Edinburgh - what is there to do?

[Mark]

OK then, a variation on MB's previous thread.

I'm planning to be in Edinburgh for the meet and then for 7 days after (going back the following Sunday). As I'm sure quite a few of you know, I'm a can't drive/won't drive person, so copying things suggested for Matt would be slightly problematic.

So, would anyone local(ish) care to suggest places in Edinburgh to see, and places outside gettable at via public transport (train/bus). Seeing the city is one thing, but I'd like to see some scenery too.

Suggestions for good places to eat would also be most welcome. While I'll certainly investigate a Haggis Supper or two (whisky excluded - sorry folks), there must be other local delights to discover.

Thankyou muchly.


PS - I was about 10 minutes from cancelling the entire trip earlier today due to having to attempt escape from some difficult financial problems. In the end I cancelled something else - that'll learn it.

[LeperousDust]

The public transport is excellent, lots to do and see, but (in my experience) it can get quite expensive. Also how much walking would you like to do? There's probably a fair bit involved if you're doing a few things

How much would you like to spend on food? I can recommend you places on the student cheap () or as much as £100 a head

[Mark]

I'll certainly not be splashing the cash, but I'm not quite as cheap as a student.

Walking, within reason. I walk 1-2 miles fairly regularly these days, but my feet do still get sore.

It's a shame my bus pass doesn't work up there. Damn Scottish parliament wanting to be different.

[LeperousDust]

Hello Mark, sorry about the delayed reply everything is going on left right an centre here recently it seems!

Edinburgh wise, you have the dungeons, castle, holyrood palace are all very close and obvious if slightly commercial and pricey. Great viewing point from scots monument, but were talking hundreds of steps and small places (well worth it for pictures though .

Rosyln is just outside Edinburgh, and if you've read the de vinci code thats the chapel thats involved, plus a lovely Forrest lives right next door and really is wonderful in the summer for walkes and a little history, thanks to the old mine/quarry and arms factory there. Thats just down the a702 (buses available for not sure about direct though).

Oh buses cost £1 anywhere, so thats easy as long as you make sure you've got change on you.

Leith is nice to have a browse around, although i must admit i havent done this properly so i wont recommend anywhere here really but i'm sure theres loads there too. Trams are currently being put in place between prince street and leith but you wont benefit from this convince till about 2010 or later or whenever haha, buses again are excellent from here though!

Tones of shops everywhere around princes street, regular on princes street, tourist on royal mile (high street) and rose street, and expensive boutique on george street.

The zoo and botanical gardens are nice places if the weather is on your side and again linked by bus from princes street.

Also guided tours of edinburgh (foot and bus) are held all the time although ive never been on one they are probably very interested,m i have just read up on the history of edinburgh myself, but there certainly is a LOT to this wonderful city.

I'm brain dumping atm hense theres no order and i've kinda run out although i know theres a lot more i can't think right now i'll add more as i engage my brain

http://lothianbuses.com/routemap.php that is uber helpful with buses, and i wish all bus companies did this!

Food wise Jacksons is reasonablely priced for very nice set small menu and thats right on royal mile so pretty much middle of town. For a little more extravagance i'd recommend the Attrium, taster session is £50 without wine (wine is as you can imagine horrendously expensive though). But they also do set menus for about £30 i think and the food is something special. Theyre both very nice modern food places.
Also check out the The Living Room for yet cheaper but still very yummy food!
Just in case you feel flush look into the witchery or Oloroso, or maybe even the tower, all pretty expensive places where you wont get much change out of £50 for a meal, and £100 for drinks and meal probably, but in most cases worth the extravagence for the wonderful setting and dining experience. All places are pretty relaxed ith the dress code too so no need to worry.

Right that really is everything i can think of just now if you need more detail ask, and as i think of more i'll update! Hope this helps! Plus i'll actually be around probably while youre here so dont hesitate to ask of course!


Tbh i don't mind walking you around Edinburgh and just talking (i talk a lot!) guiding you round everything i know, i know a fair amount of this places hsitory as once you start reading it really is fascinating! I don't charge much

[Blackstar]

Buses are £1.10 now actually

[LeperousDust]

WTF? Really when did they go up!? Jesus how out of touch do i feel....

[Mark]

No rush dude - it's still five weeks away, though no doubt that'll disappear in no time.

Guided tours certainly appreciated, though I'm sure you'll have something better to do.

[Blackstar]

I know Alex, ****ing awful. I remember when it used to be 80p there is inflation for you! It went up about a month and a half ago, i had no idea until a few weeks ago night buses are now £2.50. Used to be £2.
I'm sorry i've not been very active in posting but it seems Alex has it covered anyway.

[Mark]

I'm considering doing one or two of these. One of the highlands ones most likely. Any that stand out as 'must see?'

http://www.scotland.org.uk/tours/schedule_summer.htm

Also, am I going to get eaten alive while doing this?

Thanks.

[LeperousDust]

I'm not the one to ask on those type of excursions, i just know loads about Edinburgh itself... But you may get to see the Haggis monster The little critter...