Manchester/Scotland 2025 - Edinburgh Princes Street Gardens

 

Beautiful Sunday morning in Edinburgh! We were going to walk to Dean Village and then to Stockbridge for the Sunday Market, and then walk all the way back again! Weeeeee! I love a good long walk! And it was such a lovely morning too! I think we might have set off around 8am from our hotel near Waverley Station. We decided to walk through the Princes Street Garden park which was parallel to Princes Street anyway. Walking through the park is always nicer than walking along a road! Above is the view from Ross Fountain inside the park and looking towards Edinburgh Castle at the back. What a view!

The walk started off innocent enough, by us entering into the nearest side road to the park. It was a quieter entrance from the main gate at Princes Street. We were basically walking in general directly after having mentally mapped out the orientation of the city :)  This path lead us to more tree views than flower view, but it was still nicer than street view!

It was nice seeing all the different angle of the castle from almost any part of the city. So here we go again, photographing a side view of the castle from the park.

You could also see the lovely buildings of Edinburgh among the flowering trees, and the churches or school towers at the background. All too postcard perfect!

It was still early in the morning, but at some part of the park, people were already starting to gather to soak in the sun. I like that some part of the park has terrace ground where you could just lay there and still get an awesome view. Park seems to be such a big deal here, I guess aided by such lovely weather and cool temperature. If we did this in South East Asia, we would be perspiring and sweaty and getting bitten by ants or mosquitoes!

There were also some bench tables and chairs where you could sit down and eat at near the Ross Fountain. I mean, how wonderful was it to spend a day here with such a beautiful surrounding? Edinburgh people are so lucky! Noted hotels and dine-in are super expensive here, but still, if you were already living here, and there is always home cooked food to fall back on! You could have such a lovely life here!

This was also the first time we actually took time to explore and admire the gardens. The previous time we were here was I think our first day when we were just getting orientated around the New Town area. That Sunday, we had more time, so we took a good look around, especially of all the sculptures that could be found here. 

More were dedicated to war. Scotland, such a culture of war in their history. Just last night I was watching a clip on the 100yrs war between England and France, ended only when Joan of Ark died and became the symbol of the resistance of France. It's weird, I don't believe we read about Joan of Ark in our history book. She died at 19! She must have been quite a lady! To inspire a whole country to fight the English!

Anyway, here is another sculpture that reminded me more of Russia than Scotland. Apparently the bear is Polish! And name Wojtek the Bear. You can read more about him here. I find it interesting that I learn more about the place I've visited more when I blog about it, cause I felt that I should know something about these things when I post about then on my blog. I guess that's a good thing. 

So back to the gardens, eventually the path lead us back to Princes Street path stretch, and that was were all the flowers were mainly found. It was the season of tulips and cherry blossom, so it was such a love sight!

I love the shape of tulips. They always looked so plasticky, almost unreal. Perhaps it was because I've only seen fake ones from my country. But here, here they are just found almost everywhere!

The pink ones were especially soft and lovely too. I couldn't get enough of them. I will be going to Scotland again in 2026, but just 1 week later than in 2025. I hope the flowers will still be blooming, and I especially wanted to see the cherry blossom trees tunnel at the Meadow. So I am really keeping my fingers cross that I would be in time :)

Here are some cherry blossom trees, or sakura! How lovely! Ever since I stopped working, I have somehow managed to see sakura almost every year during spring time! I hope to carry on this for as long as I can! The past two years have been in Scotland, and the previous one was in Korea. The year before that was a brief one in Fukuoka at the end of spring. I wonder where next year would lead me :)

A selfie of me with the sakura trees.

And one of us at the Ross Fountain and the Edinburgh Castle :)  

It was hard not to fall in love with Edinburgh.

Manchester/Scotland 2025 - Edinburgh New Town Walk, Dinner and Summary Photos

After exploring the old town, we were once again back to the new town area. Our last task of the day was always to find food or to top up our food supply from M&S Food Hall located at Princes Street. I noted that people were saying to get food from Tesco or Salisbury, but I don't recall seeing any near where we stayed! Perhaps I should research more on that for my next trip, even though I think the food at M&S was just lovely for me!

