Last week I found myself at Gatwick airport for the last time this summer boarding a plane with my best friend and two of my cousins to visit the Burgh for a few days. In my whole 21 years I've never crossed the boarder and visited Scotland; I've always assumed (and I hope any Scottish readers will forgive me!) that Scotland was a colder, rainier version of England. However, having visited everything in Edinburgh from the Castle to the underground dungeons, I can safely say that this beautfiul city is every bit different from London.
We gallivanted around Grassmarket and roamed down the Royal Mile, both of which are home to some of the CUTEST little shops (the stationary/card shops are fantastic - I'd strongly advise you buy everyone's birthday cards for the next 10 years in your single trip) and most beautiful old buildings. I actually felt as though I was wandering around Hogwarts Castle grounds. Speaking of which, we had brunch at The Elephant House café which was one of J. K. Rowling's favourite haunts when fleshing out the plot of her first novel.
I think if it didn't get quite so cold, then I'd love to live in Edinburgh (my friend and I have already picked out the most perfect five bedroom flat complete with 4 bathrooms, a balcony and a games room. No biggie); not only is this small city full of beatiful buildings and bursting with history, the locals are also some of the friendliest people I've ever encountered. Shop keepers and tour operators alike didn't even want to see PROOF that we were students - could you IMAGINE that happening in London! More likely that you'd be expected to pull out a student card, your national insurance number and birth certificate before you get 10% off in Topshop! Not only that but there is THE most amazing Primark on Princes Street. I would advise any travellers to pack minimally and just buy a whole new wardrobe there!
Unfortunately we only had 3 days (2 nights) to carefully plan our visit around, but if we'd had an extra day I would have loved to explore more of Scotland with a day trip to the Highlands and Loch Ness. But I'm sure I'll be taking another visit to Scotland sometime - I HEART SCOTLAND! x
Just a Thought is brought to you from the box bedroom of a 20-something literature graduate and fashion copywriter living in Surrey. Likes: murderously impractical shoes, unattainable designer handbags, and Twitter. Lots of Twitter.
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I always thought the same about Scotland ;-) Went on a 3 day trip to Edinburgh two years ago and loved it, as you say, it is similar but still very different to England.
ReplyDeleteEdinburgh really exceeded my expectations - I'd love to go back! x
DeleteWe are an awesome nation ;) I'm live near Glasgow, and I don't go through to Edinburgh all that often because I'm easier going i to Glasgow city centre but Edinburgh is lovely, especially when the Fringe is on. I still think Glasgow is better though ;) xo
ReplyDeleteI'd LOVE to go to Glasgow, ideally I would really have liked to travel around a bit but only had 3 days! That's the thing about being on a student budget! I will visit one day x
Deletei lvoe scotland too x
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ReplyDeleteNatalie, you know what I would have said to you had I known that you truly believed that Scotland was just a colder, rainier version England!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, shock and horror aside ;), I'm glad you had a great time in Edinburgh and got to see my beautiful city! x
p.s - If you go to the highlands/islands/generally anywhere up north in Scotland you will need WAY longer than a day trip!
Hahaha sorry Jane! That gives me an excuse for another holiday to Scotland then :) x
DeleteAwh fab pics! xo
ReplyDeleteThank you :) x
Deletebeautiful photographs, i've always wanted to go to edinburgh! and i know what you mean about topshop haha even though i don't live in london the same applies where i live and it's such a pain! xx
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Thank you :) you really should go, it's surprisingly quiet for a city but just the right amount of hustle and bustle. Lovely place x
DeleteI have never been to Scotland either, but it looks like a really beautiful place!! xx
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It seems like Edinburgh is super popular at the mo, it is super pretty - lovely photos!
ReplyDeleteTara
The Style Rawr!
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I REALLY want to go to Scotland, you found a beautiful place! I love the photos xo
ReplyDeletehaha you picked out an apartment and everything! i had no idea scotland was so beautiful either- it looks so charming. i love how you see old castles in the background, it's so gorgeous
ReplyDeleteOh yes, the estate agents windows were farrrr too tempting to just pass by! x
DeleteGorgeous photos - the place is magical. My friends are at university there and live in the cutest needs-to-be-photographed-and-blogged-about house ever.
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Aw jealous! The university buildings are really nice too x
DeleteGlad you liked it ;) and it's so true what you said about the student discount thing - they hardly ever check!
ReplyDeletewow! what a gorgeous place! Love to go there sometime! :)
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I love hearing other viewpoints on Scotland - I totally take it forgranted and get bored of it living there so it's always nice to see it through a new pair of eyes! I've not been through to Edinburgh for the new Primark but everyone's raving about it :L!
ReplyDeleteAw I love it up there! Having now moved back to London for uni, I've really noticed how unfriendly Londoners can be! And yes, you MUST go to the Primark! It's really good x
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