Destinations

Your Ultimate Guide to Broughton Street and beyond…

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Tucked away on a gentle slope near the east end of Princes Street is a lovely road, packed full with an eclectic mix of unique shops and restaurants. Edinburgh’s Broughton Street, somewhat off the beaten track, has long been associated with a bohemian, arty vibe and still has a relaxed, friendly and community feel.

It’s sandwiched between well-heeled New Town and the vibrant Broughton, while the top of the street also marks the start of multicultural Leith Walk. It’s also a stone’s throw from the Edinburgh Playhouse theatre, the Omni Cinema complex and the John Lewis department store. If travelling by tram, the York Place stop is a 1-minute walk away and the bus Station is only 5 minutes away.

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Everything you need to know when visiting Stirling Castle!

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Situated high above the town of Stirling on volcanic rock, sits one of Scotland’s largest and most important castles – Stirling Castle! A quick flick through the history books will reveal that Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, Robert the Bruce and William Wallace all have links to this formidable fortress. Stirling was developed as the centre of Scottish royalty by the Stewart/Stuart kings between 1490 and 1600 and it’s this renaissance architecture that stands today.

Nowadays, you don’t need to be a king to explore this famous monument – the castle is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and is open daily from 9:30am. There is parking, a lovely gift shop and an excellent tearoom which serves delicious cakes and snacks. We recommend purchasing tickets online if you are visiting in the summer months as it can get busy.

Stirling Castle Highlights

Queen Anne Gardens

Queen Anne's Rose garden in Stirling Castle

Once through the gates you will come face to face with a beautiful formal rose garden, known as the Queen Anne Gardens. Apparently, the royal garden has been here since the 1400s! The roses were all in bloom when we visited and we also loved sheltering under the beech tree which is over 200 years old. Don’t miss the stunning view from battlements.

The Great Hall

Great Hall Ceiling at Stirling Castle — The ceiling in the Great Hall is seriously impressive!

The Great Hall has been restored – the ceiling is breathtaking and is the largest banqueting hall of its type in Scotland. It’s not hard to imagine the great feasts that used to take place here, with all five massive fire places lit. At the end of the room is huge oak table together with two impressive thrones, take a seat for a perfect photo opportunity. Check out the amazing stained-glass windows in this area, they depict various family coats of arms.

The Great Kitchens

Walk up the hill a little further and located in the Outer Close, near the Great Hall are the Great Kitchens. A truly fascinating insight into what was on the menu and how food was prepared and cooked back in the day.

The Royal Palace

For many visitors, the highlight is the grand Royal Palace and it does not disappoint. It was built under the orders of King James V to celebrate the marriage to his new wife, Mary of Guise. You will be hit by the exterior first of all with its ornate stone carving. This is a very lavish building that was used to express the extent of royal wealth at the time. The royal chambers are decorated with rich fabrics and elaborate furniture, although most impressive are the unicorn tapestries and the painted Stirling Heads.

My favourite part of the Royal Palace are the guides, who dressed in authentic costumes and really bring the Palace to life. When we visited, there was a guide who, with wit and enthusiasm, gave us some history about the royal chambers. Our daughter also loved being told about the terrifying makeup trends of the time by two ladies who were great with kids.

Chapel Royal

If you were the King of Scotland in 1593 and you couldn’t find somewhere suitable to baptise your son, what would you do? Well James VI ordered a new chapel to be built, oh and it had to be completed in 7 months! Welcome to the Chapel Royal. The highlight of the first Protestant Kirk in Scotland is the very detailed fresco which was painted in 1628 ready for the visit of the new King Charles I.

The Stirling Heads Gallery

The Stirling Heads, sometimes referred to as Scotland’s ‘other crown jewels’, are a collection of carved heads that were displayed in the King’s inner hall until the ceiling collapsed in 1777. Following 6 years of restoration work, 37 replica heads were installed at Stirling Castle in 2011 on the ceiling of the upper floor of the Royal Palace. Visitors can now get a glimpse of what the inside of the palace would have looked like back in the 16^th century.

We spent the whole morning exploring the castle and finished off our trip, with a visit to the excellent tearoom for a wonderful lunch. Recommended.

