I packed up my bags, checked out of CodePod â The Court, and locked everything in the hostelâs secure luggage lockers. It was my last day in the city, and I wanted to squeeze in a few final moments before heading to the airport.
đŽ A Golden Send-Off
Before leaving, I mailed my postcards from a very special gold postbox just off the Royal Mile. Most UK postboxes are bright red, but this one was painted gold by Royal Mail to honor Sir Chris Hoy, the legendary Scottish cyclist who won multiple gold medals at the London 2012 Olympics. Itâs a small but meaningful tributeâand a fun detail to spot if youâre wandering the city.
đ° Edinburgh Castle: Defender of the Nation
The weather all weekend had been wild thanks to Storm Amy, and Edinburgh Castle was closed on Saturday. Luckily, I managed to snag a ticket for Sunday morning and arrived right as it opened. I picked up one of their audio guides, which was well worth itâit helped bring the sprawling grounds to life.
Perched atop Castle Rock, the castle dominates the city skyline and has been a royal stronghold for centuries. Highlights include:
- The Honours of Scotland (Scottish Crown Jewels)
- The Stone of Destiny, used in coronation ceremonies
- St. Margaretâs Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh
- The Great Hall, with its medieval weapons and suits of armor
- The Scottish National War Memorial, a moving tribute to fallen soldiers
Walking through the castle felt like stepping into a living timeline, from ancient battles to royal births. The views over the city were stunning, especially with the storm clouds clearing. Itâs a must-visit, but definitely book ahead – tickets often sell out.
đ Farewell to Edinburgh
After the castle, I headed back to the hostel, grabbed my bags, and hopped on the Airlink 100 Express Bus to the airport. It was a smooth ride and a fitting end to a whirlwind weekend.