 

From the new town area, you could see Calton Hill around Waverley Station/Princes Street area. I had wanted to climb up to see the view and the attractions there, but Edinburgh is a very challenging city to navigate because there are a lot of elevation in our daily walk. I found myself constantly exhausted by the time we were back in the hotel! I couldn't even find the energy to do my daily Facebook post for my trip! My first since I started travelling. Luckily my husband sometimes pick up on my slack :D  Anyway,  I have again put Calton Hill on my itinerary again for my upcoming trip, but I've also put Arthur's Seat as well and I already know I would most likely pass on that as well! Don't be lazy Cordy! At least conquer one of them on your next trip!

Some of my timeline photos might be jumbled up, but above is the view as you're walking down the side road from the castle. So you exit the castle from the main square, and you turn left around the Witches' Well, and walk right down, you will find a lot of stairs all the way downhill till you reach Princes Street Garden. Yeah, not for the the faint hearted with weak knees. But you will get a different view of Edinburgh, and as always, it's a lovely view.

I think this building is one of the university, and we did eventually venture into it one of the days. I just can't quite remember which one. Perhaps it was when we were back from Dean Village. 

Walking around Princess Street, you could also see Egyptian looking sphinx on some buildings. It's weird, I've seen a few sphinx in Europe, but what I really really wanted was to see them in Egypt. Perhaps it is about time I visit Egypt? 

More lovely pub establishment buildings, this one is the The Doric. Am I missing out by not dining in them?

St Giles' Church. 

More unique building, I think this is also around Royal Mile area?

The Scotsman that was very nearby our hotel. Edinburgh is so compact that you could see all the sights in one single day if you just walk around the city! I never imagine that I would be able to see most of the buildings on my to-see list so easily!

There was another themed attraction called the dungeon nearby our hotel too. I read it was more of a theatre experience, and I forgot whether it was a themed dining too. Because it was just entertainment, I lost my interest in it since it wasn't really a real dungeon experience. Still wondering about visiting the Real Mary King Close.....

View from the Waverley bridge walkway. We have to walk by this bridge almost daily as it connected us from our hotel to M&S on Princes Street. We could walk through the station, but it was nicer to walk outside than it was inside the station.

And now, the M&S Food section! I'm excited to show you all my favourite food here! It was ridiculous how I could just eat my every meal from this store! Even eating some items daily! Anyway, let's start! Above is probably my favourite chips/crisp from M&S. They cost 2.5pounds for a bag of 6, and I always get these. I bought 2 packs back home with me too! I love to eat them after my meal, like a meal deal, but separately and cheaper! You could also pick them as part of your meal deal, but I'm beyond that now!

I'm also a fan of these lovely eccles cake. I wanted to try it after watching Aziraphale ate one in the Good Omen series. I ate two in the whole of my trip, and I will be sure to eat them again! The inside is filled with a berry jam like filling, but somehow I was ok with it. All the bakery were very nice here, even though they weren't kept in an air tight container! So every time I see them, I would buy them. 

I also found cheese! I love cheese! I wasn't sure if I could finish them since my husband don't eat cheese much. But eventually I did bought a tray and ate it for two days with some tortilla chips which was super cheap. I got a big bag for only 1pound and ate it with cheese and also hummus. Those are my dinner! 

There was also tapas sold at M&S, and compared to Singapore, they were super cheap, maybe just 2 to 3 pounds, or sometimes you could buy more at a lower price. So we got those, and the seafood here is just excellent! Who needs restaurants????  Black berries were a default buy whenever I see them. They cost around 2pounds each, way cheaper than in Singapore! It's the only country I don't blink an eye when buying them. They are also quite cheap in China, but they tasted a bit chemically..... 

