Edinburgh is a beautiful city but, fortunately, it’s not very big and almost all major attractions are easily reached on foot. One of the reasons that led us to go on holiday in August was due to the Fringe Festival, which takes place in August in the City. During this month, Edinburgh is invaded by actors, musicians, dancers, and artists from around the world, who give the city joy and energy hard to find elsewhere in the world. Of course, we wanted to combine our trip to Scotland with this Festival but, one of the big problems is that there is a huge price hike in that month, especially in accommodation.
As it was our first trip with a one-year-old baby, we did not want to risk staying somewhere without proper comfort conditions, but we started to be scared of the prices in the city, they were the most expensive we had ever found in life and, we weren't referring to luxury hotels, simple B & B's in town were at totally forbidden prices. We came up with an unorthodox solution, but that worked perfectly. On the 3 nights we stayed in Edinburgh we stayed at the luxurious DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh Airport Hotel.
This was an unconventional solution but, perfect for the occasion. The hotel is just outside the airport, within easy walking distance. Arriving from the plane, naturally loaded with heavier suitcases than if only adults traveled, we could unload everything, organize ourselves and, just outside the airport, take the comfortable bus that took us to the center of the city.
The Airlink Bus runs every day of the week, 24 hours a day, with a huge frequency and in a 30-minute drive to the city center. It was undoubtedly the best solution for us as well as being wonderful traveling on Scottish buses, the price was very affordable, for £7.50 round trip, or £4.50 just one trip, and free for the child. The price of the hotel was much lower than staying in the city center. Even adding up the costs of daily transportation, it was a significant saving and one of the best stays we have ever had, the breakfast was worthy of kings.
And, it also had the advantage of, when heading to the Highlands, was close to rent the car near the airport and leave directly to our destination.
We then divided our stay in Edinburgh on 3 days (2 and a half days), and of course, we would spend more than once in the same places. However, we tried to make the most of our day:
Fringe Festival- Our airplane arrived after lunch and, afterward we had settled into the hotel, we went straight to the center of Edinburgh and spent the rest of the day enjoying the Fringe Festival on the Royal Mile. It is incredible how many artists from around the world you can enjoy along the street, there are musicians, street performers, living statues, comedians, etc...
It was a fabulous afternoon, in which everything was free. In parallel, there is a huge variety of shows by the whole city, these already paid, and you can enjoy the walk along the street to gather information about the shows that we can see later and the different locations. These shows will already be paid, but, nevertheless, usually for affordable prices, taking into account their quality.
It was a day full of life, diversity, and joy and, our son loved the whole experience.
Second day in Edinburgh - Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is the name given to a set of streets which, combined, become the main thoroughfare of the historic center of Edinburgh, Scotland. It is probably the best-known street in all of Scotland and, although we were there the first day to attend the Fringe Festival, we returned the next morning, now for different purposes.
Second-Day Itinerary
1- Edinburgh Castle
2- The Scotch Whiskey Experience
3- Camera Obscura
4- Cathedral of St Giles
5- National Museum of Scotland
6- Greyfriars Bobby
7- Museum of Childhood
8- John Knox House
9- Fried Mars
10- Princes Street Gardens
1- Edinburgh Castle
2- The Scotch Whiskey Experience
3- Camera Obscura
4- Cathedral of St Giles
5- National Museum of Scotland
6- Greyfriars Bobby
7- Museum of Childhood
8- John Knox House
9- Fried Mars
10- Princes Street Gardens
1- Edinburgh Castle: We started the day with a visit to Edinburgh Castle, one of the city's main attractions, which lies at one end of the Royal Mile. The Castle is huge, and for anyone who remembers Mel Gibson's 1995 Braveheart movie, he'll be thrilled to see the statues of Robert the Bruce and William Wallace at the entrance. We were very thrilled, ended.
We stayed over 2 hours to visit the Castle but, I think a lot more remained to be seen. On your tour around the Castle, is possible to see the crown jewels, the stone of destiny and the royal hall.
The price ticket is £ 17 for adults, from 5-15 years old is £ 10.20 and free for younger children’s. You can check here.
2- The Scotch Whiskey Experience: The visit is over and down the street, The Scotch Whiskey Experience. We did not go in, just stood outside but, it might be an interesting experience. You can see the times and prices on the site.
