Visiting Scotland in the summer you need to be prepared for tackling all the seasons in one day. It can be mild and sunny one minute with a downpour the next. So, pack something warm and a waterproof jacket for the unpredictable weather. Edinburgh Fringe Festival is one of the biggest arts festivals going on in the UK.
Old Town
Edinburgh is divided up to Old Town and New Town, split down the middle by the castle. If you can try to explore Edinburgh on foot, you are rewarded with cobblestone streets and Gothic looking buildings that inspired Harry Potter novels. You can take a tour and visit the places J.K. Rowling frequented whilst writing the novels. For instance, the Black Medicine Coffee on Nicolson St, or Greyfriar’s Kirkyard.
Staying minutes away from Princes Street, start the day at the gardens Scott Monument is one of the largest monuments made for a writer. You can climb the monument to all levels with an admission price. Head West towards the main station exit to see the floral clock landmark.
Edinburgh Castle
The plan for the day was to visit Holywood Palace and Edinburgh Castle. Knowing I’ll be spending a few good hours at both spots. The Royal Edinburgh tour tickets covered the bus rides and attraction admissions. Allowing fast-track admission skipping the queues to purchase tickets and entering each place. My favourite part at this attraction is the Palace gardens, with Arthur’s Seat in the backdrop and sun shining down to the gardens. Take the time to casually walk around the gardens as it’s not open to the public only for Palace visitors. Holyrood Abbey is a stunning roofless medieval abbey.
Holyrood Abbey
Heading back to Edinburgh Castle, the area is crowded with people. There are tons of souvenir shops for tartan, cashmere scarfs, fudge and whisky. The Scotch Whiskey Experience is near the castle and holds the world’s largest whisky collection. Edinburgh castle would take hours to explore, the prison stood out and wait for the One O’clock gun firing.
