After a 5 hours train ride we arrived in Edinburgh. We checked into our B&B, had a cuppa and set off to explore the city. First stop was lunch at the Lonely Planet recommended Maison Bleue. The food was great and although servings were small there were 3-4 courses which filled us up nicely.
Then we set off for Edinburgh castle where we took the guided tour. The castle is quite large, set up on a hill overlooking Edinburgh, and we heard way too many facts to take it all in! Starting in the Lower Ward, through the Portcullis Gate, to the Middle Ward with the one o'clock gun (fired each day at one o'clock). Then to the upper Ward with Mons Meg (giant medieval siege gun), St Margaret's Church, a dog cemetery, someone getting married!, the Half-Moon battery (lots of cannons) and fantastic views of the city. Beneath the half-moon battery is the remains of David's Tower which collapsed during the Lang seige.
Then we set off for Edinburgh castle where we took the guided tour. The castle is quite large, set up on a hill overlooking Edinburgh, and we heard way too many facts to take it all in! Starting in the Lower Ward, through the Portcullis Gate, to the Middle Ward with the one o'clock gun (fired each day at one o'clock). Then to the upper Ward with Mons Meg (giant medieval siege gun), St Margaret's Church, a dog cemetery, someone getting married!, the Half-Moon battery (lots of cannons) and fantastic views of the city. Beneath the half-moon battery is the remains of David's Tower which collapsed during the Lang seige.
Mons Meg - old cannon (L) and views of Edinburgh
the 1 o'clock gun (L), views of Edinburgh and Arthur's Seat
Around Crown square is the Royal Palace (which houses the Honours of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny), the Great Hall (with its amazing timber roof) the Scottish National War Memorial and the Queen Anne Building (with large vaults that served as a prison).
Great hall (L), view of Calton hill (C) and view of Edinburgh Castle (R).
From the castle we walked down the Royal Mile, past all the whiskey shops, more tourist attractions (like Real Mary King's Close). We had dinner at Howie's (thanks to Lonely Planet again) which was in a former chapel. Grace tried a traditional Scottish dish, liver. Andrew can't really remember what he had, but thinks it was good :-)
After dinner, to use up any remaining energy, we walked up Calton hill which had great views over Holyrood Park, the Firth of Forth, Edinburgh and the Castle. The hill is scattered with monuments including the National monument (below).
After a long, tiring day we had a good night's sleep in our very comfy bed.
On Sunday we visited the Scottish Parliament building, which was completed in 2004 for the new Scottish Parliament after the Scottish people voted in 1997 to have their own parliament. It was very controversial because of the cost of the building (over £400m) was way more than the initial £40m idea that was proposed, but it is very impressive.
It incorporates some old buildings as well as modern architecture using mostly local stone, timber and (as our guide made us feel) very smooth concrete. Notable features are the "up-turned boat" roofs, the anvil/hairdryer/gun shaped panels, the lightness of the space - lots of glass to promote the use of daylighting
It incorporates some old buildings as well as modern architecture using mostly local stone, timber and (as our guide made us feel) very smooth concrete. Notable features are the "up-turned boat" roofs, the anvil/hairdryer/gun shaped panels, the lightness of the space - lots of glass to promote the use of daylighting
Just over the road, and beneath the imposing hills is Holyrood House, the Queen's residence when she's in Scotland. Her majesty wasn't in residence at the time so we were able to see quite a lot of the palace. We saw several rooms including the room where Mary Queen of Scots used to sleep and where her secretary Rizzio was murdered. Outside are the remains of Holyrood Abbey and we had a walk around the gardens. The audio guide was really good, as looking around this kind of place can be rather boring.
Entrance (L) and inside the grounds.
Entrance (L) and inside the grounds.
We wanted to climb up Arthur's seat and the Salisbury Crags but we ran out of time - something for next time!
Edinburgh is a beautiful city like everyone says. Gorgeous old buildings and wide roads.
After picking up our bags we were back on the train for the long journey home. Whatever possessed us to do this in just a weekend, I can't remember! but it was a great weekend away.
Edinburgh is a beautiful city like everyone says. Gorgeous old buildings and wide roads.
After picking up our bags we were back on the train for the long journey home. Whatever possessed us to do this in just a weekend, I can't remember! but it was a great weekend away.