3- Camera Obscura: We have not visited either, but soon after, we find Camera Obscura, which seems to be an extraordinary experience but, unfortunately, not yet adequate for our 1-year-old son, so he will have to stay for a second visit. You can see the times and prices on the site.
4- Cathedral of St Giles: Walking further along the Royal Mile, we reach St Giles Cathedral. This Cathedral was founded in 1120 and, it is beautiful. Reserve special attention to the organ and stained glass. Admission is free but, there’s the suggestion of a donation of £3 for space maintenance, as well as £2 for taking pictures.
5- National Museum of Scotland: We continue our visit going to the National Museum of Scotland. It's not a big museum but, definitely worth a visit and, it's free. Our son was especially in love with the skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex.
6- Greyfriars Bobby: On the way to the museum, we passed by the statue Greyfriars Bobby, as well as the fountain, the tomb and the pub in honor of the dog and its owner. Bobby was a Skye Terrier, who was famous for staying at the grave of his owner, John Gray, who died in 1858, for 14 years, until his death. In honor of this dog that represents what it is to be faithful, the city erected this statue and a fountain, which can be visited daily, free of charge.
7- Museum of Childhood: Museum of Childhood is not a very big museum and, I do not know who loves it more, whether children or adults. It's great to see old toys and the differences for today. A must see that takes one hour to see.
Admission is free but, we had the information that the museum was closed due to remodeling, so before traveling confirm here.
8- John Knox House: We then went to see the exterior of John Knox House, a historic home in Edinburgh, situated on the Royal Mile.
9- Fried Mars: You have to try it!!!! Well, with the day over, we bought a delicious Fish and Ships in ClamShell See here, as well as we tried Scotland's most famous dessert, the Deep Fried Mars Bar. We cannot say that it is the best culinary experience of our life but, you have to try it.
10- Princes Street Gardens: After eating the delicious Fish and Ships and the unconventional dessert, we ended the day with a stroll through Princes Street Gardens, a beautiful public park, which is situated in the center of the city, under the shade of Edinburgh Castle. Free entrance.
Third Day Itinerary
1- Royal Botanic Gardens
2- Princess Street
3- Scott Monument
4- Parliament Square
5- Royal Museum
6- Holyrood Park
7- Palace of Holyroodhouse
1- Royal Botanic Gardens: We started our day by touring the Royal Botanic Gardens. The walk through the Gardens is free but, if you want to visit the Glasshouse, it will cost £6.50 for the adult. Children under 15 don’t pay. We strolled only through the gardens, as the budget was not enough for everything but, it was worth it. More information here.
2- Princess Street- Then we went to the famous Princess Street, the city's main shopping street. As there are no tall buildings to cover the view, you have a great view of the Old Town and the Castle. It is also possible to go to Calton Hill but, we limited ourselves to see it from Princes Street, is possible to observe the National Monument of Scotland, the Monument of Dugald Stewart and the Monument of Nelson.
3- Scott Monument: It is possible to climb to this monument, which is over 60m high and 287 steps to the top, from where you can have a privileged view over the city but, we did not go up, we stood to enjoy outside. The cost of the ticket is £ 4.00. See Here for more information.
4- Parliament Square: We walked to Parliament Square, also a nice area to walk around and relax a bit.
5- Royal Museum: When you arrive at Chamber's Street, you can visit the Museum of Scotland, whose entrance is free, but you can leave your donation for the maintenance of the service. More information’s here.
6- Holyrood Park: Here one must prepare for a beautiful ascent. This is Edinburgh most famous park, especially its belvedere, known as Arthur's Seat. Get ready for an uphill climb, where the baby stroll will be of great help. Is easy to carry, don’t worry.
7- Palace of Holyroodhouse: The day ended next to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This was the residence of Mary Queen during a phase of her life and where she married Lord Darnley. It is in this Palace that the Queen stays when on her visits to Edinburgh. It is possible to visit inside for the price of £ 12.00. Get more information here
After that, we were ready to go back to the hotel and, on the next day, we were going to the Highlands. Find out more about those days on our next posts. Just don't forget to always check the prices and schedules on the official sites.
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