I am from the UK, but I had never been to Edinburgh in Scotland before until last year. It took me to be on a cruise to get there.
I have been to Scotland but not to Edinburgh so, I went on a tour to see the sights of the city. My tour included Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Yacht Britannia and Princes Street.
As it was the beginning of August the city was packed, the fringe festival was on so there were people everywhere.
Edinburgh Castle
I visited Edinburgh Castle where Mary Queen of Scots lived. The castle is set on a rock that lies at the top of the city, unfortunately, I didn’t get a photo to capture how dramatic it looked. The castle is called the castle in the air, as it is so high up.
I saw the Scottish crown jewels and walked around the part of the castle was where Mary Queen of Scots lived and gave birth to her son James. What I really enjoyed was the view of the city from the castle as you could see right out to sea.
After the castle tour, we went for lunch, but that was nothing to write home about! Then we went to Princes Street (the main high street) and went to a large souvenir shop and I had to buy something! So I bought myself and my husband beautiful cashmere tartan scarves (not matching!).
The Royal Yacht Britannia
My favourite part of the day was going on board The Royal Yacht Britannia. It was fascinating.
I love looking at ships and this yacht was more like a ship than a yacht! This yacht had a laundry like a cruise ship would, on a smaller scale.
Different mess rooms and bars for the different ranks of crew and officers working onboard, several galleys, a medical centre and then the royal quarters and cabins and a Rolls Royce!
It was interesting to see the Royal rooms the cabins were up high so no one could walk past and see them. Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh slept in separate bedrooms in single beds.
There was one Royal cabin that had a double bed that was put in when Charles and Diana went on their honeymoon. The style of the yacht was based on a country home (a high-end one!).
The entertaining dining room was a huge room with a dining table that sat around 20. This room was used as a cinema room and a ballroom.
The Queen and Prince had separate studies. The living room was a large and only room that looked like a country home.
The only part of the ship that is still in use is the galley as you can have lunch or afternoon tea in the café onboard. If you are going to Edinburgh add this to your list.
If you are staying in Edinburgh, you may also like to see the Scottish Highlands which is the perfect day trip from the city.
Essential Info
- Weather is the summer months: 14*C – 20*C
- Language: English
- Currency: Pound Sterling
- Wear layers
- Bring an umbrella as it may rain!
- Also, I recommend you bring a lightweight packable rain jacket so you can pop it in your bag just in case!
You may also enjoy reading:
WHAT YOU CAN’T-MISS IN BELFAST NORTHERN IRELAND
WHAT TO SEE IN SHETLAND IN SCOTLAND
ON TOP OF THE WORLD IN THE NORTH POLE LONGYEARBYEN NORWAY
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Happy Travels
Love Lucy x
I just visited Edinburgh in May! LOVED it! Edinburgh Castle is a must!
Author
I loved the castle too, especially the view of he city.
I’ve never been to Edinburgh, but there seems to be so much to do! Visiting The Royal Yacht Britannia, seems like a great experience and its so nice that you can have lunch there!
Author
It is worth going, I couldn’t believe how good it was!
When I finally make it to Europe, Scotland is at the top of my list. It seems like the type of place where you’d be walking amongst history, I’d imagine that’s how you felt as you walked through where Mary Queen of Scots lived. The Royal Yacht Britannia sounds like a memorable visit as well. Great job writing all of this!
Author
Thank you! Edinburgh is very historic, everywhere you look there are old buildings. The castle was very interesting, as was the royal yacht.
I’m heading to Scotland this fall so I this is perfect timing! I’m a total history buff so Edinburgh Castle is definitely on my must see list. The views of the city look great, too. I didn’t know about the Royal Yacht Britannia and it seems like an interesting place to visit, especially since it’s the 20 year anniversary of Diana’s death.
Author
Fantastic! Have a great time! The Royal Yacht is great to visit and the entrance is in a shopping mall so can also go shopping or use the free wifi!
I love Edinburgh! Your post brought back some fond memories, what a gorgeous city. I never saw the Britannia though, there’s a good reason to go back 😉
Author
I’m so pleased! It is a great city & now you know what to go and see next time!
Always love reading about Edinburgh, such an amazing city, what a nice way to do it by a cruise!
Author
Cruising is a great way to see so many places & you only have to unpack once!
The queen and prince studies are quite spectacular. Wow your right it feels more like a ship rather than a yacht.
Author
I was cruising so this felt like a mini cruise ship!
Thats awesome!
This is a great guide to cramming as much into one day as possible – this isn’t uncommon when on a marathon trip. Scotland has been at the top of my list for so long, so hopefully, I’ll get to take advantage of this guide soon!
Author
If you’re willing you can do it! Enjoy Edinburgh when you get there 😀
I’m so in love with this castle. Scotland is so on my to go to list. The Royal Yacht Britannia also looks awesome. I really love ships, maybe because of my last name…lol. I found your essential items of rain gear interesting. Lol. Does it rain that much?
Author
Love our last name! The Royal Yacht is fantastic & unfortunately it does rain a lot in Scotland!
Edinburgh is on my must visit list (a long list), I just don’t seem to get there. Thanks for the handy tips, and I definitely want to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, that would have been very cool.
Author
I hope you get there soon!
Scotland and Edinburgh are stuff that dreams are made of. There is so much to see and experience in Ediburgh. The charm of the city, the romance of its castles and historic buildings combined with natural landscapes combine to make it a charming city. You have listed down some wonderful sights and experiences which will stand us in good stead when we do get there.
Author
I feel like I’m there again the way you described it! Enjoy when you get there!
We will be there next year! And will definitely visit the castle – my husband is obsessed with castles!
Author
You will not be disappointed! Have a great time!
Edinburgh is one of my favorite cities – though I haven’t visited the Royal Yacht Britannia yet, thans for that tip. I’m a massive royals fan, so visiting the room where Charles and Diana spent their honeymoon is epic!
Author
If you are a fan of the royals, you will love visiting the royal yacht!