Monday, August 6, 2012

Ghosts, Whisky and Tartan an Irresistible Combination?

We’ve heard a lot about ‘staycations’ this year, and to be honest we weren’t convinced about trading in the Seychelles for Skegness but needs must, so with Hawaii cancelled this year we went scouting for places in Britain that are really worth it for your precious holidays. Well I hope you appreciate our hard work because several very, very soggy weeks later we’re actually holding a bit of a grudge…

But all was not lost we discovered one city that really withstood the weather for things to do, places to eat and stunning architecture; but it was a wee bit hilly. I’m talking of course about Edinburgh, so we’ve broken it down into top 6 things to do in our new favourite city.


1) Deep fried mars bar?

No! Well yes you probably can but we won’t allow it.  Spend some of the money that Easyjet didn’t rob from you this year on one of the city’s amazing restaurants. As a starting point try 21212 – yes that’s what we thought about the name as well but it’s the envy of Michelin starred restaurants and with stunning dishes like their creamy gourmet mushroom risotto it can be forgiven.

2) Hell on earth you say? Two tickets please

Whatever you say about this city no one can deny it’s old, and we all know what old means: ghosts and ghouls and spooky things - excellent stuff.

Now we have to admit we’re sceptical but this tour did give us the heebie jeebies.  The tour of the under-city describes itself enticingly as the closest thing to hell on earth possible. Personally we thought hell would be rather warmer. The underground city is a series of vaults built under the city in 1788, originally designed as a kind of underground shopping mall for tradesmen and it was reputed to have been used by the serial killers Burke & Hare to dispose of bodies. Despite this brilliant start it was too inhospitable for olde times shopkeepers and they abandoned it and the poorest inhabitants moved in.

Now they are mainly used for tourist thrill and chills and even if you’re not of the ghost hunting ilk these are well worth a visit for historical interest alone.

3) Get classy

After a bit of ghost hunting you may need some culture so take a walk along the riverside and enjoy The Scottish Gallery of National Art, located along the water of Leith Walkway, which is dotted with sculptures by Henry Moore and Edinburgh's own Sir Eduardo Paolozzi. Fresh air and some beautiful art is a great way to spend a relaxed afternoon strolling.


4) Suits you sir

Discover your inner Braveheart and visit Edinburgh Old Town Weaving Co. to find out how it’s done. Have a look at the tartan guide and, of course, find your own clan history and get the kilt to go.

5) One for the road?

Finally get a real taste for Scotland and have a tipple. Find out the history of their liquid gold with The Scotch Whisky Experience.  No dry lectures here – the tour includes a barrel ride. Then ends, of course, with a shop full to the brim with delectable whisky

6) Stay in Style

Edinburgh can boast some of the finest city hotels in the whole of the UK, including the wonderful George Hotel in the very heart of the city. This grand old hotel won the prestigious "best hotel in Edinburgh" in the Scottish hotel awards last year, so why not treat yourself to some stunning style and luxury. Click here to visit the official George hotel website.


With these trips and treats Edinburgh’s the place to be for culinary and cultural delights. So despite the rain we thoroughly recommend Edinburgh for this year’s staycation, as long as you can hack a hangover…

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