Good to know

Here’s the nitty gritty on visiting the castle, a kind of FAQ:

Getting to Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle makes a great day trip from either Edinburgh or Glasgow and can easily be reached by car (see parking info below). Alternatively, you can catch a train or a bus to Stirling city centre followed by a 15 minute walk to reach the castle. It’s a fairly steep walk up to the castle so give yourself plenty of time!

Click on the map below for directions on walking from the bus or train station to Stirling Castle:

>> Check here if you’re looking for other day trips from Edinburgh! <<

Can you park at Stirling Castle?

There is a paying car park (£4 per car for a maximum of 4 hours) on the castle esplanade, however, it fills up very quickly so you may want to use public transport or use a car park in town. It’s worth noting that you’ll need to walk up a steep hill from the town centre to reach the castle. There’s also a ‘Park & Ride’ option, click here for details. Parking is £2 for Historic Scotland members.

What are Stirling Castle’s Opening Hours?

Opening hours vary depending on the time of year so we recommend you check their website ahead of your visit.

Opening hours:

Summer (1 April – 30 September): 9:30am – 6pm

Winter (1 October – 31 March): 9:30am – 5pm (closed 25 + 26 December and reduced opening hours on 1 January)

How much does it cost to visit Stirling Castle?

It’s cheaper to buy tickets ahead online – you’ll save about £2 per ticket.

Ticket prices:

Adult (16-59 yrs): £15 (advance purchase price) / £16 (onsite price)

Child (5-15 yrs): £9 (advance purchase price) / £9.60 (onsite price)

Children under 5: FREE

Concessions (60+ yrs and unemployed): £12 (advance purchase price) / £12.80 (onsite price)

You might also want to consider purchasing an Explorer Pass if you’re spending a few days in Scotland and are planning to visit several Historic Environment Scotland sites or even a yearly membership if you’re Scotland-based.

TIP: if you’re a Scottish resident and have a Young Scot Card, you can book your ticket online for just £1!

Where to buy tickets to Stirling Castle?

As mentioned above, it’s cheaper to buy tickets ahead online – you’ll save about £2 per ticket. Alternatively, you can buy them at the castle, however, be prepared for some queuing!

Best time of day to visit Stirling Castle?

View from Stirling Castle — Don’t miss the stunning views from Stirling Castle. You can even see the Wallace monument in the distance.

Stirling Castle is less crowded than the likes of Edinburgh Castle, however, it still draws in the crowds during the summer months. We recommend heading to the castle in the morning and during week days rather than week-ends.

Is Stirling Castle suitable for children?

Absolutely! We visited with our then 8 and 11 year old and we found the castle to be extremely family friendly. In fact, I think we might actually prefer it over Edinburgh Castle – gasp!

There were some great spaces for kids to explore in particular the Palace Vaults in the basement of the Royal Palace. Expect lots of interactive displays and medieval style dressing up costumes, our young daughter loved this area. The area is divided up into themes such as the Jester, Tailor, stone mason, musician and painter, it’s educational and interesting.

25+ Free things to do in Edinburgh [Adults + Kids]

by Gillian Leave a Comment

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As you’ll no doubt know, your wallet can take a serious hit when visiting a city and a trip to Edinburgh is no exception. So if you’re on a tight budget, we’ve got lots of ideas to share with you that won’t cost you a penny. Save your pounds for a visit to the castle and mix it up with plenty of other free activities….

Don’t Miss The Magical Christmas Light Trail at the Botanics in Edinburgh! [2022]

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If you are looking for something really special to do in Edinburgh at Christmas time, then a trip to the Royal Botanic Gardens should be at the top of your list. Since 2017, visitors to the Scottish capital have had the opportunity to attend an enchanting Christmas Illuminated Trail at the Botanical Gardens. We decided to go on Christmas Eve and what a magical experience it was!

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15 Awesome Golf Gifts from St Andrews

by Gillian Leave a Comment

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As you’ll probably already know, Scotland is world famous for its association with golf. While there is little doubt that the game has its roots firmly planted in Scotland, many also believe that the game was actually invented here. It’s all supposed to have begun in the small seaside town of St Andrews, now proudly known as the ‘Home of Golf’. And for golfers around the world, St Andrews and especially the Old Course is the ultimate golfing destination….

