Long weekend in Edinburgh
To celebrate turning 30 the hubby and I went away together for a long weekend in Edinburgh.
We originally looked at a mini city break a little further afield but when we priced it up it was going to be more expensive than our week long holiday to Majorca in September!
So we parked that idea and decided to look a little closer to home.
By train Edinburgh is less than two hours from Newcastle and it’s such a gorgeous city it felt like a no brainer.
I love Edinburgh and the last time I visited was for my friend’s hen do – some five years ago!
We wanted to be within walking distance of the Royal Mile, the Christmas Market and restaurants so plumped for the North Bridge Lofts apartments.
After leaving Chloe the Clio at my mam’s house and her kindly dropping us into town our train journey began.
We’d booked our tickets online in advance and it cost us £30.45 for the two of us there and back.
The views on the train of the Northumberland coast and countryside are stunning so I always really enjoy the journey.
Once we arrived in Edinburgh and found our bearings we realised the apartment was only a five-minute walk from the train station and really close to the Royal Mile too.
We couldn’t actually check in until 3pm but you can use the special bag-drop off cupboard which we did.
To enter the building you have to enter a unique code which is all sent to you via email prior to your arrival.
The same code is also used to access the luggage store and your apartment – which is safe and secure and means no keys!
Without our heavy bags we decided to go explore what was nearby and then headed for lunch.
We played it safe and headed to Pizza Express for lunch before heading to check in.
The lift only works to the third floor so we then had to carry our bags up two flights of stairs – some free cardio!
Our apartment wasn’t huge but it had everything we needed, was clean and cosy – perfect.
It was great to see that the bed was king sized and not two singles pushed together!
The kitchen was small but ideal and even had a washing machine – not that we used it.
We spent our few days in Edinburgh exploring the gorgeous Christmas Market and I even started my Christmas shopping!
I persuaded Steve to go on the big wheel with me and the views were totally worth it – I don’t think he enjoyed it as much as I did!
I’ve walked the Royal Mile lots of times and made my way to Edinburgh Castle but hadn’t actually been inside the walls.
On our last full day we decided to explore Edinburgh Castle, at £36 for the two of us it was a little pricey but I really enjoyed it.
I do think Bamburgh Castle is better value for money – however it is the capital.
The views of Edinburgh and the coast from the castle are stunning.
I really liked walking through the prisons and learning more about the history of some of the prisoners. 
We enjoyed lots of lovely food – the stand out restaurants for me were the Badger and Co and the Printing Press.
Although we didn’t partake, I really liked that the outdoor ice rink wasn’t the traditional square but was oval and skaters skated around the bar.
The buildings were decorated for Christmas and were so pretty – it did help get me more in the mood for the festive season!
We had a lovely chilled few days (literally as it was quite cold in Edinburgh) and clocked up lots of steps.
I woke up on my birthday in Edinburgh and then we headed back to Newcastle to continue the celebrations.
I’d absolutely recommend the North Bridge Lofts apartments – they were secure, clean and cosy as well as being so close to everything.
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How I celebrated my 30th birthday
I enjoyed tasty tapas and treats when I dined out in Durham
The girls and I enjoyed Afternoon Tea at South Causey Inn
We also enjoyed the pamper party package at South Causey Inn
Other review posts
We kick-started the 30th celebrations with Bottomless Prosecco Afternoon Tea at Hudson
Catch up with our first glamping adventure at Hesleyside Huts Northumberland
We had a blast at Mr Mulligans Space Golf
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Happy Birthday, looks like you had a great weekend away. Xx
Looks fun. I havent been to Scotland in a few years, we are really looking forward to making a trip back sometime soon.
I love Scotland. We had a fantastic break x
Enjoyed the travelogue. Brought back lovely memories from a time when I had visited this gorgeous city. 😊
This looks like an absolutely fab weekend away Rachael! I’m glad you had a lovely birthday. The apartment looks awesome, it is huge! The views from the big wheel are incredible, I think I’d be a little nervous but it looks worth it. Yum, all the food looks so tasty, it looks like you celebrated your birthday in style! Thanks for sharing and gorgeous photos too <3 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Thanks Bexa. I had a lovely trip and fab time celebrating my birthday!
Food looks amazing!
It was so so good!
Fabulous fun Rachael, so glad you enjoyed your big 30! Pinned this too.
So jealous. On my list. I think Christmas time with the lights and decorating would be extra special. Especially for birthday!!
Edinburgh is always lovely to visit but yes at Christmas time it does feel a little bit more special!
looks really lovely, I haven’t been to Scotland in years!
Lovely summary of your weekend away. I used to visit Edinburgh often but have not been in ages, tempted to try it again after this!
It’s such a lovely city.
Wow – Looks beautiful and lots to do – Edinburgh is definitely one on our list of places to visit.
There’s so much to do!
Happy birthday! I found your blog through Twitter and I really like it! I am planning to go to Edinburgh next spring so this was a very interesting read for me 🙂 Have a lovely weekend!
Thanks for stopping by! Edinburgh is a lovely city and there’s always plenty to do I hope you have a fab visit!!
Edinburgh looks like it’s filled with incredible architecture. Gorgeous!
It’s a beautiful city. You can see why J.K Rowling was so inspired to write there.
Yes, if you’re going to Edinburgh (which I’ve only done once, as part of our honeymoon trip), you must go inside the castle! Fab way to celebrate your 30th Bday! 🙂
Thank you 😊
Loved Edinburgh definitely would like to go back that loft looks gorgeous we did the hop on/off bus 🚌 to make the most of our weekend definitely suggest this if going 😊
What a lovely place Rachael. Looks beautiful. Excellent post too.