Luggage Storage and Local Experiences: Making the Most of Edinburgh’s Hidden Gems
Edinburgh is the heart of Scotland, its ancient capital, and one of Europe’s most mysterious cities. Founded in the 11th century, it has accumulated a vast number of attractions shrouded in myths from the past. The city’s location contributes to creating mystical legends — it stands on hills that were once volcanoes. We have prepared a description of the most mysterious and underrated attractions of this city so that you can plan your visit.
Things to Consider
Next, we will tell you about exciting locations, and you will understand that it can take more than one day to see the sights. Now imagine you will have to move around the city with heavy bags all this time. It is not the most pleasant experience. After a couple of hours, the trip will no longer be a joy for you, and instead of pleasant emotions, you will only feel the desire to relax.
Meanwhile, the problem is solved very simply. You need to find a Radical Storage branch near the train station. It is incredibly convenient because you don’t have to detour to pick up your luggage on the way back. This way, you can see the city quickly and pick up your luggage before the train.
Underrated Attractions in Edinburgh
Once you have your luggage securely stowed, it’s time to think about your route.
Historical Pubs and Restaurants
Among the many historic buildings in Edinburgh, a special place belongs to Mr. Brodie’s Tavern (Deacon Brodie’s Tavern). The fantastic history of this gloomy building is only known to some residents; in the 18th century, the building belonged to a wealthy merchant, Mr. Brodie. For many years, the talented swindler managed to lead a double life; he was a law-abiding merchant during the day, and at night, he robbed residents. Over time, Mr. Brodie’s secret was revealed; he was executed in one of the city squares. The ancient building has survived centuries later; today, it is home to a cozy pub where visitors can always drink their favorite beer and try national treats.
Among Edinburgh’s hidden places, the charming restaurant “The World’s End” is worth mentioning, whose main visitors are locals. The unique atmosphere of national color, rich menu, and decor with an abundance of antique elements make it difficult to imagine that such an attractive and quiet place can be located in the very center of the Old Town.
Catacombs
There is a street in the center of Edinburgh called the Royal Mile. Underneath it is the quarter of The Real Mary King’s Close. Before the plague in the 17th century, it was a trading area. But during the epidemic, a quarantine zone was created. Infected people were brought here and left to die. In this way, local authorities tried to stop the spread of the disease.
Later, part of the stone labyrinths was walled up and used as a foundation for building new streets. The catacombs were discovered at the beginning of the 21st century and turned into a museum. It is open from 10 am to 9 pm from March to October, from 10 am to 5 am from Sunday to Thursday, and from 10 am to 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays from November to February.
You can explore the gloomy dungeon accompanied by a guide. They will light the way with a powerful lantern and tell scary stories. One of them tells of a girl named Annie. Her spirit has not yet found peace, so tourists appease it with dolls. The townspeople claim that other ghosts live in the surviving buildings. During the 60-minute journey, you can walk through tunnels and narrow stone staircases to reach the gloomy rooms where sick Scots lived out their last days.
Volcano
The park adjacent to Holyrood Palace covers an area of 260 hectares and includes the ruins of St. Anthony’s Chapel and terraced gardens. But the most famous attraction is the extinct volcano Arthur’s Seat. Over an extended period, it was destroyed and turned into a hill, where, according to local legend, the Camelot castle was located. Scientists have discovered that large-scale battles took place on it.
You can climb it. The ascent takes the path that starts near Dunspie Loch and runs along the eastern slope. Having reached the top, you can admire the view of Edinburgh, the North Sea, and the Forth River from a height of 250 meters, take stunning photographs, and witness the sunrise or sunset. You will also be able to walk along the 50-meter Salisbury Cliffs adjacent to Arthur’s Seat.
Safari Outside the City
The Blair Drummond Safari Park, created in 1970 and covers an area of 49 hectares, is a 60-minute drive from the city. It contains representatives of the fauna of Africa and Asia in conditions as close to natural as possible, including giraffes, rhinoceroses, monkeys, Vietnamese pigs, llamas, wallabies, tigers, elephants, and lions. It is open to tourists daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm from March 21 to October 24 and from 10 am to 4:30 pm from October 25 to November 1.
Conclusion
While your luggage is safely stored, you can explore many amazing sights. Of course, it is impossible to cover them all in one article, but at least you know where to start exploring the fantastic city of Edinburgh.