Edinburgh - Edinburgh Castle

We arrived nice and early to Edinburgh Castle, which opens at 9.30am. Already there were long queue already! Tickets are a little expensive (£16.50 for an adult ticket) but this is a must see attraction if you visit the city. There is the option of the audio tour for a little extra cost, but we chose to go on the free guided tour. Our tour guide, Liz, was a friendly and knowledgeable guide who took the group around the key highlights of the castle grounds and their historical backgrounds.The tour took about 30 minutes, after which we perused the castle at our own leisure.

There is so much history encapsulated in Edinburgh Castle. St Margaret’s Chapel is the oldest building in the city, built in honour of one of the Scottish royals’ wives. She was famed for her benevolence and generosity, always seeking to make sure the poorer people were well fed and clothed. After her death, she was made a saint.

The War Monument contains books dedicated to those who fought bravely in battle, and the war and regimental museums provide an insight into what conditions were like. The castle also features a pet cemetery for soldiers’ pets, which I thought was quite interesting. It places quite a big importance on animals and their relationship to the soldiers.

The War Monument

The Pet Cemetery

There is also the opportunity to view the military prisons, the Scottish Crown Jewels and so much more. I couldn't possibly fit everything in one post - there is too much to see!

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Edinburgh - National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is a vast building filled with exhibitions and displays covering nature, history, art, literature and science. There are also sections dedicated to Scottish history and culture. There is so much to see, I could possibly see one spending the entire day here! Another bonus is that it is free admittance. We were only here for a few hours, so unfortunately we didn’t get to see everything. My particular favourites were seeing the displays on different world cultures, natural history and the environment and the pivotal role Scotland has played in popular culture and art through the ages.

Bideford Christmas Lights Switch On 2016

On Sunday December 4th, Bideford Quayside was closed for the Christmas Lights Switch On event. Due to work, I wasn’t able to see the lights switch on, but I visited the fair beforehand. It was very cold but that didn’t stop the many visitors from getting into the Christmas spirit! There was an opportunity to have a “steam train” ride around the town and free reindeer antlers and Santa hats were being given away for free! There were lots of rides, hot food stalls and games. We won a teddy! There was also live music playing from the stage. Well known characters, including Batman, Peppa Pig and one crazy looking Pikachu walked around greeting everyone. It wouldn’t be Christmas without a few reindeers! They attracted a big crowd and mostly did some eating. The event closed with some spectacular fireworks from the riverside.

Edinburgh - Eteaket Tea Room and Ibis Hotel

We arrived on a Thursday afternoon. Luckily for us, the sun was shining as we made our way to the Eteaket tea room on Frederick Street. Eteaket is famed for its teas, and they supply many local restaurants and other cafes. The tea room itself is quite spacious and full of customers, which shows how popular it is. As well as teas, light lunches and afternoon teas are also on the menu; something to suit any occasion. I opted for a high tea, with Royal Earl Grey tea. The high tea is priced at £8.45 and includes half a sandwich of your choice (I had Scottish Ham and Cheddar Cheese), scone (fruit or plain) and a mini cake (I think I had lemon cake). Tea is also included. Eteaket uses loose leaf tea, good quality and better tasting. The waitress also brough a mini timer. When the sands run out, the tea has brewed for long enough and is ready to drink after you remove the filter. What a beautiful cup of tea! The food was tasty and filling too, making it a great value high tea...

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