Over a long weekend, we packed our bags and set off for a whirlwind adventure through Scotland’s two biggest cities — Glasgow and Edinburgh — with a stop in Lancaster, England on the way home. In just a few days, we managed to squeeze in history, sightseeing, plenty of walking, and (of course) lots of delicious food and drinks. From famous burgers and pizza to deep-fried Scottish treats and quirky speakeasies, it turned out to be a trip full of surprises and memorable flavors.
Glasgow: An Afternoon of Discovery and Delicious Eats
Our Scottish adventure began with a short train ride from our perfectly situated Airbnb in Motherwell. While waiting at the station, we decided to duck into The Red Lion, a classic local pub that immediately set the tone for the weekend — friendly, relaxed atmosphere and that cozy warmth you can only find in a true pub (the drinks may have helped too 😆).
By the time we arrived in Glasgow it was already afternoon, so we decided to make the most of our limited time with the hop-on hop-off bus tour. It turned out to be the perfect way to see the city quickly. With most attractions closing around 4pm, we didn’t actually hop off at any stops, but riding the streets gave us a fantastic overview — from the grand Victorian architecture to glimpses of Glasgow’s vibrant modern culture. It felt like a quick sampler of everything the city had to offer, leaving us eager to come back and explore in more detail.
By the end of the tour, hunger had well and truly set in, so we made our way to Bread Meats Bread. After a day of travel and siteseeing, it was nothing short of incredible. The burgers were hearty, the flavor bold, and every bite felt like the perfect reward. In fact, we were so hungry and happy that I completely forgot to snap a photo — always a sign of a good meal!
Before catching the train home, we couldn’t resist trying two true Scottish classics: deep-fried haggis and a deep-fried Mars bar from the Blue Lagoon Fish & Chips shop. Both were indulgent, crispy, and surprisingly delicious — an unforgettable way to wrap up our first taste of Scotland.
Edinburgh: Castles, Cobblestones & Culinary Surprises
Our next stop was Edinburgh, and we couldn’t have chosen a better place to begin than the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Perched high above the city, it’s impossible not to be struck by its dramatic setting. We spent about an hour on a self-guided tour, which turned out to be just the right amount of time — enough to soak in the history and views without feeling rushed.
From there, we made our way to the Scotch Whisky Experience, where we treated ourselves to our own little whisky tasting. Sampling Scotland’s famous spirit 🥃 in the heart of the capital felt like a must, and it added a nice warm glow before we set out again.
We wandered down the Royal Mile, weaving in and out of shops, taking in all the beautiful architecture along the way, and soaking up the constant soundtrack of bagpipes. It felt like the city itself was alive with tradition. After making it to the end, we decided to grab a cab to Stockbridge Market, a charming little spot with plenty of foodie treasures. There we sipped on some local mead and picked up the most indulgent stuffed cookies from Chulo’s— a perfect treat after loads of steps 👣.
Dinner was anything but traditional: at Civerino’s in Stockbridge, we went all-in on Detroit-style pizza and quite possibly the longest mozzarella stick we’ve ever seen. Equal parts in fun and delicious, it was the kind of meal you remember just as much for the experience as the flavor.
To cap off the night, we stumbled upon a unique pub called St. Bernard’s Bar with a hidden speakeasy upstairs called The Brief Encounter. What was meant to be a quick stop to escape the rain, turned into a much longer stay thanks to its creative vibe and tasty drinks. It was a hidden gem to round off our day in Edinburgh.
A Stop in Lancaster
On our journey back from Scotland, we made a planned halfway stop in Lancaster, England — admittedly chosen simple for its name! It turned out to be a lovely surprise. We took a little time to admire the beautiful Lancaster Castle, its historic walls standing proudly over the city. After stretching our legs, we settled in for a delicious lunch at The Study Room — just what we needed to recharge before the final leg of the ride home. It was the perfect pit stop 🚗 to keep us in adventure mode!
Reflections on the Weekend
In just a few days, we managed to pack in a little bit of everything —Glasgow’s energy and comfort food, Edinburgh’s history and hidden gems, and Lancaster’s unexpected charm. Each stop had its own personality, from sipping whisky on the Royal Mile to stumbling upon a speakeasy, and from burgers and pizza to deep-fried Mars bars. It was the kind of trip that reminded us you don’t always need weeks away to create lasting memories. Sometimes, a long weekend, a good plan, and a sense of curiosity are all it takes to turn a getaway into an adventure.
Plates n Places 