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Let Edinburgh chase away your January blues
The festive season may be long behind us, but there is still plenty of fun to be had in the Scottish capital
January marks the start of a brand new year, with a whole host of new opportunities on the horizon. However, for many of us January also signals the most miserable time of the year – particularly once we’ve passed the dreaded “Blue Monday”. It’s cold, it’s dark, you’re out of pocket from Christmas celebrations and socialising is usually kept to a minimum. That’s why a lot of us suffer from what’s come to be known as the January blues.
But the start of the year doesn’t have to be as glum as all that. In the Scottish capital, the magic of winter remains long past the end of the festive season. There are still plenty of things to see and do in Edinburgh this January, and here are some of our top picks.
Enjoy some retail therapy
One of the best things about January is the shopping. The start of the year has become synonymous with fantastic savings and sales, and Edinburgh is no exception to this rule. The only difference is that Edinburgh also offers the opportunity to explore shops that are completely unique to the city. There’s no better time to find the shops hidden off the beaten track in the Scottish capital.
Run off your festive treats
Many people take the opportunity to improve their health and fitness in January. For some, this means taking up a new exercise hobby like running.
And when it comes to running, there’s no better place than Edinburgh for dusting off those trainers. In fact, Edinburgh has been named the UK’s greenest city! From Arthur’s Seat to Calton Hill to the Meadows, there are certainly no shortage of spots to exercise those muscles while escaping the hustle and bustle.
Get pampered
Nothing cheers up a cold month like a bit of TLC, so why not spend some time exploring the many spas of the Scottish capital? Whether it’s a massage, a facemask or a detoxing steam in the sauna, Edinburgh is full of perfect places to unwind and relax like One Space, Guerlain Spa and PURE Spa & Beauty.
Soak up the sea air
Move away from the city centre and enjoy getting some fresh sea air into your lungs. South Queensferry is just a stone’s throw from Edinburgh’s busy streets, and offers stunning views of the three iconic Forth bridges. Indulge with a tipple in one of the area’s cosy pubs, or simply enjoying walking in the chilled, quiet air. Just remember to wrap up warm!
Feast on a fabulous food
Winter is a time for hearty grub, and there are so many delightful cafés to choose from in Edinburgh. For breakfast, there’s Contini George Street which offers a breakfast of hot oats with your choice of toppings every day of the week. There’s also Cairngorm Coffee’s irresistible smoked salmon bagel.
Or, alternatively, why not enjoy some afternoon tea at The Elephant House – the spot where JK Rowling penned much of the first book in her iconic Harry Potter series.
Get ready for the next celebrations!
It’s easy to forget in the Christmas comedown, but January has no shortage of events to enjoy. Of course, we’re talking about Burns Night on 25th January – the iconic Scottish celebration which honours the life and poetry of Scotland’s national bard: Robert Burns.
With poetry readings, whisky, ceilidhs and of course the delicious Burns supper to enjoy, this tartan-topped tradition is sure to see you through the month. Make sure you check out all the Burns Night events taking place in Edinburgh this year.
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