To ask for a Christmas miracle?

[flowngo]

Evening all, have had a rough rough year (see previous thread for reference!) and have this coming weekend booked off work for my birthday which has now been somewhat railroaded by my younger DC going into a foster placement on Friday. Therefore I am finally able to prioritise my elder DC, and happened upon the bright idea of flying up to Edinburgh for 2 nights (Sat-Monday) just to get the hell out of town and a change of scenery and time together.

Now, I am looking for somewhere super last minute I'm aware, but does anyone have any suggestions in Edinburgh or even their own Airbnb that they haven't let this weekend yet?!

Many thanks

Your child has gone to foster care and you want to go to edinburgh? Really. Need more context

Judgemental or what? Younger child could be going for respite/foster placement for a number of reasons!

As the first opportunity in I don't know how long to spend 1:1 time with my older child, who has never been on a plane due to his siblings additional needs precluding us flying yes.

Moments like these are incredibly precious and I'd like to make the most of it if we possibly can.

Back to my original post, I've been looking at Hotel Du Vin, is it decent enough to stay? Also recommendations for a lovely roast lunch on the Sunday if possible, and a birthday lunch on the Monday too

Ibis Style in St Andrews square is a lovely little hotel. The ‘hotel du vin’ chain of hotels are lovely albeit I’ve only stayed in the one in Cambridge!

I've stayed in the Cambridge one too, and found it plenty fine if a little dark, thank you

We stayed in an Aparthotel in Edinburgh which was right by the castle on the old town side. It's Staycity chain.

You get a kitchen and sitting area too so can go back for a rest if needed and can do your own food there if you wish (breakfast maybe)

Don't know about Sunday roast but not one pub or cafe on Grassmarket serves a bad meal.

Hope you get there and have a lovely break.

Also any great childrens activities, hoping the ice rink is there! Have been many a time to Edinburgh but not in recent years so not up to date

I’ve stayed in several hotels in Edinburgh for work (quite a while ago now!). Apex hotels were great. Inexpensive but in great locations. Townhouse hotel group - stayed in several of those. Beautiful. Balmoral - traditional and noisy lift (least favourite). Have a wonderful time and take warm clothes 😁.

I don’t know if it’s on this year but the little fun fair and Christmas market in Princess Street gardens are lovely.

Nationals museum of Scotland kept us entertained for the entire day and it was free

There is an ice rink, in George Street I think.

Camera obscura is great fun for kids (and grown ups).

I don’t know if it’s on this year but the little fun fair and Christmas market in Princess Street gardens are lovely

It's on. Thankfully it hasn't taken over princes Street gardens as much as in previous years, so hopefully they won't get wrecked.

The east bit is mainly stalls, a couple of rides and food. By the ross fountain, there are more child friendly activities.

Hotel du Vin is nice - stayed there for DHs birthday a few years back (pre covid)
markets are ok - but rammed and don't really sell anything other than the usual Christmas market tat so if you don't have much time I wouldn't bother
if it's a clear day I always think you can't go wrong with a walk up Arthur's Seat or Carlton Hill

and for kids National Museum of Scotland is great - and really close to Hotel du Vin
they've got a Doctor Who exhibition just starting as well..

The ice rink is back and there’s also a Christmas tree maze which I think is new. I’d second the recommendations for Camera Obscura and the National Museum.

Have a lovely time. Edinburgh is very special in the Winter.

Italian restaurant Vittoria is lovely.

Bit of reading comprehension wouldn't go amiss.

OP the ice rink is along at Charlotte Square area which is the opposite end of Princes Street to Waverley Station of that helps.
The Markets etc are Princes Street Gardens as usual but are horrendously horrendously busy and you might need a bank loan!!

I have no idea I'm afraid, but wishing you a really relaxed and happy weekend.

Some great suggestions thanks all

Op, for a great Sunday lunch try the Queens Arms on Frederick Street. Another recommendation for the National Museum of Scotland too and Camera Obscura. I haven't been to Camera Obscura myself but my family loved it. They visit Edinburgh every year( this weekend actually) for the Xmas markets. It's a lovely city , we're fortunate to live relatively close. Hope you enjoy your weekend.

There are a few excellent places for a luxury hot chocolate stop, as far as I remember. Holyrood Park is nice, but it might be cold. The whole place looks like something out of Harry Potter, so nice to do some wandering.

I read the previous thread. The little boy has SEN and his father fucked off and left them all, I think. The OP was struggling and wanted him adopted. It’s a very sad but still, quite an unrelatable situation. Being desperate for your child to be taken away is a tough idea to come to terms with.

This is not the thread for this. This thread is about what to do in Edinburgh.

The ice rink and Christmas market are all in the gardens now (princes street) Camera obscura is great. Zoo is good. National museum amazing. There’s a lego shop in the new st James centre.
get the bus out to portobello and walk along the beach and go to the arcades (my kids love this!)
Or bus out to dalkeith to ‘go ape’

it’s very cold up here just now so wrap up warm! And have the best time.

This thread has made me want to visit Edinburgh again.

Hope it all works out OP.

When did the ice rink move? It wasn't in the gardens on Monday.