The antidote to a sunny, tropical vacation spot, Edinburgh is the city where sunny days are sparse, but remarkable culture and great tea – always lots of great tea – are omnipresent. Rainy though it may be, this is one of those places that can make gloominess feel beautiful, and it means there’s always an excuse to duck into a warm bar or café when things get too inclement to be outdoors.
The elegant route calls for a tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where the Royal Family resides during visits to the country. It’s been used for this purpose since the 17th century (before this, it was the permanent residence of the Scottish monarchy). The private apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots are open for public viewing, as is Queen Elizabeth II’s visiting chamber. Seeing both of them feels like taking a half-hour-long trip through history.
A trip to Edinburgh would never be complete without walking down the Royal Mile, so head up the road from the palace and enjoy some High Street shopping or one of the many whiskey tours offered along the Mile. Not to forget the aforementioned tea, finish at Clarinda’s Tearoom, a small, unassuming, and completely charming tea shop with courtyard views and all the British infusions, tea or otherwise, a person could ever want.
Edinburgh is dark, moody, and beautiful- bring along the unique Rho handbag to fit in perfectly.
Note: This article was originally published in January 2016 and was updated in May 2017.
Leave a Comment