United Kingdom Archives ⋆ Page 9 of 11 ⋆ The Passenger

May 26, 2017April 19, 2022

Discovering the Highlands

The Highlands are a special and beautiful area in Scotland, United Kingdom. They begin some kilometers north of Glasgow, Stirling and Dundee but exclude the eastern coast around Aberdeen. They have been less influenced by the English reign than the so-called Lowlands. Therefore the special culture has been preserved more than in the southern regions – this includes the clans, language (Gaelic) and the tradition to make whiskey. Continue reading “Discovering the Highlands”

May 26, 2017December 3, 2022

Winter is coming

It is one of these places in Scotland where movies and TV series have been filmed: Doune Castle, located in Doune near Stirling, Scotland. It is a medieval castle from the year 1390 which is in good condition. Author Walter Scott (look for the Scott Monument in Edinburgh) used it as a place in his book Waverley (the railway station of Edinburgh is named after it).

May 26, 2017May 10, 2018

Rosslyn Chapel

Rosslyn Chapel is a wonderful Gothic church located in Roslin, Scotland – not too far away from Edinburgh. It is a small church with the most beautiful interior I’ve ever seen; and it is really good set in scene. The chapel dates back to the 15th century CE and was built by Sir William St. Clair from 1456 on. The basic structure follows Herods temple in Jerusalem. Continue reading “Rosslyn Chapel “

May 25, 2017May 10, 2018

Bennets bar

It is one of these wonderful dark pubs with old furniture in Edinburgh, Scotland: Bennets bar in the Leven Street, opened in 1839. They offer a wide range of whiskies, ales and some Scottish meals. If you’re unsure what spirit to choose – the barkeeper knows best and can recommend the right drink for you. One of these places with a special atmosphere I could spend hours in. Continue reading “Bennets bar “

May 25, 2017May 10, 2018

Beer tasting

We went through the city center of Edinburgh, Scotland to find a highly-recommended bar close to the university – only to find it closed. But luckily next to it Andrew Usher & Co., a student bar with many different beers on tap was open. A lovely place with self-service and board games (including a Lord of the Rings Trivial Pursuit) – a good place to relax. Continue reading “Beer tasting”

May 25, 2017May 10, 2018

Best views on the city

Calton hill is a hill in Edinburgh, Scotland not far from the city center. It was once the location of the city jail and is since 1999 the seat of the Scottish government. Tourists get up there to have nice views on the city center around the Royal Mile and Arthur’s Seat and to discover the different buildings on the hill. Continue reading “Best views on the city”

May 25, 2017May 10, 2018

Arthur’s Seat

If you want to go hiking in Edinburgh, Scotland you might look at for Arthur’s Seat. It is the 251 meters high Hausberg of the city located 1.5 kilometers east of the city center. It is unclear why it is named “Arthur’s Seat“; some suspect that the name comes from the Gaelic “Àrd-thir Suidhe” meaning “place on high ground“. Continue reading “Arthur’s Seat”

May 25, 2017May 10, 2018

National Gallery of Scotland

The National Gallery of Scotland is a picture gallery in Edinburgh, Scotland – located within the Princes Street Gardens underneath Edinburgh castle. It consists of two neo-classical buildings linked in the underground and opened in 1859. The collection consists of Scottish and European masterpieces. Continue reading “National Gallery of Scotland”

May 25, 2017May 10, 2018

Scott Monument

The Scott Monument in Edinburgh, Scotland is a town’s landmark and the biggest monument honoring a writer in the world. It commemorates Sir Walter Scott and is located in the Princes Street Gardens not far from the main railway station named after his novel Waverley. It was built from the year 1840 on. Continue reading “Scott Monument”

May 25, 2017May 10, 2018

Princes Street Gardens

If you’re tired of walking around in the streets of Edinburgh, Scotland you might consider a break in the Princes Street Gardens. They are located underneath Edinburgh Castle and can be found along the Princes Street beginning at the Waverley train station. This area was originally a lake that was continuously contaminated by sewerage from the old city center and was therefore dried-out. The park was then created in 1820. Continue reading “Princes Street Gardens”