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Published: October 29th 2023
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Finally arrived in Edinburgh, a couple of weeks later than planned, just ahead of Storm Babet. Expecting the worst, we donned our macs and headed into the city. What a great city to explore, transport was plentiful, and I loved walking the Royal mile in old town. Its no wonder JK Rowling drew inspiration for Hogwarts here, with the turreted, dark stone architecture.
It was a race to the castle as we were informed it would be closed tomorrow (due to the storm), we arrived just in time for the 1pm gun salute. The crowds gathered to see a man in uniform light an old WW2 Field gun, which was a little disappointing as I was expecting a cannon! We queued to see the Honours of Scotland (crown jewels) which were impressive, but most atmospheric was the prisoner of war exhibition. Hundreds of prisoners of war mainly from France in 1700s, and America, during the war of Independence, were held in cramped horrid conditions often for many years. The castle is also has excellent views from its hilltop position, even on a rainy day.
To get ourselves orientated with the city we took a couple of bus tours with
live guides, they were quite fun, but I didn’t believe all I was told! Another route took us to Leith Harbour area to see the ship Britannia. Strangely accessed via the second floor of a shopping centre, the Britannia is moored in the harbour alongside. An audio tour was helpful in describing what life would have been like aboard, and taking you through the all the decks. The Queen would have had 300 staff aboard! and each role would require different sleeping, eating and resting space. The royal accommodation was not as ornate as I’d expected, it was quite homely. A lovely tearoom has been designed on the deck, where we watched the sea bashing the harbour.
We’d been hoping to get some Scottish history before embarking on our trip around Scotland, at the Palace of Holyrood House we were not disappointed. A fab audio interactive tour really brought the stories of Mary Queen of Scots alive. Its still a royal palace, but not used very frequently now. Right next door is the very modern Holyrood Scottish Parliament building, its very easily accessible we were able to walk straight in (thorough a bag check area), and into the debating
chamber. Although not in session at the time its really impressive- from the inside!
Having delayed our journey north because of the flooding caused by the storm, we decided to look in the Museum of Scotland. Wow what a crazy place, I’m not sure what the curator was thinking, in regard to the Scottish history section I was completely confused and frustrated. The building didn’t help as the exhibition was on so many levels. However, the view from the roof was great, and the scones in the café even better!
Time for a quick dive into a rather snazzy Everyman cinema (well what else do you do on a rainy night?) You could order food & alcoholic drinks to take in with you, and they had double seats to snuggle up on. All good when the film is 3 hours long! (Killers of the Flower Moon… highly recommended). Just time to catch the night bus back to the camp site. Thanks Edinburgh, that was great few days!
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