Lewis Posted July 2, 2013 Share Posted July 2, 2013 My brother and I decided a few weeks ago we wanted to go to Edinburgh so I've booked the Megabus and we're going this afternoon! We're staying quite close to the centre, not far from the Uni. I wondered if people had any recommendations of where to go, what to see and any must do things? We're both students (well, I graduate next week) so ideally low cost things. Top of my list is to go to the Zoo and see the Pandas so will get the tickets booked for that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 Ohh, you lucky thing! We had a great week there about 9 years ago ( ) and spent the whole time in the Old Town! I really recommend Mary Kings Close - its not free but totally fascinating. Its about half way down the Royal Mile on the left (with your back to the castle!) Worlds End pub is nice - on the other side of the RM. Its called that, apparently, as that's where the old city wall ended at some point way back! Theres also another great pub on the way down to Grassmarket on the left - great pint of Deutchars! The museum is AMAZING and worthy of a full day - can't remember if its free tho! Just opposite is Greyfriars Cemetery which is very spooky, even in broad daylight. We wanted to do the 8.00pm ghost tour there but were too scared! (If you are braver than us I think it leaves from the Merkat cross in the RM?) There are so many bodies in there that the houses that back on to the grave yard are about 2 floors higher at the front than at the back! There is another museum (of science?) at the bottom of the RM behind the parliament building and that was very interesting too. The parliament building was a work in progress when we were there but I should imagine that you can go in and have a peek should you feel so inclined! Otherwise its just great to wander up and down the RM and soak up the atmosphere - as long as its not raining! The castle was interesting but, as I recall, expensive. John Knox house may be worth a look (again on the RM) but was closed for refurb when we went so can't actually say! Hope the weather is kind to you - have a great time and please excuse the spelling!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 Are you nearly there yet? So sorry; I have 2 boys of 9 and 5 and couldn't resit that!!! Sad! PS The nice pub on the way down to Grassmarket is called The Bow Bar........just remembered! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Princess Leia Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 Zoo, Edinburgh Castle (a bit touristy), the Royal Mile - try and join one of the free walking tours, Thunderbird 3 - AKA the Scott Monument, Calton Hill gives a nice view of the city and the castle. I doubt you'll run out of things to do! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LolaLayla Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 I'm just back from Edinburgh today. It is really busy at the moment as there are a lot of graduation ceremonies going on. I went to visit the Scottish Parliament Building a couple of years ago and took a tour. It was really interesting but I think it depends if there are debates on as to how much you can see. Have fun! ANH should be able to help most with this question Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted July 4, 2013 Share Posted July 4, 2013 Have given Lewis some ideas already but I'm using my mobile which is a bit laborious! Dynamic Earth is the science museum mentioned. The Botanics are lovely - and free! The ghost walks which start on the royal mile are usually a good laugh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gongladosh Posted July 4, 2013 Share Posted July 4, 2013 you could always sample a pint of 'Vitamin T' (Tennent's) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken deficient Posted July 4, 2013 Share Posted July 4, 2013 I was at uni in Edinburgh, (doing a course you'd probably have liked), and haven't been back since, (not because I didn't like it, but because I'd get too upset), so my information may be a bit out of date... - walk up Arthur's Seat, the extinct volcano, for excellent views - Rose Street is worth a walk down for cafes and shops, it runs parallel to Prince's Street, (behind it) - Prince's Street gardens - Holyrood park and palace - the zoo, as you have said - the botanical gardens - a trip out to the Pentlands for a walk would be nice - aim for the Flotterstone Inn and walk from there. They did great pub food when I last went. - and of course, a pub crawl - Cowgate and the Grassmarket was always a good one Have lots of fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted July 9, 2013 Share Posted July 9, 2013 Soooooooo, how did it go? What did you do? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted July 9, 2013 Share Posted July 9, 2013 30 degrees in Edinburgh today . Wouldn't fancy being a tourist tramping the streets . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted July 11, 2013 Share Posted July 11, 2013 Lewiiiiiisss - please report back! Keen to know what you did and did not enjoy/do! We are keen to take the boys( Nearly 9 and 5) some time soon so any feedback very welcome! Did you do the ghost walk? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted July 11, 2013 Share Posted July 11, 2013 I'm sure your boys would enjoy Dynamic Earth . Mary Kings Close is cool and a bit spooky . Zoo is excellent. Deep Sea World was also a favourite with my boys when they were younger. Do they ski? Hillend ski slope is very good (and is only 5 minutes from me!