We visited Edinburgh after our NC500 journey as it is always somewhere we had wanted to visit. Our priority was simple, find somewhere to stay outside the city (we usually always stay outside of cities rather than drive the van in) with access to public transport into the centre.
Campsite – Drummohr Camping & Glamping
Drummohr campsite ticked all our boxes. It has baths which was a first for us. It also has a very good children’s park in the centre and spaces pitches. This campsite is 20 minute walk to the train station in order to catch a 10 minute train to the centre of Edinburgh.
These are our top things to do when visiting Edinburgh!
Edinburgh Castle
You simply cannot visit Edinburgh without a visit to the castle. You do not even have to go in (it was fully booked when we went) as there are various angles from around the city which offer picture perfect angles of the castle.
Harry Potter tour
It is widely known that lots of places within Edinburgh gave inspiration to the Harry Potter films. You can book tours which specifically take you to each place or (if like us) you can do your research first and stroll to each at your own pace. Tom Riddell’s grave and Grassmarket are but a few examples.
Enjoy a butter beer
Following on from the above. If visiting Grassmarket there are a few options to try butter bear as well as visit the Harry Potter shop. This area comes alive at night.
National Museum of Scotland
The National museum of Scotland shocked us with how good it was. It is free to enter and it is huge with an abundance of things to see. Our children loved the animal room and they even have an area with interactive stations for young children. It offered us somewhere we could let the kids out of the prams to run around and learn at the same time. We definitely recommend the visit.
World of Illusions
Sadly, we did not get to visit the world of illusions but from what i have heard, it is worth a visit and located on the royal mile so chances are you will not miss it.
Sightseeing Bus
There is a hop on hop off sightseeing bus which takes you around all the must see sights in Edinburgh. If you are feeling a little more lazy or want to see Edinburgh from the bus then this is for you.
Explore the Streets
I feel like Edinburgh is made for walking and exploring. Every where you turn has new and exciting things to see. We spent a whole day walking with prams and exploring the city.
Street Performers
On the main strip you will find an abundance of street performers. Take a break from all the walking to stop and admire their skills (or lack of).
Enjoy a few cocktails
Whether your taste is expensive Expresso martini’s or cheap pitchers, Edinburgh has you covered. There is a Weatherspoons pub directly above the main train station which has cheap drinks and cocktails as well as a nice breakfast. If you want something a little more upmarket then get out and find a cocktail bar. The choices are endless.
Shopping
Like everything else, Edinburgh has great shopping opportunities. We had to take advantage while we were in the city but ended up spending a little too much.
