Edinburgh

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Weekend in Edinburgh

An October 2005 trip to Edinburgh by Milja

A glorious weekend in Edinburgh—now a favorite city! This review includes the train trip, a bed-and-breakfast, sights, and more.

  • 6 reviews

Blossom HouseBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

The Blossom House was exactly what we were looking for—inexpensive! This was a weekend getaway where we didn't plan to be inside other than to sleep, so we didn't care about space or services. We ended up at the Blossom House because they were very responsive to online booking and were very affordable (50 pounds a night). The location was also excellent. We walked from the train station, but in hindsight it would have been easier to take the bus. It was one street that changed its name 4 times... rather confusing, but extremely convenient.

The rooms were very small, with a double bed and a twin bed. We managed to fit four people in the room; two adults, our 3-year-old, and our 10-month-old. With the two beds, we managed to squeeze in a playpen too. There was a very small bathroom in the room as well.

One nice benefit was the breakfast—a great spread was available every morning and was included in the 50 pound rate. It was great to get off to a good start each day.

I recommend buying a daily bus pass to get around, it's very inexpensive!
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Milja on March 6, 2006

Blossom House
8 Minto St. Edinburgh, Scotland
+44 (131) 667 5353

Edinburgh CastleBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Wow, such an impressive landmark. Edinburgh Castle is well worth the price of admission. The history in this castle is fantastic—it could take the better part of an entire day to see everything the castle has to offer. Wear comfortable shoes! The castle offers incredible panoramic views of the city—which seems like a different city each way you look. New Town and Old Town are so unique and different. The kids loved the One O'clock Gun. This is fired every day except Sunday at precisely 1:00pm, to provide everyone with an accurate check for their clocks and watches. I would absolutely go back—especially during the tattoo.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Milja on March 6, 2006

Edinburgh Castle
Castlehill Edinburgh, Scotland EH1 2NG
+44 (131) 225 9846

Stirling CastleBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This was our favourite castle of the entire trip. We took a full day bus tour around Scotland, and spent about 90 minutes at this beautiful castle. This is definitely a sight to see—the view goes for 7 miles on a clear day, and the green grass seems never ending. We took some of our best photos from this location. And the view of William Wallace monument (Braveheart) is great.

I have no idea what the admission price is, as it was included in our bus tour.

We were here in October and the weather was perfect—and still very green.

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Milja on March 6, 2006

Stirling Castle
Stirling Old Town Edinburgh, Scotland
+ 44 1786 450000

Holyroodhouse PalaceBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Holyrood Palace"

We walked by the outside of this Royal residence, but didn't feel that it was worth the 9-pound admission fee. After visiting so many historic places, this one wasn't at the top of our list. I bought a nice postcard in the shop, instead.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by Milja on March 6, 2006

Holyroodhouse Palace
The Royal Mile. Edinburgh, Scotland EH8 8DX
+44 (131) 556 5100

Linlithgow PalaceBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This was an incredible palace that is now particularly in ruins. It is the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots. This was a stop on our bus tour, but unfortunately we did not have the time to go through the palace. The view from the entrance alone was enough to make you want to walk through the entire palace. This is one place that I would definitely like to go back to.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Milja on March 6, 2006

Linlithgow Palace
In Linlithgow off the M9 Edinburgh, Scotland
01506 842896

Royal MileBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

The Royal Mile is more than I expected. While there are many "tourist shops," they have been able to maintain focus on Scottish History. We were able to buy family clan books, tartans, shortbread, scarves, and so much more. Traditional Scottish food was also prevalent in the restaurants—we ate "bangers and mash" more than a few times! One favourite stop was a beautiful Church, St. Giles Cathedral. We also enjoyed the Museum of Childhood. We were somewhat limited by having two kids in a double stroller; though most stores were accommodating, the doorways could be narrow.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Milja on March 6, 2006

Royal Mile
Edinburgh Edinburgh, Scotland

About the Writer

Milja
Milja
Waterloo, Ontario

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