Book your seats with a table on a morning East Coast Train out of Kings Cross station. The ride takes just over 4 hours and it is beautiful - sheep filled pastures, towering steeples in small farming villages and as you approach Edinburgh, the rocky Firth of Forth coastline. We packed sandwiches and a good book (Sandi was reading Mary, Queen of Scots - perfect for this trip!) and the "snack cart" comes by with hot tea or a beverage of choice. The Scotsman is a chic boutique hotel located right across the street from the train station and one block from the Royal Mile........
where you can explore the Scotch Whiskey Center with a fabulous restaurant, Amber. We enjoyed a late lunch starting with hot Whiskey Toddies but I would suggest that you reserve a table for dinner on line before you make your trip...you won't be disappointed in the meal!
The Royal Mile forms the main thoroughfare of medieval Edinburgh, linking the Castle at the top of the hill to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen's official Scottish residence. We were so intrigued by the tower associated with the unhappy reign of Mary Queen of Scots, we could just imagine how the whole murder of her Italian secretary took place.......you have to read the book!
where you can explore the Scotch Whiskey Center with a fabulous restaurant, Amber. We enjoyed a late lunch starting with hot Whiskey Toddies but I would suggest that you reserve a table for dinner on line before you make your trip...you won't be disappointed in the meal!
The Royal Mile forms the main thoroughfare of medieval Edinburgh, linking the Castle at the top of the hill to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen's official Scottish residence. We were so intrigued by the tower associated with the unhappy reign of Mary Queen of Scots, we could just imagine how the whole murder of her Italian secretary took place.......you have to read the book!
The streets are full of shops selling kilts, wool scarves and cashmere, shortbread, even Haggis if you dare! During Christmas, a German market fills the valley with the smells of roasted nuts and Gluhwein (hot mulled wine). The Dome, an old bank turned into a restaurant, was elaborately decorated for the season and is a "must stop" for cocktails and people watching!
The only detail I have not mentioned is the weather-It is really cold, I mean bone chilling cold! The wind whips off the Castle and even when Rick and I visited last Easter it was cold. But you just have to bundle up and pace yourself with stops for sightseeing, shopping, and a few hot Scotch Toddies or Mulled Wine.
How do they stay warm in those kilts?
1 comment:
What fun! I especially like the nighttime photos.
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