Christmas has come early to Edinburgh with the launch of Edinburgh’s Christmas Festival 2017 earlier this month. It’s such a wonderful time to visit Scotland’s capital city for all ages and if you are looking for a central apartment, which is a great base from which to explore Edinburgh on foot, then look no further. Our ground floor, main door pad has two bedrooms – one double and a twin, a large sitting room and dining kitchen and bags of charm.
Wander around the European Christmas Markets stretching along East Princes Street Gardens and up the Mound and enjoy the eclectic shopping experience.
Edinburgh’s Big Wheel
George Street is getting in on the act this year, with more Christmas Market shops, Santa’s Grotto and an amazing ice adventure taking you on a journey through frozen Scotland with mythical creatures and historical figures carved out in ice. With sub-zero temperatures, be advised to wrap up warmly for your tour.
If you can face it, do try out the festival’s circular skating rink. We got our skates on and took to the ice on St Andrew’s Square last Sunday. It wasn’t busy and I made my way slowly round the rink, casually clinging to the barriers all the way around. I was lapped several times by more junior members of my family, but I didn’t mind – I was just relieved after the half an hour that I made it round safely without sustaining any injuries.
Skating in St Andrew’s Square, Edinburgh
If you have a head for heights – 60 metres to be exact, try the Star Flyer or the Big Wheel at the east end of Princes Street Gardens – both offer breathtaking views over the rooftops of Edinburgh. Along the same lines of the London Eye, with enclosed pods, it has to be said the Big Wheel offers views at a more sedate pace.
Do you have a head for heights?
For something a bit more mindful, head to the http://www.rbge.org.uk/whats-on/home/christmasRoyal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, which is only a short walk away from our self-catering apartment on Bellevue Terrace. From November 25, the trees and the glasshouses in the Botanics will be spectacularly lit, creating a festive trail throughout Edinburgh’s wonderful arboretum. There’s lots to see and experience – from the enchanting Choir of Trees to the scented Fire Garden and the Crystal Lawn, where you can choose the colour of the trees yourself. The magnificent beech hedge to the north of the gardens will be lit up with flashes of sparkling light. I gather there might be an opportunity to see Father Christmas and his Elves on your tour – always a highlight for younger members of the family. When your tour is finished, hot chocolate, mulled wine and toasting marshmallows on one of the fire pits beckons.
We still have a good number of nights still available in December at our luxury city centre holiday apartment – 1 Bellevue Terrace, including the weekend 15-17 December. Prices range from £405 for a 2-night stay to £675 for a 7-night stay. For further information or to make a booking, visit our website.