When I was in the UK for a summer study abroad course I simply had to make it a point to get up to Edinburgh, Scotland, which is a mere 4.5 hour train ride from London. You can book your train tickets ahead of time online, which I highly recommend. Today, ticket prices can be as low as $70 and as high as $450 if you want to go big in first class, which there really isn’t a need to. But to each his own! I took the train up and it was a super easy ride. Had a cup of tea, listened to a family speaking with a Scottish accent and thought it was Italian…you know…good times, LOL! 🙂 No judging. My ears are much more in tuned to the Scottish accent these days. The main two train stations are Edinburgh Waverly and Haymarket. Enjoy the ride! It’s a beautiful view.
What to See and Do in Edinburgh
- One of the most famous attractions in Edibnurgh is Edinburgh Castle! Located off the royal mile, it is one of the oldest fortified castles in Europe. Set up on a rocky cliff for strategic advantage, the castle was taken from the English in 1314 by the Scotts in a night raid. It remains an impressive structure and was home for many kings and queens over the years. You can view the Honours of Scotland there, the oldest crown jewels in Britain , used in 1543 for the coronation of Mary Queen of Scots. There is the palace itself, regimental museums, prisons, throne room, jewel room, St. Margaret’s Chapel…so much to see! I also recommend having a bite to eat at The Tea Rooms or Redcoat Café.
2. The Palace of Holyroodhouse is another must see in Edinburgh. Holyroadhouse is located at the end of the royal mile, and it is the official residence of King Charles III (or current British monarch) when they are in Edinburgh. You may have noticed during the funeral proceedings of Queen Elizabeth II that her casket was on display here for a few days as she made the route from Balmoral Castle back to her final resting place at Windsor Castle outside London. There is a great deal of Scottish royal history here at Holyroadhouse. Here you can see the State Apartments, Throne Room, the Palace Gardens, Holyrood Abbey, the Great Gallery, Mary Queen of Scots Chambers and more!
3. The Scott Monument is quite an impressive structure, which stands in Princes Street Garden. It is said to be one of the most iconic Edinburgh landmarks. It is dedicated to Scottish historian, novelist, poet and playwright Sir Walter Scott, and is the largest monument in the word dedicated to a writer.
4. If you are a fan of Dan Brown’s novel The Da Vinci Code you will be familiar with this next must see, Rosslyn Chapel. Legend has it that the Knights Templar hid their treasure in a long sealed off vault deep below the chapel. Scenes from the movie featuring Tom Hanks were filmed here in Rosslyn Chapel, which has increased its tourist popularity. It was initially established in 1446 as a family chapel, but fell into disrepair after the Reformation when it was attacked by Cromwells troops and used a horse stable. It went through a period of restoration during Queen Victoria’s reign and began weekly services again in 1862. It’s truly a stunning building, with many fantastic architectural features.
5. I unfortunately haven’t made it to this next site, but Arthur’s Seat is also on the list of must sees in the surrounding Edinburgh area of Holyrood Park. It’s an ancient volcanic hill which gives a magnificent 360-degree view of Edinburgh and the Lothians. There are hiking trails, but the hike up the hill can be quite challenging. The views are said to be quite worth it.
6. For any Harry Potter fan, The Elephant House is a must! Not only do they have a yummy menu, but author J.K. Rowling spent a good deal of time in one of the back rooms here writing the earlier Harry Potter novels. It has also been a frequented spot by many other authors, such as Ian Rankin and Alexander McCall-Smith.
Some honorable mentions of things to see in Edinburgh are:
- National Museum of Scotland
- The Royal Botanical Gardens
- The Scottish National Gallery
- St. Giles Cathedeal
- Sampling traditional Scotch whisky!
I hope you too will soon be enjoying the many delights of Edinburgh, Scotland! Comment and let the gnome know if we’ve missed anything!
Buen viajes, gnomies!
I LOVE Edinburgh! I visited in 2018 and it is still one of the highlights of my life. The history and culture is just amazing. I can’t wait to go back!
I live in Australia and have never been to Edinburgh. It looks amazing with those lovely old buildings and green fields.
Great post! Thanks for sharing!
Amazing hilly view, Edinburgh is awesome. I would love to visit..
This post is phenomenally organized. Your suggestions are helpful. Thank you!
Scotland is high on our DO List and this is great information for our planning, can’t wait and the train is a great option…we love train travel