Wraps are also very cheap here, around 1pound for a big bag. So we make our dinner with wrap, salad, and tapas! For breakfast it could be ham and cheese. There is also always milk and fruits around. A friend once asked how I survive in Paris for a week without spending a bomb there on food, I told him we ate out of markets and supermarkets. I still remember the most delicious chicken rotisserie we ate there which we bought at some random market near our apartment. I don't even know how to go back cause it was just such a random buy, and so cheap and delicious! 

Bon appetit. I know this aren't traditional Scottish food, but they are still considered foreign food to me, and considered European! So I'm gonna eat these as much as I want before I'm back in expensive Singapore :)

Manchester/Scotland 2025 - Edinburgh Harry Potter Museum of Context

Here Ye! Here Ye! You knew if was bound to happen somehow! A full blown Harry Porter dedicated post. I mean, I'm not a big fan, but how could I not when you're in Edinburgh, the birth place of Harry Porter? So for this post, it's dedicated to the Museum of Context, a solely Harry Potter merchandised shop located at Victoria Street Edinburgh.  

There is a queue even to get in. It's a 3 storey shop, and it's very cramp and narrow inside, so I guess the queue was more for safety. I visited this shop twice on my trip, both times I had to queue -_____-

Even before going into the shop, there were many Potter related signs and things to see outside of the shop, So don't miss them if you're a Potter Fan! I'm not, really. I mean, I do own the book boxset, which I haven't read. And I have watched the movies, which I did not finished to the end..... But it would just be a shame if I was in Edinburgh and not visit all these well known Potter sights. 

I have actually seen the 3/4 train platform before at St Pancras London when I was there. But seriously I wasn't a fan then either, and couldn't even find a photo of it, lol. I recall seeing it, it was just a sign on a wall, and I seriously wonder why it was such a big deal in the first place :P

Once inside, it was a pretty impressive shop. Above was on the first floor, and I love that they have a room under the stairs just like in the movies. 

Lots of souvenirs to spend your money on here. 

I was even impressed that they have letters from the author herself hung up here. 

Going upstairs on their narrow wooden stairs, was a lair with mirrors. This was really impressive. This could have been a themed park! Are there any Harry Potter theme park in the world? I remember seeing magic shops in Movie World in Australia's Gold Coast when I went there for my honeymoon. 

Quirky signs. I would have love this hung outside my bedroom as a kid or teenager. Seriously, if you have the money, and you're a huge fan, you shouldn't miss this shop at all! They have everything!

Again, I was impressed with these wands on sale here. Made of real wood too! None of those plastic stuff. I can't deny it that I was pretty tempted to get one. But I had to remind myself that I wasn't a fan, and wasn't gonna waste my money on a stick! Besides, I'm more of a witty witch kinda gal.

Beers from the money. I can't remember if I've ever tasted these before. I'm pretty sure I've tasted butter beer. It must not have been very impressive because I can't recall when it was, or how it tasted. Or perhaps I was confused with foamy beer from Japan..... Either way, I wasn't really tempted but these although I do love the packaging of these bottles.

I spent some time looking at these beautiful charms, and was seriously considering whether to bring Dobby home. Again, I reminded myself not to be caught up in the moment! I am NOT a Harry Potter Fan!

I lingered at the book display for a while. I'm actually glad I took this photo, as it was the determine point for the book I wanted to buy as a souvenir of my trip. Yup, I actually went back to the shop on my last day to buy one of the book on display! I was just as surprised as anyone else when I walked out the store with probably my most expensive souvenir from Scotland! A Book! Hahahahahaha. And I haven't even read it! I didn't read a few pages of it. But I wanted to really enjoy it slowly.... cause it was freaking expensive!

Ok, some side notes. Just opposite the Museum of Context, there is also a whimsical shop called The William Burked Museum where you can see weird shit. I didn't really venture in. If you want to see weird shit, but in a better location, do visit the Surgeon Museum. I plan to do just that on my next visit, although I am not sure how my husband would react to that. No, gore isn't a fetish of mine. I just happen to really like anatomy, and anatomy museums for humans are so rare in Asia.

