Summer is fast approaching, and while many will be jetting off on lavish holidays overseas, one of the greatest perks of living in the UK is that breathtaking scenery is never far away. There are countless incredible cities waiting to be discovered, but few can rival Edinburgh, with its Gothic architecture lending its buildings an almost fairytale-like quality.
What truly sets Edinburgh apart, however, is its magnificent castle, perched atop volcanic rock and dominating the city skyline in spectacular fashion, no matter where you stand. Having grown up in Edinburgh, one of the most common mistakes I see tourists make year after year is relying solely on social media to uncover the city’s most photogenic spots.
View 6 ImagesThere is a simple way to get a better view of Edinburgh castle without having to deal with tourists(Image: Getty)
Visiting the Waterstones bookshop on Princes Street has become enormously popular online, as its café boasts a remarkable view of the castle.
Should you choose to visit, head up to the third floor of Waterstones, where the café’s grand Victorian windows frame a stunning view of the castle — perfect for enjoying alongside a bite to eat.
It’s become something of a social media staple to snap photos at the Waterstones windows, book in hand or gazing wistfully towards the castle, which has arguably rendered it a bit of a cliché.
View 6 Images(Image: Katherine McPhillips
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The real drawback, however, is that this spot is now widely known, with just three tables positioned near the windows, meaning seating is incredibly scarce.
What social media fails to mention is that the Waterstones cafe frequently becomes incredibly packed, and even if you manage to secure a seat, you’ll be constantly interrupted by people hovering over you attempting to snap photographs.
View 6 Images(Image: Katherine McPhillips)
Instead, if you’re after a superior view of Edinburgh Castle, I’d recommend bypassing Waterstones and heading next door to the Willow Tea Rooms, a stunning restaurant celebrated for its afternoon tea service.
Most tourists remain unaware that The Willow Tea Rooms even exists, as from street level it appears to be a small and rather dimly-lit space, meaning many people simply pass by without spotting it.
View 6 Images(Image: Katherine McPhillips)
Yet inside there’s a staircase leading up to a considerably larger dining space with even more expansive windows than the bookshop next door, providing an even more impressive castle view.
It’s typically straightforward to secure a table, and there’s ample room, so you needn’t worry about people taking photographs above your head while you’re attempting to unwind.
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View 6 Images(Image: Katherine McPhillips)
If you visit Edinburgh and want to capture fantastic photographs or simply savour beautiful scenery while dining, I wholeheartedly recommend The Willow Tea Rooms.
It’s amongst my absolute favourite spots in the entire city, and I believe it encapsulates everything I adore about Edinburgh in a single panorama.