This is VERY much worth doing. We did a lot in Edinburgh but this will be by far the most…read morememorable. DO THIS. This is not a good tour for handicapped as there are stairs and these are real caves so you must be sure footed and not afraid of the dark or small spaces. You must get tickets ahead of time before leaving the U.S. This is a VERY small operation and you must email or call many times to get the tickets. Calling from the U.S. is VERY expensive so try emails and keep at it as you will need to do quite a few back and forth emails. To get there from the center of Edinburgh. Get a one day bus pass for Lothian Buses today. Have exact change. Buses only take cash. It was 1lb 70 per person when we went. Take bus #3 to Mayfield or Dalkeith (2 #3 busses) or #29 to Burkenside/Gorebridge from North Bridge, it takes 25 minutes. Get off bus at Gilmerton Crossroads. Arrive 10 minutes ahead of time and knock on white door in Gilmerton Cove bldg. Bathroom is across the street in Gilmerton Cove Community Center (just walk in and follow the signs). Grocery store is right where the bus lets you off (in case you need shortbread or other cookies!). Return by bus #3 Cloverstone or #29 Silverknowes to go back to Northbridge.

I randomly came across this place when I was looking through activities in Edinburgh for work stuff…read moreover a year ago. It was ranked number three on Trip Advisor of places to see in Edinburgh and I had never ever heard of it before, even though I worked just around the corner from it!!! You could easily drive past it as it's on a main road and the entrance is into a small cottage which you wouldn't necessarily notice. It's out in Gilmerton which is only a short bus ride (no. 3 or no. 29) away. Once you go downstairs into the basement you'll see underground passageways and chambers which have been hand-carved from sandstone. You need to make an appointment to see it as it's a very small place and they only take up to 12 people. It's a simple, very enjoyable tour and it will leave you with lots of questions about the place that can't be answered, yet! I would recommend anyone to pay a visit.

Wow...just wow...Carberry Tower is absolutely stunning and I was lucky enough to attend a wedding…read morereception here last night. When you turn into Carberry you are met by a long, tree lined drive with cute wee bunnies hopping around the grounds, I couldn't help but let out a huge "awwwwwwe" at the beauty in front of me. Round the side is no less beautiful with well groomed gardens and knee-height maze-like plants (yip I had a wee run round!). Then there's the hotel; full of olde-worldy grandeur (you know, the kind with knights armoury and shields dotted about the place), you can't fail to be impressed by its appearance, and inside is no different. It's a rabbit warren of snugs, stairwells, nooks and crannies and so much fun to explore. The library is utterly charming while the drawing room has a piano tucked away in one corner (cue chopsticks by a slightly inebriated me!). There is a very small bar, which for a wedding wasn't ideal due to the large number of guests (probably fine for regular stays however), and a word of warning, it isn't cheap...2 (single) Hendricks and tonic waters...£14! And sadly not even served with cucumber! Bar prices aside it was a really lovely venue for a wedding, I'm told there is even a Chapel in the grounds - you can't get more romantic really. As an evening guest I haven't tried the food so don't feel I can award the full 5 stars but it's definitely now on my radar to go back for a meal.

I feel that my experience of this gorgeous hotel was tainted slightly by the fact that I was…read morestaying here prior to having Major surgery the next day. The hotel is set in stunning grounds and we found it quite easy to find. We had booked through booking.com and experienced no issues with the booking process. We were allocated room 315 which was right at the top of the hotel with a window that unfortunately was painted shut. It was an unbelievably hot night when we stayed and the room was stiffling hot. It would have been nice to be able to open the window for fresh air. Although our room was compact there was a great use if space and we were very grateful if the free water! Due to my appt we didnt sample breakfast the next morning but I did manage to make great use of the amazing white company toiletries on offer and the shower was brilliant! I would really like to return here and stay when i dont have the stress of such a major life event looming where i can truely relax.

Standing just over 200ft (61m) high, and known as the Gothic Rocket, the Scott Monument is often…read moremistaken for a church - understandably, perhaps - and dominates the view of the eastern section of New Town along Princes Street. Following Scott's death in 1832 the people of Edinburgh decided that a monument should be built in memory of one of Scotland's best-loved literary figures. At the time he was probably the most widely read British author of the era. The Scott Monument is the largest monument to a writer in the world. some data says, its 2nd largest though. This is especially fitting, given that Edinburgh is a UNESCO City of Literature, having been home to many notable writers, such Scott, Burns, Stevenson, Conan Doyle and many more! There are 287 steps to the top of the Scott Monument, from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside.

This gothic monument to the famous Scottish writer (Sir Walter Scott) is so dark and mysterious…read morelooking during the day. It's an even better view at night when it's all lit up. It kind of makes you wonder what it actually looked like before it soaked up "auld reekie's" pollution back in the 19th century. In a way, the black soot actually gives it more character. It's also a nice contrast with the white Carrara marble statue of the writer. Do you see his dog (named Maida) laying to the right of him? So cute! So, if you can actually see the outer architectural details then you're in for a treat. It stands at 200 feet tall and has about 64 statues that represent some of the most notable characters in his novels. To be honest, I was more impressed with the gargoyles. We didn't attempt to go inside to climb up to the top of it, but many pay to do that. I'm sure it's a nice view. The courtyard surrounding it was being decorated for Remembrance Day celebrations. I loved seeing all the crosses and red poppies around it. It's definitely a must see monument, and certainly one that you're going to eventually pass by at some point during your stay in Edinburgh.

