Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is known for its picturesque hilly landscape, rich heritage, vibrant culture, and lively festivals. The iconic Edinburgh Castle dominates the city’s skyline, offering a spectacular sight for visitors. The city is easily navigable on foot, and the warm and welcoming locals add to the charm of the trip. With its compact size, breathtaking views, and the melodic sounds of bagpipes filling the air, exploring Edinburgh is an unforgettable experience.

Day one! The Scott Monument is a Victorian Gothic monument to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott.
A delicious cappuccino and cinnamon roll at Fortitude Coffee, Edinburgh
I think Olivia liked it too
A beautiful stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh
Royal Botanic Garden
Tea and scones at the Royal Botanic Garden Café
The University of Edinburgh
Time for lunch at Devil’s Advocate
Devil’s Advocate
The food is delicious – Chicken over Couscous
Olivia had the classic fish & chips. The ambiance is warm and welcoming.
Edinburgh Castle looming above a historical cemetery
A beautiful spring day at Princess Street Gardens
Traditional Scottish breakfast at Greenwoods
Olivia enjoyed it too!
Time to shop on Victoria Street home to the Harry Potter Store
Harry Potter Walking Tour and exploring the magical world inspired JK Rowling, who wrote her first book in Edinburgh.
A view of the Castle from Old Town, Edinburgh
The Milkman coffee shop is in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town on Cockburn Street.
Coffee & More on Cockburn Street had good cappuccino too
Olivia thought so…
Royal Mile is the heart of Scotland’s historic capital.
St Giles Cathedral,  a parish church of the Church of Scotland in the Old Town of Edinburgh.
Bagpipes on a typical rainy day in Edinburgh
Maison de Moggy, the first-ever cat café in Scotland.
Dined with the kitties
One of the sweetest cats at the café
Entrance and sweeping views of Edinburgh Castle
Pathway to the many entrances and views from the Castle
Exploring on top of the castle and enjoying the incredible views.
Walking back down through Edinburgh Old Town from the Castle.
Cheese Cake and Mango ice cream at The Ivy
Golden Hare Books is a charming, independent bookshop in the heart of Edinburgh’s Stockbridge neighborhood.
The Waterstones bookshop in Edinburgh is a great place to find a book and immediately read it at their coffee shop overlooking the castle. 
Tolbooth Tavern, 167 Canongate, Edinburgh
The Palace of Holyroodhouse, or Holyrood Palace, is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland.
 Arthur’s Seat, located in Edinburgh’s vast Holyrood Park, is a popular destination to experience Scotland’s great outdoors.
Gorse Evergreen flowering shrub with sharp and ubiquitous spines
The hike up Arthur’s Seat continues…
Getting closer…
Made it to the top of Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano 
Olivia under the rainbow
Pure beauty
Time to descend
Costa is UK’s favorite coffee shop and the fastest-growing coffee shop chain in the UK.
Old Town, Edinburgh
Stop by Mary’s Milk Bard for homemade gelato, coffee, and hot chocolate.
Portobello Beach, a few miles from Edinburgh city center, is a charming seaside community
Afternoon tea at The Dome is a must-do if visiting Edinburgh. Classic sandwiches, scones, and tea cakes. 
Circus Lane is nestled down a charming Edinburgh street. It’s definitely worth a short stroll.  
Circus Lane
 Dean Village is located near the charming Stockbridge neighborhood of Edinburgh, abutting a tranquil stream with gardens & 19th-century buildings. 
Dean Village
Olivia at the entrance of Dean Village
Assaggini is a brand new restaurant in Edinburgh serving small Italian plates so you can enjoy more of your favorite dishes.
The best mother/daughter trip ever!

London, England

I arrived at the Airbnb located in West Kensington, a vibrant residential area known for being home to Olympia London, a sprawling events center that holds various festivals, conventions, and trade fairs. The bustling North End Road is lined with unpretentious Asian and Middle Eastern restaurants. During my explorations, I stumbled upon a delightful coffee shop called Crazy for Coffee, which is frequented by friendly staff and lively Italian workers and patrons. It’s a charming spot to settle in and prepare for an exciting London adventure.

Airbnb on Charleville Road, West Kensington
View from Airbnb
Crazy for Coffee
Best Thai food in our neighborhood – Eat-Aroi Cafe
Delicious!
North Street, West Kensington
Great view from the double-decker bus
Market Square
Quiet alleyway in Notting Hill

Brighton, England

Brighton is a vibrant city located on the sunny south coast of England, known for its open-mindedness and diverse culture. Situated in the heart of Sussex, it boasts a captivating mix of contemporary urban life and stunning historical architecture. A must-visit spot is the Lanes, a network of narrow streets near the seafront, lined with charming boutiques, cozy eateries, and inviting cafes. If you’re a fan of cappuccinos, make sure to stop by Sugardough Bread & Cake for an unforgettable experience with their delectable food and tempting array of cakes. At the heart of Brighton stands The Royal Pavilion, a magnificent palace surrounded by picturesque gardens. This opulent structure once served as the coastal retreat for George, Prince of Wales, and is a true marvel to behold.

Not a bad view at Brighton Beach over-looking the English Channel
Bliss in Brighton, UK
Time to shop in The Lanes
Ruth
Tea time in the Lanes
To the Royal Pavilion…
Inside the Royal Pavilion
Royal Pavilion
Sugardough Bread & Cake
Raspberry Lime Cake at Sugardough Bread & Cake
And of course, cappuccino
Tea at Flint Owl Bakery – Brighton
Seagulls everywhere
View at dusk from our apartment in Brighton
The Neighborhood in Brighton, where we stayed

Back in London

The Victoria and Albert Museum, situated in South Kensington, London, stands as the largest museum dedicated to art and design globally. This grand institution is intricately divided into various sections, including the Cast Courts, Sculpture, Ceramics, British Galleries, South-East Asia, and Europe. Visitors can relish a delightful lunch or afternoon tea at the opulent gallery café, where they can bask in the beauty of mosaics, stained glass, and the occasional soothing melodies of piano or harp music.

Victoria and Albert Museum
The museum’s entryway
Courtyard – outside of the museum
Cafe’ inside the Victoria and Albert Museum
Tea & Cake in the Cafe

Covent Garden, located in London’s vibrant West End, is a bustling area renowned for its diverse range of shopping options and lively entertainment. Visitors can explore an array of shops and peruse the craft stalls at the Apple Market, while also having the opportunity to enjoy world-class performances at the historic Royal Opera House.

Convent Garden

London’s theatre scene is one of the world’s best, with long-running musicals, classic comedies, and innovative plays. 

Theatre District

Westminster Abbey stands as one of the most prominent religious structures in the United Kingdom, serving as the customary location for coronations and as a burial site for English and British monarchs throughout history.

Knightsbridge – Pont Street

The Design Museum, situated in Kensington, London near Holland Park off Kensington High Street, is committed to showcasing a wide range of design disciplines, including graphic design, product design, industrial design, fashion, and architectural design.

Holland Park

While exploring the bustling Portobello Road Market in the vibrant Notting Hill area of West London, I eagerly searched for hidden gems amidst the eclectic array of stalls and shops. I was delighted to stumble upon a stunning pearl necklace, priced at just 5 pounds. The market truly offers something for everyone and is definitely a must-visit if you find yourself in London.

Notting Hill – Portobello Road
Notting Hill neighborhood
A busy day at Portobello Road Market
Goodbye, England
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