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken deficient Posted July 11, 2013 Share Posted July 11, 2013 I used to go skiing there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 You are right...they would love Dynamic Earth but Mary Kings Close would prob freak them out! The castle was good but expensive; thinking of taking the children puts a totally different slant on what to do as, last time, it was just us As for ski ing...I'd be a total wreck watching them zip down the slope (smother love ) The only prob is that the boys don't have passports and I think they would need them to fly with Easyjet (tho I can't for the life of me understand WHY ) Mine has expired too and we are looking at around £200 to sort the three of us out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 Are you sure you need passports? Doesn't some other form of ID do for internal flights? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surfer_chicken Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 Are you sure you need passports? Doesn't some other form of ID do for internal flights? I fly fairly regularly between Birmingham and Glasgow for uni and you need photo ID for domestic flights, so most commonly a driving licence or passport. I'm guessing the kids will need passports but if soapdragon has a photo driving licence that will be fine I enjoyed Camera Obscura in Edinburgh, but not sure how different it is from the one in Aber! There's lots of optical illusions, buttons to press and other hands on things, so it's very fun with young children. I'd suggest going on a quiet day if possible though, so you don't have to queue to use each bit. We went to both Edinburgh and Stirling Castle, and I preferred Stirling. They've renovated it so it feels like it would have done when it was in use. Very warm and cosy, with lovely bright painted ceilings and tapestry on the walls. I finally understood why the rich chose to live there, before it just seemed cold, damp and drafty Plus they have staff dressed up as servants and ladies in waiting who stay in character whilst describing what life it like, which my niece and nephew (3 and 6) loved. Edinburgh Castle was a lot more touristy, a little like the Tower of London. If you know you're visiting multiple castles (and a few other attractions) in Scotland you can buy a pass for the week which gives you a fairly good discount. I think it gets you into 5 places over a 7 day period and you save money once you visited 2 or more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted July 13, 2013 Author Share Posted July 13, 2013 Sorry for the late reply, have been busy graduating! Had a great time We went for breakfast in Elephany & Bagel and later found out thats where JK Rowling wrote some of the Harry Potter books Edinburgh Zoo was great - met the Pandas and loved the new Penguin exhibit!! We tried to find the Museum a couple of times but got lost, them found it on our last day on the way into town to go home! Sure we'll be back so can go next time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted July 13, 2013 Share Posted July 13, 2013 Are you sure you need passports? Doesn't some other form of ID do for internal flights? I fly fairly regularly between Birmingham and Glasgow for uni and you need photo ID for domestic flights, so most commonly a driving licence or passport. I'm guessing the kids will need passports but if soapdragon has a photo driving licence that will be fine I still have the old pink paper licence; the only photo ID I have is my badge thing from working at the local Children's Centre so I am guessing that won't do. Seems madness that we have to spend such a huge amount on passports just to be able to fly to Scotland Maybe we'll investigate the west coast sleeper in a year or two. Glad you had a good time Lewis, congrats on graduation! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goosey Lucy Posted July 13, 2013 Share Posted July 13, 2013 MIL turned up at Birmingham airport to fly here (Isle of Man) without her passport, her photo card bus pass was accepted. Probably best to check with your own airline but here is Flybe's information. The following is from Flybe's website: Domestic/Republic of Ireland travel All passengers, adults, children and infants, travelling to the Republic of Ireland must have a form of ID which proves their nationality/citizenship for immigration purposes. Children under the age of 16 do not need to show ID on domestic routes. The adult they are travelling with can vouch for the infant's/child's identification, providing the relevant photo ID is shown (by the adult). On International routes a passport will be required. Flybe is legally responsible for ensuring children over the age of one-year-364-days do not travel on the lap of another passenger. When travelling with an infant on a domestic route, therefore, please ensure you bring either a birth certificate or passport to prove date of birth. On International routes a passport will be required. A valid passport An expired passport (domestic flights only up to two years after expiry) Valid photographic EU or Swiss national identity card Valid photographic driving licence Valid armed forces identity card Valid police warrant card/badge Valid airport employees security identity pass A child on parent’ s passport is an acceptable form of ID CitizenCard Valid photographic firearm certificate Valid Government-issued identity card SMART card Electoral identity card Photographic disabled badge NUS card photographic (National Union of Students) Photographic university/college ID card Company ID card of nationally recognised company (photographic) Council issued bus pass (senior citizens only) Pension book (the only acceptable form of non-photographic identification) Young Scot card Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