Circus Lane is probably one of the most picturesque parts of Edinburgh, thanks to Instagram. It's a…read morebeautiful place and a hidden gem to visit. We went here early on a weekday morning, and it was quite quiet. However, be respectful, as this is a normal street where locals live. If you're looking for a quick pick with a beautiful background, this is highly recommended!

We stayed in Stockbridge area during our visit, so it only took 3-4 minutes walk from my place to…read moreCircus Lane. I took advantage of that and went here a few times during our stay since it's such a picturesque cobbled street. It gets quite busy in the afternoon since everyone wants a photo here, but if you're patient you can get some good shots without people in the background.

A beautiful old country house with historic charm. This gigantic mansion is home to one of the…read moreworlds finest art collections. The whole place can be rented for events and is truly worth it. Think Wayne Manor just for your group. We had a bbq reception there and it was just breathtaking to stand on the terrace and watch the sunset, and then going inside to listen to the jazz band playing their tunes.

I've been there not so long ago and I'd recommend this place for anyone who wants to get away from…read morethe city rush but not move away from the city itself. Large gardens with lots of footpaths around the castle plus stunning views over the Firth of Forth (especially on a bright and sunny day), quiet with a bit of Victorian atmosphere stil in the air. A trip for a half a day with a picnic basket higly recommended!!

I'm literally speechless how awesome this place is and not to mention its remote location makes it…read moreone jewel of its kind. Crichton castle is kept and maintained by Historic Scotland and only open to visitors from April to September. Entry for non members is about £4.50. There is a small car park not far from the castle and a 10 min walk to get to the main castle entrance. The scenery surrounding the castle is awe inspiring. No need to hurry, just walk slowly, take in the amazing scenery and breath the fresh air. I believe the tower was build in the 14th century by John Crichton. His son became a very powerful magnate in Scottish history and started the castle's extension. During the 1600's the castle changed hands and later was neglected and became a ruin. The inside is not large and you can get around very quickly. You can see the italian style inpired inner wall, the old ruined tower, a well, wonderful views surrounding the castle and various chambers. It was a windy day and the walls offered me shelter.I could also listen to the sounds of pigeons giving the place a mystic background. There is a keeper who watches the place and ensures that the entrance is paid. He is a lovely soul. Outside I walked down to the stables that sheltered the horses. Needless to say, the horses were spoilt :-) Above the entrance you can still see a horseshoe imprint. Behind the stable starts a hiking path. Best you wear ideal shoes for the adventure. I defo will be back and a picnic will definitiely be on the cards as well as a wee wonder around.

This place is totally forgotten... this makes it perfect for very private, romantic picnic ;-)read more

Hundreds of people pass by them every day. These gracefully decorated pillars stay by the promenade…read morein Portobello like ancient guards. My friend and me thought they were from Roman times. As a matter of fact, they are only from eighteenth century and were part of the Argyle house construction. Have a close look at the patterns - it is a true art of masonry. One of the pillars is covered in small cute elephants.

I have a great fondness for this ram statue! Often when driving to or from Scotland we stop in…read moreMoffat for a meal and usually park near to this wonderful ram (it is surrounded by parking spaces in the middle of the main street). This statue was sculpted by William Brodie (1815-1881) and presented to the town by the local businessman William Colvin in 1875 to commemorate the town's thriving wool trade. Other notable works by Brodie which can still be seen today include his marvellous 'Hercules', a bronze statue in Portmeirion, North Wales. The Moffat Ram sits on top of the Colvin Fountain whose water was used by men and animals for drinking. There were once iron cups for men to fill from the water spouts whilst the animals drank from the filled bases the lower ones for dogs and the higher ones for horses! The ram was constructed without ears and a myth (apparently without any foundation) circulated for long afterwards that Brodie committed suicide when he realised his mistake!

This is a not very wel known castle ruin on top of a hill near norham castle its on a side road off…read morethe a698 and you stop at the bridge where there is room for two or three cars Its a walk up the hill and be careful with little ones and a climb over a still but well worth it when you get up there and if you are adventorous you can explore the ruin It was a 15th century tower house with had a mansion built onto it in the 18th century which was never finished and which went to ruin so it ended up as kind of a folly but an unfinished one Dont think many people go here as its not that well known but worth a look

Twizel has become very close to my heart, as my other half's brother had his ashes scattered here…read more Twizel castle is, as sharnad pointed out, one of Northumberland's sadly lesser known ruined castles. I say sadly, because it is really a beautiful spot, with a great position next to the Till. As well as an explore of the ruins themselves, there is also a large circular walk (running through the Tillmouth Estate?) but be careful, it becomes VERY muddy when wet!