Epic Guide to TV and Movie Locations in Scotland [+ Maps]

by Gillian 1 Comment

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Scotland’s dramatic scenery and ancient architecture have long played the starring role in many movies and TV productions. It was in 1949 that the classic film “Whisky Galore”, used the stunning backdrop of the Western Isles to bring the romance of island life to the silver screen.

More recently the popular “Outlander” led to a surge in Scottish movie tourism. The series successfully showcased the beauty of Scotland and its spectacular historic buildings to a worldwide audience.

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Where to Stay in St Andrews

by Jonathan Leave a Comment

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The Old course hotel in the distance

St Andrews is an ideal day trip destination, but to explore everything that it has to offer, a day is not really enough. So, you may wish to consider an overnight stay and here are a few top suggestions for various budgets….

Edinburgh’s Top Instagrammable Places

by Gillian 2 Comments

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Edinburgh’s most instagrammable places

Are you a fan of the gram? I definitely spend way too much time on Insta, however, saying that, I do find it a great source of inspiration for trips and travel. So if you’re looking for some photography inspiration for your trip to Edinburgh, this is the post for you.

Here, we share some of the best instagrammable spots in Edinburgh – from Instagram-worthy landmarks, to photogenic buildings, picture postcard views and some of the best (secret) photo spots. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to photo opportunities in the Scottish capital.

Edinburgh Castle

Nothing says Edinburgh like the capital’s iconic castle and no matter where you are in the city, you can’t miss this famous landmark. Whether you’re down in Princes Street Gardens, up Arthur’s seat or Calton Hill, you’ll get a view of the castle. You can also get some great snaps within the grounds of the castle – Mon’s Meg, views down Princes Street or across to Fife.

>> Check out this post for some top tips if you’re planning a visit to Edinburgh castle <<

The Vennel

The Vennel is in fact one of these great vantage points where you’ll get a superb view and photo opportunity of the castle. You’ll need to head down to the Grassmarket and walk towards the north end of the street. You’ll find a small passage on your left with many stairs. Climb up the stairway and you’ll get a great view of the domineering fortress that is Edinburgh Castle.

Victoria Street

Fondly known as the street that inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter, this pretty curving street filled with pretty brightly coloured shops – including a slighly eccenctric Harry Potter shop – makes a great insta shot.

In fact, this is probably the most instagrammed street in Edinburgh – there were 50k pics with the #victoriastreet hashtag when I last checked! This narrow hilly street dates from around 1830 and is a little like descending down a giant spiral staircase on your way down to the Grassmarket.

Calton Hill

The views you get from Calton Hill have Instagram written all over them! Despite the fairly steep climb to reach the top of the Hill, the views you get of the city are among some of the best. Calton Hill is also home to several unusual monuments.

We love the National Monument for taking fun family snaps. This monument looks like it was built by the Romans although it was in fact built in 1826 and is in memory of soldiers and sailors that died in the Napoleonic wars. It was never finished as funding dried up before it was completed.

GETTING THERE >>> The easiest way to access Calton Hill, is to reach it via Regent Road. Simply head eastwards along Princes Street, past the Balmoral and cross the street. You’ll spot Rabbie’s Tours shop on your right (on Waterloo Place). Take the small path on your left [it’s well signposted] and follow the staircase to the top. It’s a fairly short 10 minute walk to the top of Calton Hill.

The Water of Leith

St Bernards Well, Water of Leith, Stockbridge, Edinburgh — St Bernards Well along the Water of Leith.

This is somewhat off the beaten track and well worth the detour. The Water of Leith is Edinburgh’s main river which runs for 35 km (22 miles) from Balerno to the Firth of Forth. You can join the river walkway (20 kms or 12 miles) at various points within the city.

Some of the photo highlights of walking the Water of Leith include Stockbridge, the Shore at Leith, Modern Art Gallery, Dean Village, Royal Botanic Gardens and Canonmills. Our favourite stretch of the Water of Leith Walkway is the section from picturesque Dean Village to Stockbridge where you’ll find the St Bernards Well pictured above. We also recently discovered an audio trail which you can pick up via QR code on your phone. It’s full of interesting information about the landmarks along the walkway to Dean Village.

