Aberdeen - 25 Great Things To See & Do
This month I visited Aberdeen in Scotland to film a guide to all my favourite things to see and do in this lovely Scottish city. I have huge affection for Aberdeen and its people. My family ran a hotel in Aberdeen during the war and I lived there for four years while studying a law degree at Aberdeen University. It was so lovely to revisit all the places I loved as a student and to reflect on the time that has passed since those days. It’s a city very much off the tourist map, but I think it’s got a lot to offer…
Beautiful White Horse Close on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile
Edinburgh has many beautiful closes & courtyards, but perhaps none more picturesque than White Horse Close in the Canongate, near the bottom of the Royal Mile, just a few minutes walk from the Palace of Holyroodhouse. In the 1500's it was the location of the Royal Mews and it's thought that Mary, Queen of Scots stabled her white palfrey here. The close was at one time known as 'Laurence Ord's Close'. He was a wealthy local merchant who …
Visiting Edinburgh Zoo
This forward thinking and pioneering zoo opened its gates in 1913 and is located just three miles west of the city centre in the suburb of Corstorphine. There are over 2,500 different animals to see from all around the world. From delightful Meerkats and beautiful Red Pandas, to characterful Penguins and amazing Giraffes, there’s a whole world of natural wonder just waiting to be discovered, right here in Edinburgh. Two of the zoo’s most famous animals are ‘Wotjek’ the Soldier Bear (Memorial statue in Princes St Gardens) and ‘Brigadier Sir Nils Olav’ …
Visiting Dr Neil’s Garden in Duddingston, Edinburgh
This fabulous botanical garden, located on the banks of lovely Duddingston Loch, is often called Edinburgh’s secret garden. It’s located close to Arthur’s Seat, on the edge of Holyrood Park, and is about a 20 minute drive from the city centre. It’s the creation of husband-and-wife team, Drs. Andrew and Nancy Neil, who ran a medical practice in close-by Meadowbank…
Visiting Tweeddale Court on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile
The entrance to Tweeddale court is located opposite John Knox House. It contains Tweeddale House which is a great example of the townhouses Edinburgh's wealthier residents built, away from the hustle & bustle of the Royal Mile. As you enter the court through the close, you’ll see an impressive wall on your right. This is believed to be a remnant of the …
Visiting Riddle’s Court on The Royal Mile - A Hidden Gem
Tucked away off the Lawnmarket, near the top of the Royal Mile, is one of Edinburgh's best kept secrets. It's also one of my favourite buildings in the city. Riddle's Court is a superb 16th century, A listed, courtyard house which is now the Patrick Geddes Centre for Learning & Conservation. Riddle's Court was originally built in 1590 by Baillie John McMorran, but gets its name from George Riddell who reconstructed it in 1726.
Visiting The Royal Mile & Old Town in Edinburgh - What to See & Do
At approximately a mile long, The Royal Mile is a series of ʻOld Townʼ streets connecting Edinburgh Castle at the top with the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the bottom. In the video above (just press red button) I walk the Royal Mile and show you all the highlights. I’ve listed all the places in the video at the end of this article. Hope you enjoy the video and it inspires you to visit. If you’d like a private tour you can book with me here…
Visiting Edinburgh Castle - What to See & Do in This Amazing Castle
A few weeks ago I visited Edinburgh Castle and I hope you enjoy the video I filmed during my visit, which you can see on my YouTube channel. I cover most of the places you should see while you’re exploring the castle, and I would give yourself at least two hours, preferably three. Tickets can sell out on the day, so make sure you book online a few days before you plan to visit.
Free & Fun Things To Do In Edinburgh, Scotland
We’re incredibly lucky in Edinburgh to have a lot of things to see and do, which are completely free. Whether you’re a local, or visiting Edinburgh for the first time, here’s a few suggestions that’ll hopefully make your money go that little bit further.
