Ever since I watched the bucket list and the scene in "New Year's Eve", I've liked the idea of keeping a
list of things I particularly want to do. Perhaps one day I'll share my
personal bucket list, but, for now, I thought it might be fun to share my
Edinburgh-specific list of things I want to do.
Despite my many Edinburgh explorations over the years, there are still various places, restaurants, and activities I want to visit/do. Hopefully, I'll get the chance to cross a few things off my list that I have never gotten around to. I also intend to blog about the activity when I cross it off the list. So, without further ado let's get started with the list.
My Edinburgh Bucket List
1. The Scott Monument - Done!
Some of you may be quite surprised that I haven't climbed the Scott Monument yet, it might have something to do with the fact that I'm not very keen on heights but hopefully this year I'll have the guts to just go for it as I hear the views are spectacular.
Update: Did I make it to the very top? No, but I really enjoy what I did see. First of all, the views are truly magnificent and I'm sure they would be even better if you were brave enough to climb to the very top. Secondly, I was pleasantly surprised to find a beautiful small museum on the first floor with four stunning stained-glass windows which were designed by Scottish artist David Roberts and made by James Ballantine. The museum turned out to be my highlight!
2. The Roseleaf Bar/Restaurant - Done!
I've heard glowing reviews about this quirky bar near the Shore. They're also meant to have delicious vegetarian food so I can't wait to visit and try it.
Update: The Roseleaf has become one of my favourite places to pop into for a drink or a spot of lunch. Thanks to Mini Mack Tours for treating me to one of their Edinburgh tours which stopped here and I got to tick it off my list.
3. Gladstone's Land
My mum kindly treated me to a National Trust membership and I'm looking forward to visiting various historic buildings and gardens with it. Gladstone's Land, one of the oldest buildings on Edinburgh's Royal Mile, is top of my list!
4. The Secret Herb Garden - Done!
Nestled at the foot of the Pentland hills at the edge of Edinburgh lies the Secret Herb Garden set within a magical 7.5 acres bordered by native hedgerows and a gentle stream - plus they have a glasshouse cafe. I've seen so many lovely photos and it looks magical! Definitely, one to visit in spring or summer when it's all in bloom.
Update: I can confirm it's just as magical as it sounds! I remember visiting with my close friend and then flatmate. Being "poor" students we didn't have anything to eat but we did enjoy a lovely wander around the grounds. I'll leave an old YouTube video if you'd like to watch it.
5. Nelson's Monument - Done!
As I previously mentioned, I'm a little apprehensive to go up the Scott Monument but I think Nelson Monument looks much more manageable, so perhaps this will ease me into the Scott Monument.
Update: Thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Nelson's Monument. I made it to the top without any anxiety and was blown away by the beautiful views across Edinburgh and beyond. There's also a small museum on the ground floor.
6. Mary King's Close - Done!
The Real Mary King’s Close is a warren of underground streets and spaces. For years, the hidden Closes of Old Town Edinburgh have been shrouded in mysteries and it sounds like something I would love to learn more about. I've actually wanted to do it for a few years but it has just never worked out.
7. Afternoon Tea at the Colonnades, The Signet Library - Done!
Is it silly to say that afternoon tea is my favourite meal of the day? Perhaps, but it is. By no means do have it every day but, to me, it's the perfect balance of sweet and savoury. I've been fortunate enough to enjoy various afternoon teas in Edinburgh over the years, but the Colonnades have been top of my list for a while.
Update: As part of my research for my book Pockets of Pretty, I got the opportunity to cross this off my list with Sharon/Mrs Bite from Bite Magazine. We were kindly gifted an afternoon tea and it was sublime. I wrote a short blog post about our visit which I'll link here.
8. Rooftop of St Giles
I've been in St Giles several times but
I'd love to join one of their tours which apparently includes a visit to their rooftop - I bet it has stunning
views of Old Town!
9. Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - Done!
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is one of the most iconic events in Edinburgh's calendar. The Tattoo celebrates the skills and talents of military bands and display teams from across the globe. As if it wasn't impressive enough that 1,000 military and civilian performers from around the world deliver superb performances which show their precision and hard work, the Tattoo also has Edinburgh Castle as a backdrop.
Update: What can I say about the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, other than it's simply spectacular! I'd happily go every year.
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