Flew into Edinburgh on Ryanair for 3 nights before starting a driving trip of Scotland, Wales and the UK
Advocates Close
Stayed in an Airbnb just off the Royal Mile, a great location to make the most of Edinburgh. Edinburgh Castle was on the visit list, beyond that, it was a matter of discovery, and some helpful advice from my Airbnb Host on what to see and where to eat.
During my stay, I found a rich heritage regards the Closes’. A number of tours departed from the centre of the mile (near St Giles Cathedral) to various Underground sites, and different operators had different “vaults” you could visit.
Probably the most well publicized one is The Real Mary Close. An interesting insight to living in Edinburgh in years past. Most of that tour was unextraordinary, but a particular original condition room redeemed what was otherwise a stale guided tour. Must admit, I am pretty over the “no photos” policies of many of these attractions. Some I can understand, then there’s ones like this one, where they give you a pay-for photo op, is simply milking tourists.
A different tour group, fairly well signed at the main square near St Giles Cathedral, had a more interesting chat and tour to their own vaults.
The Royal Mile itself is mostly just a shopping strip, with 500 places you can buy a souvenir or neckerchief, mostly cashmere.
There’s a tower dedicated to Sir Walter Scott which is worth a climb, if you don’t mind tight and steep stairs. Also, Calton Hill overlooking the city, and Arthurs Seat for even better views.
Edinburgh Castle was as much as expected, high atop the hill, a wide variety of rooms to visit, and something different. A dog cemetery. As a dog owner, this touched me. The appreciation of the soldiers to dedicate a section the castle grounds in memory of their faithful dogs. That told me a lot about those people. Huge respect for something as simple as this. Beyond that, it’s certainly worth the visit.
Travel is about what YOU want to see or do. Everyone can take in something different; but for me, 3 days in Edinburgh was enough before starting a few weeks of driving.
Below are shots from Edinburgh Castle.
