Christmas is coming early to Edinburgh with the launch of Edinburgh’s Christmas Festival 2019 on November 16. 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, a dining kitchen and bags of charm.
From the apartment it’s an easy walk up to Princes Street, where you can 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
Castle Street and George Street are also in on the act again this year, with more Christmas Market shops, festive bars, 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 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 breath-taking 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 Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, which is only a short walk away from our self-catering apartment on Bellevue Terrace. From November 22 to December 27, 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.
On the subject of lights, the Giant Lanterns event is also returning to Edinburgh Zoo from November 15 to January 26 and includes an extended route and over 600 brand-new lanterns which will transport visitors back to a pre-historic age.
We still have a few nights available in December, in addition to the Christmas week at our luxury city centre holiday apartment – 1 Bellevue Terrace. Prices range from £415 for a 2-night stay to £975 for a 7-night stay from 20th December. For further information or to make a booking, visit our website.
The Spacious Sitting Room in 1 Bellevue Terrace