all the way here. There are even international plug sockets right next to every bed so you can charge up your phone right next to you whilst you sleep, great idea!

There are lockers in every room and they're a pretty good size for fitting all your valuables in so you don't have to worry about them while you're out exploring Edinburgh.

The kitchen at Haggis Hostels is amazing, definitely much better than I was expecting. It's big and bright and has everything you could possibly need to cook a few meals. Again, the kitchen was spotless- you could probably eat off the floor! At Haggis Hostels you get a breakfast included in the price which is a great touch and so handy to fuel up before a busy day.

Lovely, bright kitchen

Plenty room to cook up a storm!

The recreation area is the place where you can chill and hang out with other hostel guests. It's set up with a tonne of leaflets on things to do in Edinburgh and further afield in Scotland. There's also a stereo, board games and lots of books by great Scottish authors (although without Sir Walter Scott...get this sorted guys!).

The hang out spot

The hostel toilets and showers are also incredibly clean, I actually think the shower was cleaner than mine at home! The showers have lockable doors and a little seating spot for leaving your towel and clothes while you shower. The showers are brilliant too, lovely and warm and powerful, perfect to wake you up in the morning.

The guys who run Haggis Hostels Al and Chris are great and have really thought of everything with this great little hostel. They give you such a warm and friendly welcome that you feel quite at home here and they're so helpful with anything you need. I had a great time at the hostel and next time I'm back in Edinburgh I'll be staying here again. Hopefully sooner rather than later!

Haggis Hostels so kindly let me stay for free for the purposes of this review however, all opinions are my own and are entirely honest.

Hogmanay in Edinburgh

Hogmanay is the Scottish term for new years eve and this year I decided to bring in 2012 in Scotland's capital city of Edinburgh with friends. Edinburgh has a street party every year which is a ticketed event and we decided instead to go to a flat party and then head to The Meadows (a gorgeous big park in the Marchmont area of the city) to watch the fireworks at the bells.

Sadly my camera broke just before midnight so the only pictures I have are poor quality ones from my phone which don't do it justice as the fireworks were amazing. They are set off from Edinburgh castle which sits elevated above the city and provides a stunning backdrop to the main street, Princess Street and Princess Gardens. Around 2,800 fireworks were set off within about 6 minutes and they were great to watch. My friends and I also began a rousing rendition of traditional Scottish song Auld Lang Syne after midnight (I'm not sure anyone who heard it would have enjoyed it quite so much but we certainly had fun!) whilst the fireworks sparkled above us.

If you want to experience hogmanay in Edinburgh without the crowds (an estimated 80,000 people were there this year!) then I can definitely recommend The Meadows as a great spot to watch the fireworks and enjoy the atmosphere without being overwhelmed by people. It really was a fantastic way to welcome the new year.

Edinburgh Castle

So, happy new year everyone! I sincerely hope that 2012 is your best year yet!

I would love to hear from anyone who has already made travel plans for 2012...I'm always looking for inspiration!