A Castle on a Hill | Edinburgh Castle

On a brisk and sunny morning, after a much needed coffee, I marched up the Royal Mile to the most famous landmark in all of Edinburgh. Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline anywhere you are in the Scottish capital. Beautiful yet menacing, there has been a human settlement on Castle Rock since the Iron Age. Still a functional fortress today, Edinburgh Castle is home to the Royal Regiment of Scotland and the Scottish Crown Jewels. The building has withstood cannon fire, English invasions, and civil war. High above the surrounding area, the castle has had a strong military advantage throughout its long history.

We found ourselves pleasantly surprised at the lack of people on our visit to the castle. I had visited Edinburgh Castle before, but a trip in June is very different than a trip in January. Although cold (very very cold), January offers fewer crowds and a more personal experience with every staff member. The castle is absolutely massive, and offers unique history exhibits ranging from Mary Queen of Scots to modern military. Like the Tower of London, it's hard to see everything in one visit. There's just too much! So bring a warm pair of gloves and your camera, Edinburgh Castle is a must on any visit to the Scottish capital!


-TRAVEL TIPS -

+ Arrive right when the castle opens. There are no lines and you'll have freedom to wonder around without worrying about the crowds!

+ Allot at least 3 hours for the castle. I know that sounds a little excessive but there is so much to see!

+ Utilize the castle's free tours! Quick and easy to join, the tours give you an overall history of the site while simultaneously explaining the confusing layout. 

+Opening Hours:

Summer 9:30am - 6:00pm

Winter 9:30am - 5pm

+Admission: 16.50 pounds

Happy Thursday!
xoxo

The Birthplace of Harry Potter | Edinburgh, Scotland

With only a weekend to spare in Edinburgh, I had a list of places I had to see. Edinburgh Castle, the Scottish National Gallery, and the Elephant House Cafe. The birthplace of Harry Potter was just calling my name.

The Elephant House is situated in central Edinburgh. Opened in 1995, the cafe overlooks the stunning castle and serves a mean Full English. But other than being one of the best tea houses in Edinburgh, the Elephant House is famous for another reason. It happens to be where JK Rowling sat down and wrote most of the first Harry Potter books. It's pretty easy to see why she found inspiration in this tiny central cafe. With a fantastic view, great atmosphere, and amazing coffee, the Elephant House is the perfect spot to get work done. However, being a major stop on any Harry Potter pilgrimage means it can get pretty busy! Make sure to check out my travel tips before visiting. 

- TRAVEL TIPS - 
+Arrive right when it opens. You'll have the entire cafe to yourself and won't have to wait for seating.
+Make sure to visit the toilets. I know that's a strange tip but if you're a Harry Potter fan you'll love it. Also, bring a pen.
+Price range for food 5 - 15 pounds.
+ Opening Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 8am - 10pm
Friday: 8am - 11pm
Saturday: 9am - 11pm
Sunday: 9am - 10pm

Happy Monday!

xoxo

A Weekend Getaway | Edinburgh, Scotland

Back in January, I took a trip to Edinburgh for a few days before my big move. It was the perfect way to let go of all my stresses and anxieties about moving back to the states and just have fun. 

I had first been to Edinburgh back in 2011. The short 45 minute plane ride was a breeze, and before I knew it I was in freezing cold Scotland. Needless to say I was starting to question why I had picked Scotland for a mini break in the middle of January. 

My weekend consisted of lots of castles, lots of whiskey, and lots of art. It was perfect. I had forgotten how much I actually love Scotland. Because it was the middle of winter I didn't have to fight through crowds. I did however, have to watch our step. Scotland can get a bit icy in the middle of January! Here are a few pictures from the trip, more posts coming soon!


Happy Travel Tuesday!
xoxo

St. Andrew's, Scotland | Travel Guide

St Andrew's is a quiet town tucked away on the coast of Scotland. It's a beautiful escape full of some of Scotland's most fascinating history! Founded in the 11th century, St. Andrew's was predominately town of worship and pilgrimage as it was believed the bones of St. Andrew were buried somewhere nearby. After the Scottish Reformation, the town fell into ruins. It was only until the 19th century that St. Andrew's began to grow again. Today, St. Andrew's is most famous for being the "home of golf", as well as the meeting place of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

I visited St. Andrew's on a chilly day in June 2011. I only had a few hours in this wonderful town, so I decided to make the most of it. All sites and restaurants listed below are places I personally visited. I do not recommend places or services until I have experienced them for myself.

SITES

ST. ANDREW'S CATHEDRAL
Website | Location
Admission - £4.50
Original constructed in the 12th century, St. Andrew's Cathedral is located on the edge of the small town. The cathedral lies mainly in ruins, however, you can climb the 10th century tower which offers a spectacular view of the entire city. Individual tickets for the cathedral are £4.50, but can also be purchased with admission to St. Andrew's Castle for £7.20. 

ST. ANDREW'S CASTLE
Website | Location
Admission- £5.50
Located near St. Andrew's Cathedral, St. Andrew's Castle is a 10th century structure which lies in ruins. The castle itself is situated directly next to the coast, allowing a spectacular view of the sea. The castle mines are also a fun place to explore, if you're willing to explore dark small spaces! Individual tickets are £5.50, unless purchased with St. Andrew's Cathedral for a total of £7.20.

OLD COURSE AT ST. ANDREW'S
Website | Location

The Old Course at St. Andrew's is one of the world's first golf courses. Beautifully located along the coast, the course is home to the British Open. The course is perfect for a photo opportunity, but do not walk on the actual course as people are always golfing!

FOOD

NORTH POINT CAFE
Location
Located conveniently near the major sites of St. Andrew's, North Point Cafe is a perfect spot for breakfast/brunch. It was also a usual coffee spot for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during their university days. The cafe is small, but the prices are reasonable.
Suggested Dish: Full English breakfast

Throwback | Scotland

I'm attempting to organize my life.

And when I say life, I mean the 'Travel' page of my blog. 

Most of the countries I have visited were pre-Bristol in my Pocket. I thought long and hard about how I should include some of those travels, and it dawned on me: Throwbacks.
So grab a cup of tea and enjoy the lovely pictures of me in my awkward years.
____________________________________

July 2011: Age 20. 

While studying abroad in London, I had the opportunity to go with some classmates on a weekend trip to Scotland. To this day, Scotland is one of my favorite travel experiences. 

Although it was raining most of the trip, we were able to travel across the entire country. Our guide was a local, doing our tour as a favor he owed to a friend. He was extremely knowledgable, and had that Scottish flare that really just added to the experience.  It was an exhausting weekend, but completely worth it. 

Edinburgh

St. Andrews

Cairngorms National Park

Inverness 

Culloden

 Glen Coe

xoxo