SCOTLAND
Scotland is an extraordinary country filled with intriguing history, classic architecture, wonderfully kind and welcoming people, and breathtaking natural beauty. It far exceeded all my expectations and I cannot wait to return to explore more of what Scotland has to offer!
Our first day we had tickets to tour the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official royal residence of the Queen of England on her state visits. Holyrood Palace tour includes current rooms for banquets and meetings, to classic architecture and art work. Plus historical scandal and murder regarding Mary Queen of Scots who lived in the Palace in the late 16th century. The tour concludes with a walk of the grounds including the 10th century Holyrood Abbey. If you’re lucky like us you might just get to view the exhibit featuring Meghan Markle and Price Harry’s wedding attire! If you are a history buff the Palace of Holyroodhouse is worth experiencing!
Close to the Palace is Holyrood Park which is an excellent short getaway from the bustle of city life where you can view the entire cityscape of Edinburgh and visit Saint Anthony’s Chapel Ruins and Arthur’s Seat.
Our days were booked! Our first full day we toured the Scottish Highlands and the second day we walked around Dean Village and New Town. We ended our last full day walking around Edinburgh Castle, Old Town and experiencing, to my delight as Scotland is the birthplace, all things Harry Potter!
HOLYROOD PARK
MUST EATS
Haggis: Haggis’ name doesn’t often merit a happy response, even I was a bit hesitant but it is delicious! If you enjoy meatloaf this is definitely worth trying especially when paired with mashed meeps (turnip), tatties (potatoes), and whiskey gravy! It was one of our favorite meals of our entire European adventure.
Deep fried Mars bars: Mars bars aren’t easily available in the states, discontinued in 2002. Since they’re a bit of a gem, we knew we had to give a deep fried one a try and it did not disappoint!
Aberfoyle Delicatessen: If you’re in Scotland and happen to be visiting the small village of Aberfoyle pop into Aberfoyle Delicatessen for a burger and a pastry!
The White Hart Inn: We accidentally popped into this pub while finding a spot to rest and it is the oldest in Edinburgh, dating back to 1516!
THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
Our tour of the Scottish Highlands was windy but AMAZING! We had a hilarious and insightful tour guide named Steven who had us laughing the entire day, told interesting stories and history, took us off-roading to see the Three Loch’s Way, the William Wallace Monument (Braveheart) and Doune Castle home of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Outlander, and Winterfell for the first 2 episodes of Season 1. A very eventful day ending with seeing a Hairy Coo!
