A Rare, Rare Sunny Summer’s Day in Edinburgh

I started our day by stepping completely out of my comfort zone - moving our Palace visit from first thing to the end of the day. I felt like my daughter, who often saves the best bite for last, and then is too full at the end to finish it. But in Scotland we have had no problem visiting castles right before closing. Exceptionally daring, I also left the apartment without any rain gear.

We were in no hurry to get anywhere, except to the Palace before it closed. Instead of beginning our day like at the starting line of a race - off and running - we took our time walking through Edinburgh's Farmers Market and Grassmarket's Saturday Market sampling specialty foods. We bought local goodies and gifts.

At the Saturday markets you can sample home grown produce including seasonal fruit and vegetables, freshly baked breads, sweet treats and handcrafted gifts from local craftmakers

Eventually we made it over to the Edinburgh Scottish National Gallery. So many of the museums in Edinburgh are free - it is hard to pass up an hour of seeing great artwork!

We were on our way to Leith, Edinburgh's waterfront, via the Water of Leith Walkway. It is exactly the type of thing we would love to do on a weekend at home - super pup friendly - and a fantastic day to do it! But in hindsight, I would have preferred to spend the time exploring more of Edinburgh's Old Town.

The Water of Leith Walkway winds its way through Edinburgh to the sea town of Leith.

When we got to Leith we stumbled upon another Saturday market, and laughed that we saw the same sellers from the other two markets this morning.

I could sit there soaking up the warm sun all day, but not drinking £8 beer!! We chose "Lost in Leith" but should have gone with Teuchters Landing.

It was easy to hop on a local bus to get from Leith to the Palace of Holyrood.

Fun Fact: The Palace of Holyrood is the Queen's official residence while in Scotland while Balmoral Castle is the Queen's private Scotland retreat.

I enjoyed the audio guide (included with ticket) through the palace; they keep it current and interesting. It was also fascinating to walk through Mary Queen of Scots private rooms and track the murder that took place there, right in front of her. When leaving at 5pm, I realized we missed the special Jubilee Celebration exhibit. The castle guides radioed each other and unlocked everything so we could get back in. (The last admission was at 4:30.) The Platinum Jubilee marks the Queen's 70th year of service! This exhibit has a few dresses and items; it was neat to see the dress she wore back in February. Looking at her special dresses, it was surprising to see how plain they are.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse was built by James IV on the grounds of an abbey in 1498. 

The abbey dates from 1128

The lawns of the garden were dead from the 8,000 guests at the annual Royal Garden Party two weeks ago. (We were in town but didn't get an invite?!)

On this glorious day, Arthur's Seat and the Salisbury Crags were calling to me from the royal gardens. So was a pub. Choices! We went to World's End on the Royal Mile for the third and final time.

Looking up the Royal Mile from the bottom to the top 

It was hard to rip ourselves away from the festive mood of the Royal Mile.

Scotland's going away gift to us was "a rare, rare day" according to our server at dinner.

One last picture of the castle before we leave. I much prefer today's amazing weather!

I am addicted to travel. It is the essence of life. I truly hope you enjoyed this journey. Where to next?