The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a bucket list item, served as my rationale for making my fourth trip to Auld Reekie.
The Tattoo is one of the most iconic events in the world. It celebrates the skills and talents of international military bands and display teams from across the globe. Eight hundred military performers from around the world participated in Tattoo 2023, including the United States Air Force Band.
I had a blast ticking this bucket list item off. Truly enjoyed listening to the different bands and seeing the performance. The USAF Band got down, though I must say performing ‘Gonna Fly Now’ was a bit of a ‘Really?’ moment.
OMGosh, what an experience!
GETTING THERE
Getting to Edinburgh was a headache. I went against my normal routine and bypassed booking the first flight of the day. Instead, I selected a late afternoon flight to save €35.
I should’ve paid the €35.
In my experience, any flight scheduled to leave after 0930 generally experiences a delay 90% of the time.
Of course, my 1620 flight to Edinburgh was delayed until 1700. Nevertheless, we managed to get to Edinburgh a mere 30 minutes late, after we finally took off at 1730.
I nearly missed my pre-booked taxi ride because of the delay, plus the 50-minute wait at baggage claim. Hard to fathom how baggage from flights that landed 20 minutes after my flight was offloaded and delivered before baggage from my flight.
Okay, so I think I stick with flying to London and taking the train to Edinburgh the next time.
Lesson learned. Stick with routine whenever possible. Always get the first flight out.
Why? Because the plane is already at the gate. No need to wait for another plane to arrive from another destination where it’s been delayed.
LODGING
Finding lodging during this time was chaotic at best. There were rooms available, but prices were double, sometimes triple, the normal rates. I lucked out and found Lauderville Guest House, a relaxing haven within a 30-minute walk to Edinburgh’s City Centre and Royal Mile.
I can highly recommend the Lauderville Guest House in Edinburgh. It’s about a 30-minute walk to City Centre, but there is a bus about a 5-minute walk from the guest house.
Customer service was phenomenal. Simon, the host, was ready to please and make my stay enjoyable and relaxing. Since I arrived after 1830, I was provided instructions for self check-in, including how to access the key box and where to order the hot breakfast. Also, the room’s instructional packet provided more information regarding services and touristy-type tidbits.
My single room was tight but enough room to turn around without bumping into things. Same for the bathroom. Shower was a decent size and I can get in and out no problem. There was noise from the road, but nothing that kept me awake at all hours of the night.
Breakfast was good. Minimum continental fare, but a small selection of hot food like scrambled eggs and French toast were available, just have to order it the day prior. Breakfast was served only from 0800 to 0900, but there was no rush for guests to eat and leave. The “no takeout allowed in rooms” rule was surprising. However, from the cleanliness of the room and the ‘by-request only’ housekeeping service, that’s understandable.
Only two small things irked me during my stay.
#1: The Wi-Fi in my room was very spotty. Nothing major, but did cause a bit of a gripe when I had to send a business report.
#2: I would’ve liked to have a small luggage rack or small suitcase stand to put my suitcase on. Not a major issue, just a small thing so folks don’t have to use the chair or place their suitcase on the bed. The single room is tight, so I can understand not having one, but something to consider if a small stand can be placed in the room.
CITY LIFE
This was my fourth trip to Edinburgh, so I focused on visiting places I’d skipped during my first three visits.
MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD
42 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1TG, United Kingdom
The Museum of Childhood is free to enter, but does ask for a £5 donation. The museum offers a nice look into childhood’s past. However, there is no need to spend more than 30 minutes here. I did love the different board games and the Victorian fancy dress exhibit.
THE WRITERS’ MUSEUM
Lawnmarket, Lady Stair’s Cl, Edinburgh EH1 2PA, United Kingdom
The Writers’ Museum celebrates the lives of Scottish Literature writers – Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott & Robert Louis Stevenson. My expectations were high, but I didn’t spend much time here. A lot of portraits, rare books and personal objects, but that was all. Nevertheless, entry was free, so it is worth 30 minutes of your time.
THE SCOTCH WHISKY EXPERIENCE
354 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE, United Kingdom
Hey, just because I’m a teetotaler doesn’t mean I can’t learn and appreciate the science behind the making of Scotch whisky.
The Scotch Whisky Experience wasn’t boring, but it wasn’t as exciting as the Jameson Distillery tour in Dublin, Ireland, or the Glenturret Distillery tour.
The Scotch Whisky Experience centered mostly around sniffing whisky from different regions of Scotland, and a free sample of a whisky.
Nevertheless, the ‘Vault’ was amazing. Seriously, 3,384 bottles of whisky? WOW!
DINING
Edinburgh has plenty of dining choices. I focused on satisfying my taste buds with foods I don’t normally eat when at home during this adventure.
White Horse Oyster & Seafood Bar
Royal Mile, 266 Canongate, Edinburgh
Situated on the site of the oldest inn on the Royal Mile, the White Horse Oyster & Seafood Bar invited its customers to partake of some the best of British seafood & shellfish sourced from boutique suppliers across the country.
So I did. I ordered the Beef & Oysters, with a side of Tenderstem Broccoli. The meal wasn’t terrible, but the amount of oil made me gag a bit. I polished off the meal with a nice Pear and Jasmine Sour Fizz and a chocolate mousse for dessert.
Korean BBQ
6-8 Salisbury Pl, Newington, Edinburgh
When you have a hankering, you must address it. On this adventure, that hankering was for Korean Barbecue. Luckily for me, the Korean BBQ restaurant was only a short 8-minute walk from the guest house. Overall, a decent meal. Customer service was sufficient, and the side dishes were good. I ordered the sirloin steak barbecue and it was delicious.
FINAL THOUGHTS
My fourth adventure in Edinburgh was by far my best visit to Auld Reekie yet. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo served as the focal point of this adventure, but it did not prevent me from exploring more of this charming city. Scotland’s capital is one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
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