We traveled through Europe on a whirlwind trip last summer. As soon as I returned to Boulder and the room stopped spinning, I wanted to go back. Two locations touched my soul, imagination, and heart. I will return to London and Edinburgh in October. Read on for travel ideas, castle hotel recommendations, a new bucket list, and lots of photos.
Why I chose London and Edinburgh
This is a last-minute trip. Norwegian Air flies direct to many locations from Denver and the prices are cheaper than a flight to Wisconsin. I want to take my time and enjoy these amazing locations.
English speaking countries are less taxing and stressful for me.
Although I have run into people of Scotland and England whose dialect was so heavy or sentences so laden with slang, I had to say, “What?”
First stop, London.
Last summer, revisited:
London is full of history, amazing architecture, restaurants, bakeries, pubs, shopping, and theater. I find the monarchy truly fascinating.
I’m aware of the Tube aka, subway, but I bring comfortable shoes or “trainers” and put in lots of miles. There are amazing things to see on every block.
My husband and I did the Buckingham Palace thing.
Taking a walk with Charles Dickens:
Then we walked in the shoes of Chuck Dickens to his favorite pub crawl. Then we took a tour of his first home. I would highly recommend it.
Ready to cool our heels, we enjoyed a splendid tea time at Covent Garden’s Ladurée.
According to my app, we walked 12 miles. Note to self: Buy new “trainers.”
Hotel recommendation in London:
I drew this for a contest last year. It’s the lobby of the Grange Wellington Hotel.
I recommend The Grange Wellington for your next visit. It’s quite reasonable and the location is hard to beat being near Victoria’s Station, Kensington, and Buckingham Palaces. We stayed there last year for the Bloggers Bash where I met the most fantastic people!
One day of touring wasn’t enough to see all of London. This time, we’re planning ahead.
Plans for London:
October should be a lot quieter than June, so I want to tour the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, see a play, indulge in some amazing restaurants, tea time, and hit Selfridges. Their displays alone are worth a trip. I’ve also researched some secret places and will report my findings…
Onward to Scotland
Having less than a week to tour the whole country last year made traveling a blur. Its pristine beauty, amazing castles, and historic sites, along with being a huge Outlander fan, drew me back. And the best part? It was a lot less touristy than other parts of Europe. I would imagine it’s what Ireland was like fifty years ago.
Some tips if you travel to Scotland I learned from the school of hard knocks:
Last year’s trip began with soggy suitcases in Glasgow. (Their luggage conveyor glides in and out of the terminal, even if it’s a deluge. Expect a long line for checking passports, like everywhere else. Bag your clothes if your suitcase is fabric.
From there we drove to Edinburgh. I immediately drove into head-on traffic even though I discovered a great way to learn how to drive. In my defense, it was a wide boulevard street with a median and a slight slope. Do I sound defensive, much?
I would highly recommend staying in Dalhousie Castle outside of Edinburgh. So authentic, I half expected to see knights jousting on the lawn.
We toured Rosslyn Church, Melville Castle, and Edinburgh Castle, and walked a block or two on the Royal Mile, but didn’t spend much time exploring the city at all. We didn’t even sit on Arthur’s Seat! Too many things.
From there we hit a breakneck pace driving north to Inverness via Perth.
Make sure to stay at the historic, Culloden House of Outlander fame. The service is amazing.
After shopping in Inverness, we drove along Loch Ness. I didn’t see the point in taking a boat ride since the views from shore were amazing.
We took a tour of the Loch Ness Museum. Yes. Nessy caused quite a stir back in the day. Then I spied TWO little Loch Ness Monsters!!
We woke at the crack of dawn and made the ferry to Arran Island. After a wonderful meetup with Barb Taub, we flew out.
This time I’d like to relax and enjoy the charming Scottish people, so much like the friendly Midwesterners of my youth. Wow, that sounded so Dickensian. Being Outlander fans, there are quite a few castles, standing stones, quaint villages, and historical locations to check out. Some secret places too… We’re staying at another castle hotel. I can’t wait.
I’ll keep you posted!
Live in the UK and want to meet up? Let me know in the comments and we’ll make a plan.
Have you been to England or Scotland? Do you have any recommendations? Where would you like to go next?
