*Apologies for getting this up later than expected – I’ve been so poorly and just couldn’t bear to face my laptop – I hope you enjoy this post anyway!*
So as you may know, my two best friends and I popped up to ol’ Edinburgh a couple of weeks ago. I wanted to show you guys a few of the places we stumbled upon that we all really loved, so I’ll in a bit more detail below. It was around £60 per person that we paid for our flights (via RyanAir) and we took a tram directly from Edinburgh Airport through to Princes St with a open return ticket for £8.50 – not too bad in the grand scheme of things!
TIPS:
-Wear trainers, or any flat shoe, you’ll be walking lots!
-If you organise an AirBNB that doesn’t allow you to check in before a certain time, there is a luggage storage facility in Edinburgh Waverley train station where you can keep your bags for a few hours!
THE EDINBURGH CHRISTMAS MARKETS:
Where: Just off Princes St (a straight tram from the airport)
Running from the 18th November-7th January, you have plenty of time to book a little getaway to check it out! We stayed within the European Markets, sampled the gluwein and hot apple toddy, took advantage of the real hot chocolate (sometimes with a spot of Bailey’s), had crépes, doughnuts and all the bratwurst!
Prices aren’t too shabby for a Christmas Market, considering they’re notoriously overpriced, and as I mentioned in my Edinburgh outfit post, it’s super warm throughout due to all the lights/people! There are some fun little rides, including a maze made of LIT UP CHRISTMAS TREES, a double decked carousel and plenty of places to sit and have a rest.
We found that Friday night was a least busy time to have a leisurely gander through the markets, with Saturday and Sunday a lot more busy, as expected really!
DEACON’S HOUSE CAFE:
Where: 304 Lawnmarket, Old Town, EH1 2PS
We discovered this little gem right around the corner from the Air BNB that we stayed in, situated in a little alcove down The Royal Mile. We decided that we would need to try a scone with some clotted cream and jam whilst we were in the area, and I don’t think we could fault these in all honesty!
You’re presented with a teapot with a good three cups of tea’s worth, a giant WARM scone and a little pot of jam and cream. It literally fell apart in your mouth and it was just the perfect little brunch break.
This cafe is quite small, as you can imagine, but sitting outside with a tea and a scone was just what we needed as a warm up to the rest of the day!
LIQUORICE TREE GIFTS:
Where: Edinburgh Airport (EDI), Unit 68, First Floor Edinburgh Airport, Edinburgh EH12 9DN
Okay, so this little trinket shop was actually situated on a road just off the Royal Mile, and had everything you could possibly need for the ultimate Instagram shot. I have to say we did really enjoy taking a look around, and I very nearly bought one of these little mugs, but alas, I didn’t have any more space in the suitcase. *sad face*
They stocked Katie Luxton pieces, which I have to say were so beautiful in real life; I’m definitely going to have a little search on the internet to find one of her lovely keyrings. And THAT PRINT – we all loved it.
PROCAFFEINATION:
Where: 4 St Mary’s St, Edinburgh EH1 1SU
Located on the corner, just off of the Royal Mile, just super Instagram worthy coffee shop was definitely my absolute favourite little spot. It was quiet, had the tea that we so badly craved at the yummiest ham and cheese croissants a girl could want.
The staff we super friendly, and were super accommodating when it came to our huge order!
I would recommend the Rooibos loose leaved tea – divine. But perhaps that’s the South African in me talking. (;