Britannia, Holyroodhouse, Dean village

Today I got up early and explored the streets of Edinburgh for some Harry Potter inspired photos before the crowds arrived.
We are staying in a wonderful location on a street called West Bow that continues into Victoria street.
This is where JK Rowling is said to have received her inspiration for Diagon Alley. I can totally understand why! It was a magical time to take photos.
After that we packed our things, headed for coffee and grabbed the double decker bus. A sobering photo of the circle where many were publicly beheaded for their faith is here at Grassmarket just across from where we are staying 😥
A shoutout to the bus service here it’s very efficient!
They have free earphones and a constant commentary as you’re cruising along.
We arrived to our stop near the water and did the tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia. It was incredibly well preserved in every way. It was tastefully decorated but not excessive. I can imagine the efficiency needed with every voyage. 44 times around the world and over 1 million miles! It was so interesting to see the queens bedroom and working office on board, the engine room and staff quarters, state room for banquets, rooms for dinnerware and glassware and so much more.
We then got back on the bus to The Palace of Holyroodhouse. This is a working castle that housed Mary queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. It has a large, well appointed 4 hectare garden that is used for special events today. They have 6 full time gardeners who also manage to take cuttings and germinate their own flowers.
So grand! Full of stories and intriguing details from times gone by. I loved the commentary especially hearing from the current royals and their thoughts and memories on the Palace.
The boys took off to a museum while Jen and I went to Dean village. It was such a stunning part of the city, green everywhere with a rippling brook winding its way under the giant arches of the bridge. Found some beautiful Roses and thought of my gardening friends Jenny and Glenys 🌸We navigated our way back successfully after lots of turning the map upside down 🤣 and the boys cooked some hamburgers for dinner. They were delicious. 👏
A final wander around, gelato and view of the magnificent castle before we say farewell to beautiful Edinburgh.
A full day, 14,000 steps and very difficult to manage only the 20 allotted photos!Read more