Things To Do
Johnnie Walker (Journey of Flavour Tour + 1820 Rooftop Bar)
The very first thing Logan and I did on our first trip to Edinburgh! We booked the Journey of Flavour Tour and enjoyed drinks (and a stunning view of Edinburgh Castle) on the 1820 Rooftop bar. This is also where we celebrated RIGHT after we got engaged- we had drinks on the rooftop, then headed to the lobby and bottled (and engraved) our own bottle of Johnnie Walker to commemorate the day we got engaged in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is a MUST in Edinburgh! We'll have an organized excursion for everyone, but if you prefer to explore on your own, go for it. The Castle itself sits over the city on top of an inactive volcano. It was built initially in the 1100s and has been used as a Royal Residence and military fortress throughout the last 900+ years. You'll be able to see the Scottish Honours (Crown Jewels), the Stone of Destiny, the room where Mary, Queen of Scots gave birth to King James VI, and military features such as massive cannon Mons Meg, the National War Museum of Scotland, and former prisons for prisoners of war such as those from the Jacobite Rebellions and even the American Revolution. It's the most besieged castle in all of Britain. I recommend spending at least 3-4 hours here, if not more! We can't wait to explore it with you!
The Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is another can't miss in Edinburgh! Featuring an abbey built in 1128 and a beautiful Royal palace built later in the 1500s, it's the official royal residence of the British monarchy when visiting Edinburgh. You can visit Mary, Queen of Scots' private chambers (where she witnessed the murder of her secretary in 1567), where Bonnie Prince Charlie held court during the Jacobite Rebellion, and more. We are organizing a visit together on Friday, August 28th. Tell Hannah if you want tickets, and she can help!
The Real Mary King's Close
One of Logan and I's favorite tours in Edinburgh! Dive beneath the streets of Edinburgh to explore REAL 16th and 17th century streets and residences. You'll learn about what life was like in Edinburgh then, see a house that was once riddled by the plague, learn about Edinburgh's troubled history with witch trials, and even some ghost stories.
St. Giles Cathedral
The history of St Giles’ Cathedral, has spanned 900 years, from early beginnings as a Romanesque church in 1124 to its current standing as a modern Presbyterian church. It has seen the seeds of civil war sown and been the center of the Scottish Reformation as John Knox’s Parish church. It's a stunning cathedral- you won't want to miss it!