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5 offbeat activities to make your September
September can be a dreary month. As the seasons turn, the nights draw in and the summer holidays become a distant memory, you’ll want a little recreational pick-me-up to put a bit of excitement back in your weekends. Check out this selection of offbeat activities you should make time for as summer turns to autumn. From vintage bus rides to murder dolls there’s a quirky escapade for everyone in Edinburgh.
Ride a vintage bus
The annual ‘Doors Open Day’ is a fantastic opportunity to explore some of the best buildings in Edinburgh. Now in its 26th year, this event includes access to a number of prestigious venues, behind-the-scenes tours and exhibitions. An initiative coordinated by the Scottish Civic Trust and Archaeology Scotland to coincide with Scottish Archaeology Month and European Heritage Days, you won’t find a better time to sneak a peek in places that are not usually accessible to the public.
One of the highlights of this year’s celebration will undoubtedly be Edinburgh’s vintage buses. For a free and fun trip out, passengers can ride the vintage buses between Lothian Road and Newhaven, stopping off at the Central Depot in Annandale Street for a special behind the scenes glimpse. The event is running for one day only and is free admission for all the family. What’s not to love!
Go underground
Once you have travelled the city on an old-time double decker, why not follow it with a trip deep underground with a trip to Edinburgh’s ancient vaults. This 18th century underground system was reportedly used for trade and even corpse storage, so this dark and dank trip under the arches of South bridge is bound to get your blood racing. Tours are reasonably priced and perfect for those with a healthy taste for the macabre.
Visit the Burke & Hare Murder Dolls
In 1836, 17 tiny dolls (each in their own tiny coffin) were found in Edinburgh. They were discovered by two boys out rabbiting one evening on Arthur’s Seat and have perplexed Scottish folk ever since. First thought to be witchcraft, they are now thought to be linked to Burke and Hare, the infamous pair who were notorious for supplying their victims’ bodies to medical schools throughout Edinburgh in the 1820s.
Now you can contemplate the mystery yourself with a trip to the National Museum of Scotland where the dolls, now known as ‘the murder dolls’, are among the many intriguing collections housed on Chambers Street.
Watch a penguin parade
For a more light-hearted activity why not take a trip to Edinburgh Zoo where you can watch a flock of feathered residents on parade. Each day the penguins take a stroll with their keeper at 2.15 pm to the delight of the visitors who come from far and wide to see them. A word of warning, though: the parade is entirely optional so may be cancelled from time to time if the penguins decide they don’t want to perform.
See a psychic
Whether you are a believer or a sceptic, seeing a psychic always guarantees intrigue and speculation. On the 21st of September you can join psychic medium Paula O’Brien on her new tour, ‘Destiny’ at the Apex Grassmarket Hotel. Paula will be carrying out up close and personal readings with an intimate live audience.
Psychic mediums may not be everyone’s cup of tea. However if you do fancy a night out of the ordinary, this is a must-see event as seating is limited.
Whatever kind of entertainment takes your fancy this September, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Edinburgh. If you wish you lived that little bit closer to all the action, why not arrange a tour of the luxury apartments at Quartermile today by calling 0845 000 2525.