My Guide To: Edinburgh

All images taken by myself

I apologise for not warning you this was going to be a very image-heavy post but Edinburgh has been one of those cities i've always fancied visiting, and it was inevitable that I was going to take photographs at every opportunity. Having never stepped foot in Scotland before, I flew up with my family for a three-night break in the dreamiest apartment right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the Old Town (on the Royal Mile). If you've been to Edinburgh before, you will know that the city centre is made up of two key areas - the Medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town. You've got all the history, Edinburgh Castle, the Vaults, St. Giles Cathedral and the true essence of Edinburgh up in the Old Town and down below across Princes Street Gardens (that separates the two) is the New Town - full of all the shops you could ever wish for, and cool new bars and restaurants.

I could never have guessed how hilly the city is (coming from a city like Bristol - you'd think that nowhere else could possibly beat those killer Bristol hills; think Park Street, Bridge Valley Road, St. Michael's Hill - yep we've got the lot). But Edinburgh Castle was built upon a huge peak, and a mere 20 minute walk down the Royal Mile you'll reach the 650 acre Holyrood Park housing the historic ancient ex Volcano - famously known as Arthur's Seat (823 ft). We spent Tuesday afternoon climbing Arthur's Seat, taking us just over an hour up and down and the views are truly spectacular! Pack some good walking boots or trainers as the terrain gets pretty rough/muddy in areas (especially near the top).

Wednesday was for Edinburgh Zoo. I've heard great things about this Zoo, but nothing could prepare me for how truly amazing it was! Full of strange and wonderful creatures that you never normally get to see in any old Zoo (Pandas, Sunbears, Tigers, Indian Rhino and African Wild Dogs), we had a wonderful day. The Zoo was practically empty. As it was a weekday in the middle of winter, I'd guess a visit to the Zoo would not really be everybody's cup of tea if they could be drinking hot chocolates by the fire instead - so we practically got the place to ourselves. And who knew there was even such thing as an Indian Rhino, huh?!

I spent Thursday morning looking around Edinburgh's New Town on and around Princes Street - Edinburgh's main shopping street. After gawping at everything inside Harvey Nichols, I quickly popped into Topshop, Whistles, Anthropologie (fast becoming my favourite interiors shop) and Cruise (Edinburgh's 30 year old menswear independent designer boutique) before flying home in the evening.

If you ever get the chance anytime soon, then you must take a trip to this beautifully unique and historic Scottish capital. I honestly can't wait to visit again - there really is nowhere like it!

Sorry I couldn't resist... Most of my photographs (182/271 to be precise) were taken at the Zoo. I used to be into Wildlife Photography when I was at school, entering competitions etc. so I couldn't help but inject a little bit of animal humour!