Related posts:
Culloden House, Loch Ness, and Arran Island in Scotland: Photo Essay
Crossing Paths with Mary, Queen of Scots in Scotland: Photo Essay
A Day in London with Charles Dickens: Photo Essay
All photos are copyright protected.
You are probably all set, but if you ever needed a recommendation for a hotel in Edinburgh – The Holyrood Hotel was A-MAZ-ING with the best breakfast I have ever seen in my life.
And don’t miss Liberty in London, it’s my spiritual home lol 😂I wish!
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Thanks so much for the tips! We’re staying at a castle hotel near Edinburgh, but I want to check out Hollyrood. I would ask you what Liberty is, but I’m off to Google it!!
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OMG! Liberty is the home of the Arts & Crafts movement, William Morris, Dante Rossellini, stained glass and silk scarves.
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Very cool! I can’t believe they carry fabric. I used to sew curtains until I ran out of windows. Lol!
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Wait till you see their haberdashery it is the ‘trim’ capital of the world, and when you are finished there, wander downstairs to the perfumery to create your very on perfume.
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What??? Wow. That sounds amazing!
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I love Edinburgh. I’m going with my hubby for my 30th. It’s like 2 hours from where we live by train. Northumberland which borders England and Scotland is stunning – we have more castles than anywhere else in the U.K. so would definitely recommend a visit.
Rachael | https://rachaelstray.com
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Congratulations, Rachel! We’ll celebrate our anniversary on the 10th. Time flies! I’ll check out Northumberland. Our plans are still up in the air!
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Aw how lovely! X
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I was in Edinburgh last summer and would recommend a hop on and off ticket for 24 hours on the tour bus. You can see the entire city and get on and off at your leisure. They have a recorded narrative as well.
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That’s a great idea, John! That way we can get our bearings. Thank you!
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There is so much to see it helps.
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Definitely!
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Sounds like an amazing trip. Every time I visit London I see something different. I love to stop in at Harrods of course and Fortnum and Masons. I have yet to visit Edinburgh but it’s on the list!
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i’ll have to add Fortnum and Masons to the list. Thanks so much, Darlene! Yes, Edinburgh is worth a visit. There’s a lot to do not far from the city too!
Thanks!
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Sounds like a great trip upcoming, Susie. I’ve been to London twice, 50 years apart! The first time with the U.S. Navy and the second time with my wife and some friends. No sooner had we left that we talked about coming back just like you. Covent Garden was one of our favorites. We were serenaded there by a handsome young man, which Patty loved! I also met blogging friends while there. I went to Edinburgh (also with the Navy) and enjoyed it immensely, although as a young single man at the time, most of my attention was devoted to night life. Your helpful hints are just like you, always thinking of other folks!
Loved your hotel sketch. You are sooooo talented!
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Thanks so much, Al! Sounds like you had a great time on your vacation too! I’m not sure how long cheap airfare will last, so I’m taking advantage while I can. I just hope I can slow down this time and avoid the whiplash! Moving at a brisk pace is in my nature. 🙂
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Awesome images, Susie… A wonderful trip 🙂
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Thanks so much, Carol! I plan to blog new ones when we come back.
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Never been to Europe Susie.. I live through you
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You should go, Linda! You would love meeting the people. It’st the best part!
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Reblogged this on Dream Big, Dream Often.
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Have a great time! We did go to Ireland last year, loved it! Moving to Ecuador in a few months, so excited for that adventure.
It reminds us of Colorado–new explorations ahead!
Safe travels.
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Thanks so miuch! I bet Ireland was amazing. I haven’t been back since ’01. I wonder how much it has changed! Ecuador will be a real adventure. Keep us posted!
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It sounds like your last visit was good but to go into further depth should make this one even better. Have a great time and let us know how it went.
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Thanks so much! Yep. I plan to slow down and enjoy it this time, I hope. I still have a long list!
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That will be a great holiday, especially since you’ve been there before and can now do what you wish you had been able to do last time. And you’ll have all that prior knowledge now, so it will be easier for you in so many ways. Have a wonderful time! Can’t wait for your blog posts about it.
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Thanks so much, Anneli! Yes. That’s the advantage. The real challenge will be slowing down and relaxing. LOL!!
