First things first go book your train tickets. I have heard so many people say that one thing that puts them off from going to Edinburgh is the expense of getting there. Let me tell you it's all a myth. The secret behind is booking your trip in advance therefore booking your train tickets in the Virgin train sale. Not only will you be saving your self shed loads of money by getting a £20 return ticket to Waverley station but you also get to take in the beautiful views of the Highlands, something you can't really do when driving up to Scotland. We decided to get the 6am train and we had no regrets. Yes we had to be up at 4am (and part of that was excitement) but there's nothing like seizing the day and maximising it with activities. The train journey takes 4 hours to get there which gives you ample time to fit in that all important nap.
I would highly recommend visiting the iconic Edinburgh Castle although the castle does not offer any student discount your entry ticket will only cost you £18.50. This will allow you to absorb all the history it has to offer and not to forget the beautiful views that overlooks the city.
The best thing to do to get a proper feel for the city is to take a night walk where the city literally and figuratively comes alive. You can also take this opportunity to see the how Edinburgh Castle is stunningly lit up against the pitch black in comparison to how it looks like in the day.
Edinburgh is full to the brim of architecture that possess character and St Giles cathedral fits that criteria exceptionally well. With free entry inside you are able to spend as long as you want admiring the building for what it's truly worth.
From what I was told Edinburgh is situated on seven hills and if you are not prepared to pay to get views from Edinburgh Castle due to being on a budget theres always a plan B. With Carlton Hill being a very short walk away, I promise that you will not be disappointed with what this view has to offer. You literally get panoramic outlines of the entire city. The best time to come and get that all important picture would be at the time of sunset however be prepared that a LOT of people do tend to come at this time so my advice would be to take that into consideration.
To end the day take a little walk to Dean village (although I can appreciate how much walking you have already done) this place is truly a hidden gem as it genuinely looks and feels magical as it does when portrayed in pictures.
Your all probably thinking please no more walking. I assure you the views at the end will definitely be worthwhile. If your staying very central then to get to Arthurs seat you will most likely need to catch the bus. If this is the case I advise getting an all day ticket for £4 and you will be there in no time.
Arthurs seat is a hike that unquestionably needs to be ticked off the Edinburgh itinerary. You may be thinking that your not a hike person at all or it's going to be too hard because you may have never hiked before. Well let me tell you I was that very person that I just described back there and I can hand on heart say that I had no regrets. Arthurs seat was my very first hike and after that I never looked back. This hike is beyond any doubt suitable for beginners and encourage taking this hike first thing in the morning where it would be less crowded at the peak.
Holyrood Palace is a graceful yet overflowing with rich royal history surrounding Edinburgh. Entry prices for students is £12.70 so don't forget to take a form of identification with you. I was completely in awe with this building and how picture perfect it came across. If you enjoy a museum setting then Holyrood Palace is a place you have to visit.
If you do have some free time on your hands whilst in Edinburgh then you have to visit the botanical gardens which is free of charge. Situated on the outside of central Edinburgh your £4 bus day ticket comes in handy. I would suggest visiting on a relatively warm day where you could spend your time engrossed in the gardens and the fresh air.
Last but not least you have to take a little detour to the beach which again is really accessible to get to. The beach is my all time favourite place, I love the feeling of sand between my toes and listening to the crashing waves (as you can tell from my very cheesy grin).
Well there you have it guys, a few ideas of what to do when in Edinburgh. Although there is so much more to do this was just a rough little guide:)
No comments
Post a Comment