Five Reasons to Plan Your Solo Reading Retreat in Edinburgh

You may think of reading as a luxury, that it takes up the time your busy life cannot sustain. How about thinking of reading this way: it is a way to calm the nervous system and provide restoration. 

Reading is the medicine you need for the many challenges life tosses your way. An article published on the National Library of Medicine notes that “reading for pleasure enhances processes such as feelings of positivity and self-understanding.”

If solo travel feels daunting, a book always makes a good travel companion. I love reading in Europe because I’ve found that most European cities embrace reading at cafes, where you’re not rushed and the waiters give you space to read.

If reading is how you show up in the world, don’t feel shy about it. While your colleagues brag about their wellness vacations, you can discuss your solo reading vacation where you’ve become familiar with a city through its writers.

I did a literary walk through Edinburgh, Scotland and I’m highlighting five reasons a book lover would want to plan a solo trip here.

1. Literary Hotels

Edinburgh was named the first UNESCO City of Literature. The city and its hotels celebrate writers such as Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Robert Burns.

I stayed at The Caledonian Edinburgh, in the Sir Walter Scott Suite, with views of the castle. The suite offers a collection of Scott’s books. I was able to unwind with the very difficult and vintage Waverley Novels—the series of novels that sealed Scott’s role in the literary canon. I don’t own these novels and would not have been able to get caught up on my reading of these vintage novels if not for the fact that they are made available in this hotel suite in Scotland.

There are other hotels with literary themes in Edinburgh, like the nearby Balmoral, for example, which is also known for having the J.K. Rowling suite. 

2. The Edinburgh Castle

I must say, I was in awe of the Edinburgh Castle views, which dominate the city’s skyline. Majestic and beautiful, the castle adds this whimsical feeling that makes reading alluring.

Being in a city with a medieval castle seems like a great escape from the world as you escape with a book. I could see the castle from my hotel room, from a tearoom I visited on Princes Street, and from the beautiful Princes Street Gardens where I read daily.

There are daily tours offered at the castle and adding a tour to your itinerary could be a great complement to your solo reading retreat.

3. Edinburgh Old Town and Royal Mile

Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns are considered UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Walking the Royal Mile feels like walking into a vintage novel. The Royal Mile is the main strip and historical center of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Although It can get crowded with tourists and cruise ship customers, there are many cafes where you can sit with a cup of coffee and a book. 

4. Historical Art and Architecture on the Streets

Scotland has a rich history and the statutes that line the streets in Edinburgh remind you of centuries of Scottish history, where literature, philosophy and politics coexisted.

Rose Street, which runs parallel to Princes Street in New Town, is known as the street where poets wandered. It blends the old and the new, modern amenities with classic architecture. Here, statutes meet crosswalks and intersections. Also a main strip, there are many shops, bars and restaurants to visit there.

5. Beautiful Walks and Gardens

Edinburgh is the city for solo walking. Whether it’s Princes Street or Rose Street in New Town, or the Royal Mile in Old Town, you’ll feel safe walking alone.

Princes Street Gardens, known for its urban grandeur and Georgian and Victorian architecture, also has two beautiful public parks in the middle of the city to visit—my favorite was West Princes Street Gardens, which houses the Ross Fountains.

The fun part is that while walking Edinburgh, you’d most likely come across some hidden, spectacular view. Your walks may even end in a bit of a reading respite as you observe passersby. 

Follow the Reading Around the World Scotland Trail.

To discover new books and places to visit, join me for the Reading Europe Challenge and follow the literary trail.