London to Edinburgh Scotland Friday January 3rd 2013:

On Friday January 3rd 2013: My European Contiki had finished and I was departing for Scotland to spend 5 Days in Edinburgh.

Before departing the Royal National Hotel I did a final pack and made sure I hadn’t forgotten or left anything behind before checking out of my room and walking to Russel Square Tube Station to catch the tube to London Heathrow Airport where I was flying out to Edinburgh from.

After arriving at London Heathrow Airport I made my way inside and found the Virgin Atlantic Airways Desk, where I checked my luggage in and received my boarding pass before clearing customs and made my way to my departure gate.

Everyone started to board the plane at 11:45 am and I found my seat and settled in for take off.

I flew economy class with Aer Lingus for Virgin Atlantic which departed for Edinburgh at 12:20pm

After a short 90 minute flight we were notified by the cabin crew that we would be landing shortly.

We arrived at Edinburgh Airport at 2 pm. After disembarking the plane we made our way inside Edinburgh Airport to collect our luggage from baggage claim.

After collecting my luggage I made my way outside and purchased a ticket for the Airlink 100 Express Bus Service.

Which runs every 10 minutes from the Airport to Princes Street in the city centre as well as the main rail and bus stations which cost £4.50 and took 25 minutes to arrive.

After arriving in the city centre, I made my towards my accommodation for the next 5 nights at the Mercure Edinburgh Princes Street.

As I checked in at Reception with the super friendly front desk staff they gave me a map with directions of how to get back to the hotel which was super handy, as I had gotten lost trying to find the hotel even though I walked right past it!

After receiving my room key I made my way to my room by settling in and unpacked my suitcase before relaxing for a bit after a busy day of travelling from London to Edinburgh.

After relaxing in my room for a bit I went for a walk through the city centre and found the most amazing Edinburgh Christmas Markets still operating opposite of my hotel with the Big Wheel Ferris Wheel ride, an ice rink,arts and craft stalls and food market stalls as well.

After purchasing some dinner and a hot chocolate I made my way back to my hotel room and had an early night to catch up on sleep and be rested for another big day of exploring Edinburgh tomorrow.

Safe Travels!

Campbell 🙂