Edinburgh, the Capital of Scotland, full of history and stunning Georgian architecture, is the perfect location for a weekend escape from your 9-5. But don’t worry if history isn’t your thing, the City is a foodie’s dream, with independent shopping, beautiful walks and galleries to see. Here are our tried and tested recommendations!
Tusting Travels: The Edinburgh Guide
Edinburgh, the Capital of Scotland, full of history and stunning Georgian architecture, is the perfect location for a weekend escape from your 9-5. But don’t worry if history isn’t your thing, the city is a foodie’s dream and there is an abundance of independent shopping, beautiful walks and galleries to take in. It is a friendly capital that merges country and city living to create a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere, even when it is pouring with rain and blowing a gale outside the city is still as charming and cosy as ever.
This is where our directors, Alistair and Gillian Tusting first met - Gillian's home town and still a favourite destination for the family to catch up with friends, so here are our tried and tested recommendations!
Where to Stay
Edinburgh is a compact city that is easy to get around on foot, no matter where you stay, you’ll have bakeries and restaurants just around the corner. The 'New Town', is a good place to start. It's the area built in Georgian times, now treated as the city centre, and which was built to allow an exit from the crowded and smelly 'Old Town' around the Royal Mile.
The stunning Georgian architecture is at its best here, and practically everything is within walking distance. In the New Town, from one end of George Street to the other, you have your pick of The Kimpton Queen Charlotte Hotel, Eden Locke and of course Gleneagles Townhouse in St Andrews Square. They are all easily accessible, with use of the tram from the airport or by rail from Waverley Station.
In this surprisingly undulating city, everywhere is (at least initially) downhill from George Street - from here you can wander northwards through the stunning streets of the New Town to Stockbridge, or south to the Castle and the quaint and quirky Old Town. Either way, you may be smitten already and never want to leave…
Sites to see and places to eat...
The Weekend is the best time to be in Edinburgh – it is the ultimate place to have a slow, cosy Sunday. If you like some gentle movement or maybe a yoga class to start your day, Tribe has studios across the city and various classes to choose from.
If you are in the New Town, stroll down to Stockbridge to enjoy a pastry from Lannan or Twelve Triangles. Stockbridge Market is a must on a Sunday – enjoy fresh paella or pasta for lunch, or go to the Pantry for a classic with a twist brunch meal or Scran and Scallie for a delicious Sunday Lunch.
Take in all the independent stores whilst you are in Stockbridge – Treen is a favourite for sustainable fashion choices, and I. J. Mellis has the best cheese in the city as well as all the extras you need for a cheese board. Just talk a walk along the high street and there is something for everyone.
The Water of Leith
Snaking through the city, the 'Water of Leith' river is a hidden jewel. A beautiful walkway accompanies the river across the entire city. It's much loved by the locals, and with many access points, is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
Start at the Galleries of Modern Art, pass through the famous Dean Village, pop out at Stockbridge for a pit stop, then continue on to visit the glorious Botanic Gardens. The walkway will take you all the way to the vibrant port area of Leith if you have the stamina. Here, you'll find more shopping, more touristy things, and more great restaurants... (we love Toast). And the great news is, you can jump on the tram to get back into the centre of town.
Once you are back at your accommodation and ready for some dinner, the New Town has an excellent selection of places to eat. If you are staying at the Kimpton Queen Charlotte, you can just walk downstairs to enjoy Baba, a delicious middle eastern restaurant with the smokiest and most delicious Baba Ganoush ever tasted…
If you are exploring the south side of the city, Henderson’s in Bruntsfield is the original vegetarian restaurant in Edinburgh. Breaking the cooking mould since 1962, it's one not to be missed. With a brilliant fusion menu, it will delight even those who don’t love vegetables.
There are simply too many to mention, but other classic Edinburgh restaurants include Chez Jules and Ting Thai Caravan for delicious and unfussy food.
And There's More...
If you have more time to enjoy the city, walking the Royal Mile from the Palace of Holyrood up to the Castle to see the panoramic view across the city is a rite of passage. En route, you can take in the extraordinary architecture of the Scottish Parliament building (visits are free), absorb the ancient history of Edinburgh (its origins go back to the 7th Century) and allow a diversion onto Cockburn street or Victoria Street. These pretty side streets are perfect for more shopping or a coffee break, and the latter takes you off to the charming Grassmarket (another jewel!).
The City is incredibly walkable and friendly – offering a little bit of everything, so the best way to explore is to just head off in one direction and see what you find. Topping and Company is a wonderful bookstore not to be missed, as well as the many independent shops just around the corner from it on Broughton street.
If you fancy a stroll along the beach, look no further than Portobello, and if you still aren't done walking and the sun's out, head up Arthurs Seat to the Salisbury Crags - an easy climb with satisfyingly panoramic views.
The perfect travelling bags..
Of course you will need some bags... the Large Weekender is the perfect couples weekend-away bag, it will easily fit everything you might need, as well as a few extra layers that are inevitably needed in the winter months in Edinburgh.
Take an Alice Tote for an easy and stylish all-day bag that will still look chic when out to dinner (also perfect for the flight or train journey to get you there).
If you plan on jam-packing your days, a Millbrook backpack might be just what you need to comfortably carry your spare layers and all that Christmas shopping you’ll be doing….
And whilst you're there, please blow the place a kiss from the Tusting family... 🩶
