Spring has sprung and while you might be mapping out your getaways for the year, there’s no need to clock up miles or wait any longer to discover delightful spots here in the UK.
Edinburgh is famed for its enchanting medieval buildings and iconic castle, but many are unaware it’s also among Britain’s most pedestrian-friendly cities, meaning exploring without a car is a breeze.
All the more striking for Express reporter Katherine McPhillips – an Edinburgh native – is that tourists often stick to the bustling city centre, overlooking the charm of quieter parts easily reached by bus. She is particularly taken aback by the fact they are missing out one of the Scottish capital’s hidden gems.
“Take Portobello, for example. Edinburgh’s coastal gem that’s a sight to behold with myriad activities yet often overlooked by visitors,” she wrote.
“Portobello boasts a classic Victorian promenade and a pristine white beach, now even more appealing as the temperatures rise. The real draw for me is the scarcity of commercial chains, making it an idyllic haunt for those keen on unique independent ventures.”
For anyone who loves reading a good novel while sipping a cappuccino, Katherine has picked out some of her highlights, saying: “The Portobello Bookshop is irresistible – a haven where intrigue is guaranteed – and just next door, Tanifiki tempts with its snug setting and esteemed Rwandan coffee beans.”
But it’s not just Katherine who sang Portobello’s praises. Dave, who grew up in Portobello, also gushed over the Edinburgh’s unique charm. He said: “The promenade is worth walking down as there is always something different happening, and it always looks beautiful no matter the weather.
“Prince’s Street Gardens are lovely, but I would prefer walking to Figgate Park, which has great views but almost never has any tourists.”
Leonie, another Edinburgh local of more than five years, couldn’t hide her enthusiasm for seafood as she shared: “For food, my favourite place is the Shrimp Wreck in Portobello, but who doesn’t love seafood?”
Thankfully, the charm of Edinburgh lies in its hushed corners and hidden gems, easily accessible yet blissfully free from throngs of visitors.
For Katherine, her oasis of choice is the Willow Tearooms, “a quiet haven offering a mesmerising view of Edinburgh Castle, but it’s such a well-kept secret that many tourists simply pass by unnoticed”.
She wrote: “Just a heartbeat away from the city’s hustle, Dunbar’s Close Garden offers tranquillity. Tucked near the Royal Mile, it remains a serene oasis waiting to be discovered.
“For those looking beyond the conventional historic sites like the National Museum, Mary King’s Close offers an eerie alternative – an underground street haunted by its past as a quarantine zone during the Black Death.”
Leonie also revealed her affinity for the tranquil Queen’s Drive path around Arthur’s Seat, noting: “I really love the Queen’s Drive path around Arthur’s Seat, especially by the loch where you can sit by one of the smaller hills and read. Even if it gets busy, it is usually very peaceful!”
With spring ushering in mild weather, now is the ideal moment to explore Edinburgh. Tourist peak season hasn’t hit yet, so Katherine advised visitors to experience the city’s offerings without the summer crowd.
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