Edinburgh For Families - Great Things To See & Do in Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is a great city for children and families, with lots of visitor attractions, activities and parks to enjoy all across the city. If your kids are Harry Potter fans, don't miss the ‘Potter Trail Tour of Edinburgh’, which is very entertaining and really enjoyable for the whole family. The Museum of Childhood and the Scottish Storytelling Centre will also keep you and the kids amused for hours…
Spending a Day in Edinburgh - What to See & Do
Edinburgh is a fantastic place to spend a few days. From the aesthetic delights of its architecture, to countryside just on your doorstep; from its vibrant nightlife to its cosmopolitan artistic culture, you're simply spoilt for choice for things to do. For three amazing weeks in the summer, the city famously hosts the largest arts extravaganza in the world: the Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe…
23 Quick Travel Tips For Visiting Edinburgh & Scotland
If you’re planning to visit Edinburgh soon and the rest of Scotland, here’s a few tips to help you get the most out of your visit. From midges to driving, money and finding Wi-fi, here’s some of the things you should know before you arrive in Scotland.
Visiting Inverness - 18 Great Things To See & Do in Inverness, Scotland
By David Wheater
Inverness is often referred to as the capital of the Scottish Highlands. I love visiting, and in my new video you can see all my favourite things to see & do in this lovely Scottish city. Here's a list of all the places I visited in the video, which I managed to do on a long weekend. Please remember to support as many independent cafes, restaurants & shops as you can while you're in Inverness.
Visiting Glencoe & Beautiful Sanna Bay in Ardnamurchan, The Scottish Highlands.
By David Wheater
Scotland is just amazing for its sheer diversity of landscape, coastline, geology, wildlife, flora, history and culture - it’s the blend of all these things that makes this wee country so special. A place that’s one of my biggest escapes, is the remote, unspoilt Ardnamurchan Peninsula on the west coast, not far from Fort William. The lighthouse there is the most westerly point on the UK mainland.
My New Walking Tour of Leith and The Shore in Edinburgh
By David Wheater
Leith is one of my favourite districts of Edinburgh. There are so many interesting historical buildings and hidden gems to discover - that are rarely visited - which is such a shame. It's got a great feel and the vibe is very much of a district on the up, with much renewed confidence & optimism. If you’d like a private tour of this wonderful area, please get in touch.
A Mysterious Cave in Roslin Glen - Wallace’s Cave, Scotland
By David Wheater
This fascinating cave extends about 12 metres into the cliff and contains two recesses which are very atmospheric and dark. It's thought that it may have been a hiding place of Sir William Wallace, hence its name, and other soldiers during fighting in the Battle of Roslin on 24 February, 1303 nearby. It’s a little vague as to whether Wallace even participated in this battle, but the legend remains.
Visiting The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), Inverleith, Scotland
By David Wheater
One of my favourite places in the whole of Edinburgh has to be the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in Inverleith. If you're feeling a little stressed or frazzled - it's the ideal place for some peaceful, quiet contemplation, in amongst some beautiful, restorative surroundings.
Located just a mile from the city centre, the beautifully landscaped gardens have existed on the present site since 1820 and are free of charge to visit (except for a small charge for the glasshouses).
Visiting The Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland
By David Wheater
At the other end of The Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle lies the majestic Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British Monarchy in Scotland.
It's well worth combining a visit to the Palace with a tour of the adjacent Scottish Parliament and then taking a walk up Salisbury Crags for great views of the city. Here's a brief introduction to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, with some of its highlights.
Exploring St. Ronan’s Wood at Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders of Scotland
By David Wheater
St. Ronan’s Wood is a lovely, mature broadleaf & conifer woodland, easily accessible from the town of Innerleithen in the beautiful Scottish Borders.
As well as a diverse range of trees including beech, oak, ash and rowan, the views from the top of Caerlee Hill and adjacent Lee Pen are just amazing, making it well worth a visit.
My 20 Favourite Pubs & Bars in Edinburgh, Scotland
By David Wheater
Edinburgh has an amazing number of excellent pubs and bars, some of which date back hundreds of years. The Sheep Heid Inn in Duddingston is thought to date all the way back to 1360!
Edinburgh offers a diverse range of bars and pubs, from pubs of ornate Victorian splendour, to cosy hidden drinking dens off the Royal Mile and fashionable city centre cocktail bars. There really is something to suit all tastes and preferences.