A truely magical place!
Imaginative planting, sculptures, futuristic water features, poison garden, giant tree house with cafe serving delicious food.
If that isn't enough, you can combine your visit with a trip to "Hogwarts" castle next door.

Denwick Lane, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1YU
+44(0)1665 511 350
www.alnwickgarden.com/
Google map: bit.ly/kD29CK

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The Orkney Isles are one big historic site!
A treasure trove of sites which span the centuries from the stone age to WWII. Visit magical stone circles, atmospheric tombs, the oldest surviving dwelling in Europe, quaint fishing villages -all with stunning loch and coastal locations to boot!
My favourite is Noltland Castle on the small island of Westray. No tickets or stewards -simply knock on the door of the nearby farm house for the key. You'll most likely be the king or queen of your castle and have it all to yourself!

www.visitorkney.com
Google map: bit.ly/hf9WrR

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I spent an idyllic holiday camping and cycling in Orkney last summer. I took my bike on the train to Aberdeen, then caught the ferry to Kirkwall. So easy and really cheap if you aren't taking a car.
My first day was spent cycling between the two major towns on the mainland (the largest of the Orkney islands). A beautiful summer cycle, broken up by trips to impressive stone circles, tombs and a 1950s style ice cream parlour. Compared to neighbouring Shetland, Orkney is a cyclist's dream. It's incredibly flat and the drivers are well used to cyclists, so it was a refreshing change to share the road with considerate drivers.
The gorgeous fishing town of Stromness entertained me for a few days. Impressive contemporary art gallery, coastal walks and plenty of pubs to sample the locally brewed ales.
There are so many islands to visit, it is tricky deciding which ones to choose, as they all have their own character. I opted for a day trip to Hoy (famous for the Old Man of Hoy magnificent sea stack). This is the one island not so suitable for you bike as it actually has hills, including Orkney's only munro. I discovered a bothy in which you can stay or camp by, overlooking one of the UKs most spectacular beaches.
I also spent a few days on Westray and Papa Westray, or Papay and it is lovingly known to it's 75ish residents. Many of whom I met and couldn't have been more friendly. It's a cliche to mention it, but it is all about the slow pace of life and everyone has the time for a chat. The wildlife seemed to have the same relaxed cheerful outlook, with seals always popping their inquisitive heads up out of the turquoise water.

www.visitorkney.com
www.papawestray.com

Google map: tinyurl.com/337vapr

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With the madness of the Edinburgh festival just about to start, I have a trip for anyone wishing to take a break from it and escape the city for a day.
The splendid Jupiter Artland, a contemporary sculpture garden in the grounds of Bonnington house, just outside the city.
An impressive selection of art work from some of Britain's biggest names - Andy Goldsworthy, Anthony Gormley, Anish Kapoor etc. When you need a break from exploring, treat yourself to tea and cake from the chrome vintage caravan cafe, and hang out with the peacock.
And if that's not enough to tempt you, did I mention the miniature donkeys?

www.jupiterartland.org
Bonnington House Steadings, Wilkieston, Edinburgh, EH27 8BB
01506 889900

Google map: tinyurl.com/33pmnzc

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Think of your carbon footprint and take your bike to Orkney. There's no need to go abroad with stunning white sands and turquiose seas here in the UK.
I spent 10 days there last summer, camping and cycling. Have a break from the saddle with stops to see stone circles, burial tombs and ice cream parlours.
It's also really cheap to get to. A train to Aberdeen, then as a ferry foot passenger to Kirkwall.
I can't promise, but the summer I went there was glorious sunshine and little wind. Unlike gorgeous neighbouring Shetland, these islands are beautifully flat, perfect for cycling. Locals seem very used to cyclists, so there was great service on the ferry (priority boarding and disembarking), and the majority of car drivers were incredibly considerate.
My favourite island was the lovely Papa Westray. - compact, rare birds, curious seals, artist studios, the oldest dwelling in Britain and the friendliest folk on earth!

www.orkneyferries.co.uk/
www.visitorkney.com/

Google map: tinyurl.com/33c39l9

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There are several markets scattered across the city: arts & crafts, ethical, farmers'. But the daddy of them all is of course the German market in Princes St Gardens. Giant wheel, ice skating and mulled wine with the backdrop of the formidable Edinburgh Castle - unbeatable!

Princes Street
www.edinburghschristmas.com/

Google map: tinyurl.com/y8vhhs6

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