>> For more off the beaten path destinations, check out this post! <<

Dean Village

This is such a great Edinburgh photography location. You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time when you reach Dean Village. This ancient mill village is just a few minutes walk from the capital’s city centre but will seem like a world away. You will feel that you have gone back in time, surrounded by buildings of a forgotten age, when water had the power to fuel industry.

Modern Art Gallery & Dean Gallery

Head to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and Dean Gallery for some fun pics of both the exterior of the buildings and the beautiful sculptured gardens. The Galleries are located to the West of the city, about 15 minutes walk from the West end of Princes Street – either along main roads or along the Water of Leith for a more scenic journey.The gallery exterior has a very classical look with its massive Romanesque stone pillars, however, the sculptured gardens give away a few clues that all is not as it seems. And indeed, once you enter the building and are surrounded by the creations of Roy Lichtenstein, Joan Miro, Tracy Emin and Salvador Dali, you realise that it’s perhaps more cutting edge than you first thought.

The Parliament

Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh — Don’t you just love these quirky windows? They’re situated at the rear part of the Parliament building.

I went on a photography walking tour a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed discovering some new photo-worthy hidden gems in Edinburgh. One of these places was the *back* of the Scottish Parliament which is located at the end of the Royal Mile. The design of the windows is really quirky and lends itself to some great insta shots.

I returned recently and was surprised/saddened to discover some very high thick concrete walls with metal spikes surrounding the back of the building – evidence of the world we live in today. I still recommend checking it out and seeing what fun shots you can capture. The lines and modern design at the front of the parliament are also great for some classic gram shots.

Circus Lane

Circus Lane, a very popular spot for instagrammers, is one of the most charming streets in Edinburgh! This pretty cobbled street, lined with small stone mews cottages, is located in the Stockbridge neighbourhood.

Stockbridge is essentially a village within the city and is full of excellent independent shops, cafés and restaurants. You can even stay in one of the mews cottages via Airbnb!

>> Check out our post for other off the beaten track neighbourhoods! <<

New Town

There’s some incredible architecture in Edinburgh’s New Town. Despite its name, this area was built between 1767 and 1850 to deal with the overcrowding in the Old Town. It’s situated to the north of Princes Street, was designed and constructed in Georgian times. With its curves, lines, rows of Georgian townhouses, this neighbourhood is perfect for photography enthusiasts.

>> Make sure you check out one of Edinburgh’s tiniest bars in this neighbourhood. Here’s our guide to the capital’s quirky & unique bars! <<

Arthur’s Seat

You get some of the best views of the city from the top of Arthur’s seat. This extinct volcano also offers up some great insta-worthy views and landscapes – from the Salisbury Crags, to Saint Anthony’s Chapel, to the view across the city and the Firth of Forth in the other direction.

>> Arthur’s Seat should definitely feature on your Edinburgh Bucket List. Check out our full guide on must-visit sites in the capital. <<

The Forth Rail Bridge

Okay not technically in Edinburgh per se but it’s a pretty short drive to get to the picturesque village of South Queensferry. It’s the perfect place to get some fab pics of the mighty iron beast. Train spotters eat your heart out!

>> Looking for more ideas for Edinburgh day trips from Edinburgh? Head here for our top suggestions! <<

We hope you’ve enjoyed our Edinburgh Instagram Guide! Don’t forget to follow our Instagram account and tag us for a feature.

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Best Orkney Festivals + Traditions [2020]

by Jonathan Leave a Comment

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What I think makes the Orkney Islands such a special place are the many traditions that are celebrated throughout the year. These festivals and events often have roots that go back hundreds of years and are very much embraced by locals. So here’s a roundup of some of the best Orkney festivals for the coming year.

St Magnus Day [16th April 2023]

We start the calendar of festival with St Magnus day on the 16^th of April. This day commemorates the Viking rule of Orkney in the 12^th century, which resulted in the building of the St Magnus cathedral. Expect to see Orkney flags flying from public buildings.

Orkney Folk Festival [25-28 May 2023]

Acoustic guitar, folk festival

If you are a fan of traditional music, you won’t want to miss the Orkney Folk festival at the end of May from 25th til 28th May 2023. The town of Stromness is the focus for all things Trad, as the sound of fiddles resonates around the busy streets. It feels like music is coming from every bar and public venue, a great atmosphere.

