Even though Edinburgh is less than an hour away from Glasgow by train, it truly feels like a proper trip away anytime that I stay overnight. And that's exactly what I did last month. Making the most of two rare days off, me and my mum arrived into Edinburgh just after 10am and got the 4:15pm train home the following day.
So, here's what we got up to on our latest overnight stay in Edinburgh;
Visiting the TBCo store in Leith
The first port of call was a very much anticipated trip to TBCo's store. I'm always lusting after their gorgeous pieces online. But to actually see them in person and have a good feel of everything was such a treat. It's only a short bus or tram ride from Edinburgh City Centre and I'm already looking forward to exploring more of Leith next year when it's a bit warmer.
This gorgeous lambswool blanket scarf came home with me. It was also so exciting to see their Christmas shop, which had just been set up. They have so many beautiful Christmas gift ideas. So much so, that I'll be including their fantastic build-your-own pyjamas gift box in an upcoming gift guide.
Checking into Native Edinburgh
Then, after having a wander around the shops, it was time to check into Native Edinburgh. Located on Queen Street, it's minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Princes Street and closeby to one of my favourite places in Edinburgh; Dean Village. Once we made our way to our room, we were met by a lovely welcome basket and one of the most beautifully decorated rooms that I have ever stayed in.
It was our first time staying in an aparthotel and I think it might have just ruined staying at a traditional hotel for us, forever. Having separate rooms, instead of just one room that houses everything, was such a game changer. We stayed in the One Bedroom and this includes a kitchen, living area with a desk -- if you fancy getting some work done. Then there's the separate bedroom, a bathroom and even a utility closet with a washing machine and dryer.
Everything truly elevated an overnight stay to a whole new level. And if I was ever thinking about staying in the Capital for more than one night, it makes the perfect base from which to explore and enjoy Edinburgh. As well as being in Edinburgh, Native also have aparthotels in Glasgow, Manchester and London.
Having a look in the shops on George Street
As Native Edinburgh is handily located just steps away from George Street, we took the opportunity to explore some of my favourite stores on the picturesque street. I simply had to pop into Space NK to have a look at their Christmas gifting options. And, of course, Cambridge Satchel Co. and Anthropologie were must-visits too.
Does anyone else just love strolling around Anthropologie at this time of year? Space NK also have so many incredible gift sets this year. It's safe to say that my wishlist grows every time that I step through their doors.
Dinner at Butta Burger
Butta Burger has been on my to-try list for a while now and given that it is also just minutes from Native Edinburgh, we simply had to make our dinner plans there. I opted for their epic Chicken Fingers with a side of fries. The fingers were so juicy and the fries were incredible too.
My mum went for the insane parmesan and rosemary salt fries. Honestly, we could not believe the size of this portion. And she had the fantastic Bacon Cheese burger as well, which she could not stop raving about. If you're looking for somewhere to visit for tasty burgers, chicken and fries in Edinburgh, I would highly recommend Butta Burger. I'm already planning a return trip to try the Chicken Kiev burger next time.
Starting the day slowly
It was so nice to have a lie in, after weeks of early starts for work. We also weren't expecting breakfast to be included at Native Edinburgh, so it was a nice surprise to be able to pick up one of their Brekkie in a bags.
The lobby was one of the nicest that I have ever seen. I loved the sage green seating and I could not get over the record corner either. It's the kind of place that I wouldn't mind sitting in for hours, if I was waiting to travel home or to the airport, for example.
They also have The Counter which serves food and drink and is open for breakfast, lunch, cocktails and nibbles. We were both so impressed with our stay at Native Edinburgh and can't wait to visit again soon.
Relaxing at the Lush Spa
It's always such a treat to pay the Lush Spa a visit. Don't get me started on how excited I am that Glasgow will soon have its own Lush Spa at the start of 2024! And again, it wasn't too far of a walk from Native Edinburgh either.
We opted for the Synthasesia treatment, which was easily the best spa treatment that I've ever had. It really says something that I almost nodded off during it, as I normally find it tricky to switch off when I have a massage. Or just generally. I'm constantly thinking things over in my head.
At 80 minutes long, it can be tailored to what you want to focus on most. The first thing that you do is pick a word from the board. Then you find a complementary word or fragrance to pair with it. I went for Nourished and Hug, as after months of picking up more freelance work than ever, I really felt like I needed some TLC. And I got exactly that and more. The treatment even finishes with a cup of tea, which was welcome before heading out again into the October chill.
Lunch at Bonnie & Wild
Much like Butta Burger, I've been meaning to visit Bonnie & Wild in St James Quarter for months. And this visit I finally did. As we were still pretty full from breakfast and the tea that we had at Lush, we found ourselves drawn to Joelatto. Honestly, it was some of the most incredible gelato that I've ever had and that's coming from someone who basically existed on gelato in Rome. Raspberry ripple will forever be my favourite flavour and Joelatto's was just so creamy and sweet.
Again, I'm already looking forward to trying more flavours and Bonnie & Wild vendors on my next trip through to Edinburgh.
Seeing the Beyond The Little Black Dress exhibition at National Museum of Scotland
Sadly this exhibit has finished now but I always recommend a visit to the the National Museum of Scotland to anyone visiting Edinburgh. We loved having a good look around the Beyond The Little Black Dress exhibition. With styles spanning the decades and including some of the most iconic designers and designs, we were so glad to see it.
We spent a good hour wandering around the exhibition and taking our time to take everything in. My mum isn't always the biggest fan of visiting museums but she does love the National Museum of Scotland and all of their beautiful pieces.
A few of our personal favourites were Christian Siriano's gown that was famously worn by Jonathan Van Ness, a stunning Alexander McQueen and far too many to count.
Having a final stroll around St James Quarter
Whenever I visit Edinburgh I always like to drop into St James Quarter. NEOM had all their festive fragrances in. And we had a good sniff of some of their other scents. Perfect Peace smelled just like Christmas trees, which I adored.
And I keep going back to this denim jumpsuit any time that I'm in & Other Stories. I just think it would be such an investment piece in my autumn/winter wardrobe for years to come. I might just need to add it to my Christmas list.
I was also very happy to pay the John Lewis Christmas shop a visit. They had so many cute decorations. The flip phone was simply too good. I just love this time of year!
So, that's how we spent our overnight stay in Edinburgh.
How would you spend a little over 24 hours in Edinburgh? Have you ever visited in the run up to Christmas? And what would you be the most excited to do?
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