There are also witchery tour and ghost and giggles..... Maybe if I have time, I'll go visit these places again. Gosh, I hope I have time. There is always just so much to do here! A most enjoyable city to visit indeed!

Since this is a Harry Potter themed post, I'll end here with the Original Elephant Cafe, which was burned by fire and undergoing renovation when I was there. I understand that it has been completed and you can now go visit it again. It's here Harry Potter was born, by JK Rowling as she sits here writing the stories. There is another newer cafe of the same name somewhere else, so be sure to look it up if you really want to go visit the original one and not just some cafe with the same name..... Good luck in your Potter Adventure in Edinburgh. I'm all grown up now, so for my next trip, it will be more of a Outlander themed trip :P   I'm not really a fan of that either! I'm only Season 2 half way in when they already have 8 seasons available! So much work to do before my trip!

Manchester/Scotland 2025 - Edinburgh Grassmarket and Victoria Street

Besides cemetery, we also wandered around Grassmarket after our visit to the castle. As you can see in the photo above, the castle is just above Grassmarket. We walked down the stairs from there and ended up here. It was kinda like the same way when we got to the Castle Terrace in the morning for the weekend market. If you have strong knees, Edinburgh is very very walkable if you knew where all the shortcut stairs are!

As this was a Saturday, the Grassmarket was packed with people just chilling out in the lovely Spring weather. There were lots of eating places here, and everyone seems to love outdoor seating. Do they not have crows or bird who sits on you here???? There was also a weekend market nearby, almost similar to the one at Castle Terrace in the morning that I suspect maybe like the Pasar Malam in Penang, the vendors also travel around to different location based on a set schedule.

I didn't really budgeted for much sit down dine in, so we just mainly walked around looking at the beautiful historical shops here. Above is the Beehive Inn. I love the way they named all the pubs and hotels and inn. It's so fantasy world to me! And their decoration was almost always equally whimsical. On my next trip, I hope to focus more on pubs and bookstore which I didn't really managed to do on my first trip here. I felt dining-in in Scotland was just so expensive. We have yet to dine at any restaurant except Oink since we arrived in Scotland. And with M&S so near our hotel, we didn't really need to. So most of our dining was outside of Edinburgh :P 

The White Hart Inn, so majestic in deco. I wander how much does it cost a night here? Would it really felt like an old inn? Ha, so after googling it, it's just a historical pub and no longer serve as an inn. But for your info, nightly accommodation nearby is around 164sgd to 344sgd here. In comparison, our place at Premium Inn Royal Mile cost us around 200sgd too, but at least we were near the train station. 

We saw this paella stall at the weekend market here, and I didn't managed to eat it because I hesitated whether to eat it. It cost around 12pounds for the seafood paella, but when I decided to go queue up and buy one, they told me they were sold out and closed for the day..... Luckily for me, we were going to visit another Sunday market in Stockbridge the next day, so hopefully I'll see them there as well. If I do, I will not hesitate again! I know that paella is actually Spanish, but I just love eating this, especially with sour cream and lemon wedges. I do cook this at home too, but I use a rice cooker, which doesn't have the charred aroma when cooked in a pan like this. I also skim on the sour cream and lemon wedges. If I feel rich I might add yogurt and calamansi :P

As night near, we started walking back towards the new town. The building anywhere in Edinburgh is as lovely.

We saw a few themed cafe and restaurant along the way too. Here is one on Wizard of Oz. At the time of our visit, Wicked was not released yet, so this was just a down to earth Oz Bar. I bet they have cash in since after the released of Wicked. If not, what a waste of oppurtunity!

There was also this Frankenstein Restaurant which I was interested in. It only opens at night, and the menu mainly consist of pizza and cocktails, so I decided that it was probably a cheesy place. They do have a coffin inside where the monster come to life periodically! lol. I don't know why, I love these cheesy things, but I won't spend my money on them, not unless they are really very money woof!

On our way back, we finally walked through the colourful street of Victory Street, or Diagon Alley for Harry Porter fans! There is a Harry Porter themed shop here, and I will tell you all about it in my next post!