Click here for the full programme and details on when tickets go on sale.

St Magnus International Festival [16-23 June 2023]

Churchill Barriers, Orkney

Around mid-summer in June, the St Magnus International Festival arrives in Kirkwall. It’s not uncommon for a member of the Norwegian royal family to make an appearance. This is a large cultural festival that features orchestras, soloists, opera, dance and theatre. Last year, the Hollywood actor Bill Murray even performed an array of music and readings!

The festival will take place 16-23 June 2023 and full details of this 5 day long festival can be found here.

Stromness Shopping Week [18-23 July 2023]

Stromness Harbour, Orkney

In the middle of July, the town of Stromness has a festival atmosphere, with floats parading through the streets and bands playing. This is because it’s Stromness Shopping Week, one of the longest running festivals in Orkney. There is street entertainment for both children and adults, a beer race, a swimming race and a 10k running race. And of course, the Shopping Week Queen is crowned, the highlight for some. It’s all rounded by a massive dance in the evening with live music provided by a top band.

Dates for Stromness Shopping Week 2023 are 18-23 July 2023 and full details of what’s on can be found here.

Kirkwall County Show [12 August 2023]

Image source: pixabay

August is the season of the agricultural shows in Orkney, with the largest taking place in Kirkwall on the second Saturday in August (12^thAugust 2023 this year). It’s called the County Show and lasts a day and a night. During the day farm animals are judged and awards given, agricultural suppliers and local producers have trade stands and there are many places to buy refreshments. Once again, the main event is an evening dance, with live music that goes into the early hours of the next morning.

Orkney Boys Ploughing Match [19 August 2023]

A much more low-key event is the Orkney boys ploughing match that takes place on the third Saturdy in August. The venue is a beach on the island of South Ronaldsay and the aim is for a boy to pull a miniature plough along the sand. The boy that pulls the straightest plough is the winner. This event is unique to Orkney.

Orkney International Science Festival [ 7 – 13 September 2023]

Image source: pixabay

This festival is a more recent addition to the Orkney calendar as it was only established in 1991. But the Orkney Science Festival in September is a firm favourite with both locals and tourists. In the past it has been attended by the chief scientist of the Discovery Channel, Nobel prize winner Peter Higgs and filmmaker Alan Ereira. The festival theme covers all forms of science including astronomy, space travel, medicine, archaeology, genetics and black holes. There is also the chance to enjoy some excellent local food at the festivals food events. It’s a brilliant festival for both old and young. Check their Facebook page as it has lots of up-to-date information.

The Cathedral Tree Lighting Ceremony [early December 2023]

Founded in 1137 by the Viking Earl Rognvald, St Magnus Cathedral is the most northerly cathedral in Britain.

The enduring ties between Orkney and Norway are demonstrated yet again during the festive period when Norway gifts a Christmas tree to the people of Orkney. A special tree lighting ceremony takes place at St Magnus Cathedral in early December and includes the annual St Lucy Procession, as well as a performance by Kirkwall City Pipe Band.

The Ba’ at Christmas & New Year [25 Dec 2023 & 1 Jan 2024]

Finishing with Christmas and New Year, we have the Ba’ which takes place in the streets of Kirkwall. It’s a game which is a kind of mix between football & rugby. The Uppies teams aim is to land the ball on a street next to a catholic church while the Doonies target is to get the ball into the icy water of the harbour. The games take place on Christmas Day (25th December) and New Year’s Day (1st January) unless these fall on a Sunday, in which case, they get moved to Boxing Day (26th December) and 2nd January.

9 Sporty Activities in Edinburgh That Don’t Involve Going to A Hotel Gym!

by Jonathan Leave a Comment

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Even though Edinburgh is a city, it somehow manages to make you feel that nature and the countryside are never far away. It can be a challenge to keep up with your exercise regime whilst travelling, however, this post will give you plenty of ideas to stay in top form and discover the city under a different angle. So if you prefer to balance restaurant indulgencies and nights out in funky bars with some good old-fashioned exercise, then Edinburgh is a delight. Here are some healthy ideas from my time living in Edinburgh, that don’t involve opening the creaky door of a boring hotel gym.

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