Recently returned from a family trip to Edinburgh, Scotland and want to share highlights from our experience:
Great hotel stay at BrewDog DogHouse: The hotel is a true gem -- located a few steps from the quiet section of the Royal Mile and a short walk to Waverley Train Station. Our room was very comfortable and spacious for our family of 3. It included a loft bedroom, sleeper sofa, fully equipped mini kitchen, 3 mini-fridges stocked with beer and other beverages, a guitar and record turntable with music to play. Despite being attached to a busy restaurant and bar, the hotel was very quiet and included a private lounge for guests with games, coffee and candy bars. The staff was very friendly and helpful, including making modifications to my breakfast order. We were also delighted to discover that if you reuse your bath towels each day, you get a token for a free beer.
Royal Edinburgh Ticket: I was initially nervous about purchasing the ticket package because Rick's book advised getting reserved tickets to Edinburgh Castle weeks in advance. The ticket ended up being a good value -- we visited all three sites and took advantage of the hop-on/hop-off bus to see parts of Edinburgh that we would not have discovered on foot. When we arrived in Edinburgh, it was easy to claim our tickets and get reservations for Edinburgh Castle.
- Royal Yacht Britannia: I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this tour. Family photos of the royals are featured throughout the yacht and the spaces were really interesting to see. Definitely take advantage of chatting up the staff in white jumpers -- these folks served on the yacht when it was in operation and continue to maintain it for visitors. We spoke with two staffers in the petty officers lounge and heard stories about their trips around the world and interactions with the Queen. Tickets for the tour and bus transportation are included with the Royal Edinburgh Ticket.
- Rabbie's West Highlands Day Tour: We took the 1-day tour to the West Highlands and were amazed by variety of sites we got to see during our bus trip -- including a stop at a sheep pasture and hairy coo farm. Our driver, Des, offered lots of interesting stories about the history of the Highlands during our drive. If you're not planning a separate stay in the Highlands, this tour is a great option to visit the area.
- David Bann's Restaurant: Everyone in our group -- including the meat eaters -- loved our meals at this restaurant. So delicious!
- Stirling Castle is a 1/2 Day Visit: I enjoyed Stirling Castle much more than Edinburgh Castle. The trip from Edinburgh is an easy 45-minute train ride and a 20-minute walk from the station to the castle. After visiting the castle, do take advantage of the walk through the kirkyard -- our daughter was delighted to see a colony of wild rabbits lounging amongst the headstones.
- Skip Dean's Village: Our driver on the Rabbie's tour recommended visiting Dean's Village in Edinburgh. We were hoping to see shops and pubs, but only found a residential area along the Leith waterway. While the walk along the waterway is pretty, we were hoping for more.