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In Scotland, I’d recommend you spend some time in Dumfries & Galloway. Our mountains may not be as high as those in the Highlands but we have stunning scenery from fantastic beaches to rugged hillsides and so much history. And, Sam Heughan comes from here. Let me know if you are likely to make it this way – would be delighted to be your personal tour guide!
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Thanks so much for the offer, Mary!
Sorry it took so long to get back to you. My mom is in town!
We were thinking about sticking around Edinburgh and going a bit west and north, but you never know. Nothing is set so I’ll let you know if there’s a chance we may head that way. 🙂 Love Sam Heughan!
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Great article and thank you for sharing it!
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Thanks, Sarah!
Have you been to the UK?
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Hi Susie! Yes, I have. 🙂 My husband and traveled to England and spent time is Kings Cross/St. Pancras in 2013. We had a great time! 🙂
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Fantastic! I’ll have to add that to my bucket list.
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My daughter, Emily, and her boyfriend are taking their study abroad semester at Edinburgh University and are both totally blown away by the experiences they are having. Emily is writing a blog about their trip which is how I spotted yours. I very much enjoyed reading it. (I used to live in London and worked in Buckingham Palace Road) I really enjoyed your photos and comments. Hope you enjoy your return trip in October.
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That is so cool! My daughter did a semester abroad in Barcelona and has become a very confident traveler through the experience.
‘m so glad they are loving Edinburgh. What’s her blog url? I’d love to check it out before the trip!
Thanks so much, J! Nice to meet you!
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Hi Susie, Emily’s block post address is https://emilyinedinburgh.home.blog
I hope this is in time for your daughter’s trip.
With good wishes,
John WL
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Thank you!
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Give my regards to London. I’ll be back there next June for the next Bloggers Bash (to be confirmed very soon). Don’t forget to visit the Christmas department in Selfridges and Harrods. I’d also recommend a wide ride on the London Eye (daytime and nighttime) and go and check out The Kings Road, South Kensington, for a shopping spree you’ll never forget.
Have a great trip, Susie.
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I will definitely add your suggestions to my list, Hugh! I really enjoyed the Bloggers Bash and wish I lived closer. Although $350 for a direct flight including seats, luggage and a meal is insane! I might be back again!!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
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That’s so great!!! I’m super happy that you’ll be able to return to the places that inspired you so much! Plus you’re going in October! Wow! Twice in a year … I want more of these awesome pictures and can’t wait to hear about your blogging buddy hangout sessions and WildRider adventures with Danny. Have an awesome trip!!!
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Thanks so much, Guat!
Yep, going last summer really resonated with me. I’m haunted by Dalhousie Castle and will stay in another one this time. I’ve been in revision mode for such a long time and really need to carve out time to write these new stories. It’s exciting to go some place with so much history!
Note to self: Must find editor!!!
Are you an Outlander fan?
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We live Just outside BuryStEdmunds in Suffolk and a few miles from many historic places including Lavenham. I won’t tell you more for Google does it more justice than I ever could. Though Lavenham If on my instagram, shots taken this Easter. I would love to catch up.
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I would too! At this point, we’re heading in the other direction, but I’ll let you know if something changes!
Looks like a fabulous part of the country!!
Thanks so much, Ellen!
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Sounds like a real whistlestop tour Susie. We spent 3 months in Scotland this summer and still hardly saw any of it at all. So much to see and do there and in London though, you could arrange a handful of trips.
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Wow! Three months? You got the full immersion experience!
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Definitely. We lived and worked in the highlands so got to experience Scottish life completely. Fabulous country.
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I bet it was amazing! The people are so friendly and happy.
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We went to London for the third time in January, but Edinburgh for the first time, and it was wonderful!
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It really is magical so I’m looking forward to the trip! I’m always in awe of the architecture since everything in the western US is relatively new.
I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it too!
Thanks, Bill!
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Enjoy life. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; make the moment perfect! (not my quote)
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Most excellent idea, Scott!
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Actually, was told to me by a Comcast technical support person after a call.
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Ha!
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I think you’re back already, but we must meet up next time. We are moving back to Edinburgh!
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Yes! I’d love to meet up! That is the magical place in the world. I’m working on a post right now!
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We were just there, now back up North. 😦
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Gah!!! We were there from the 8th – 12th.
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That was a sad face, not angry. Ha!
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Of course!
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