Hello! I'm writing this between summer adventures, because this is our summer of doing. We are making a real effort to embrace this one life. I'm sorry that it took a health crisis for us to start, but I'm glad we are able to do it.
We just returned from a family vacation in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is so beautiful there and, as a bonus, the temperature was about 25 degrees cooler than it is at home. We had to make some adjustments for my husband's health limitations, but that mainly meant taking a cab or an Uber instead of walking everywhere. One of my friends asked me why we chose Scotland, when "the obvious choice is usually Ireland," and that really caught me off guard. I'm sure Ireland is wonderful, but I would never consider Scotland second to Ireland or any other country. I didn't realize that might even be a thing. So let me tell you this: Scotland is a beautiful country with extremely friendly people, miles of hiking trails with a hiker-friendly Free to Roam law, beautiful cities and villages, and a rich history. If you ever get the chance to visit, do it without hesitation.
If you decide to visit Edinburgh, here are some of my suggestions of places to go and things to do:
Edinburgh Castle - Having served as a royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress, Edinburgh Castle is alive with history and many exciting tales. It is also the home of the Scottish crown jewels, which are the oldest Crown jewels in Britain.
Greyfriars Kirkyard - Greyfriars Kirk was founded in 1620, and was the first church to be built in post-Reformation Scotland. Arguably more important to tourists, however, is their kirkyard (graveyard). Located there is a memorial to Greyfriars Bobby, the Skye Terrier who continues to capture hearts all over the world with his story of loyalty. For Harry Potter fans, the kirkyard is the site of the grave of Tom Riddle, which J.K. Rowling has said was the inspiration for her Harry Potter books. You can also book a Harry Potter-themed tour of the Kirkyard.
Palace of Holyroodhouse - Holyroodhouse has been home to royalty for centuries, and it's the King's official home while in Edinburgh. While Edinburgh Castle feels like a fortress, Holyroodhouse, in my opinion, is more like a home (albeit a VERY large home). Included with the price of admission is a headphone tour of the palace, the Abbey ruins, and the gardens. There is a gift shop and a cafe on the property, making it convenient to rest and eat lunch before heading off on the day's next adventure.
Dean Village - Located a 15-minute walk from Princes Street, Dean Village is an historic village (founded in the 12th century) located on the Water of Leith. It is a peaceful oasis just outside the busy city. Please note that it is a residential area, so visitors are asked to be respectful of property and refrain from shouting.
Hop on a train or bus tour - While Edinburgh has many sights and places to visit, I highly recommend taking advantage of the tour packages to the Scottish highlands. Options include day trips and multi-day excursions, so there is likely something that will fit your schedule. We used Viator to book a day trip to highlands and Loch Ness, plus a separate hop-on/hop-off bus tour of Edinburgh. We scheduled the Edinburgh bus tour for the day after our arrival, and it was a great way to get a feel for the city. Also, since the ticket was good for 24 hours, we were able to use the bus as transportation around the city during that time.
Obviously, there is so much more to see and do in Scotland, so your schedule will depend on your personal preferences and energy level. Some people like to plan a jam-packed itinerary in order to get the most out of a trip to a foreign country, which makes total sense. My personal preference is to plan a few key activities and/or locations to visit, but also leave a couple of days to wander aimlessly and see what treasures the town will show me in its bookstores, bakeries, shops, and parks. Also, keep in mind that tickets sell out quickly during the peak season, so I recommend purchasing ahead of time online. If you wait until you get there, they will likely be sold out.
Now that we're (barely) back from Scotland, our next trip is out West. and I'll write about that next time. Until then, try to make the most of the time you have with people you love.
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