Saturday morning

At the moment my weeks are totally taken up with work. I have been doing a lot of late nights and I think this is going to continue for at least the next 2 months. So Nathan and I are trying to make the most of our weekends together.

A lot of the weekend gets taken up with rugby as Nathan usually has to be at the club for an hour or so before the game starts.

On Saturday morning Nathan made a plan for a lovely morning exploring Edinburgh. We started with a Starbucks at Palmerston place- which in retrospect was not such a great plan as we had to put up with the tram works- ggrr! The tram works have made such a mess of the beautiful centre of town... let's just hope the trams are worth it!

Nathan looking rather sleepy! But hopeful of his mocha waking him up!

Nathan had organized for us to make use of the Edinburgh Open Doors Weekend. You can see more info at their website.

'Doors Open Day is your chance to explore some of Edinburgh’s architecturally and culturally significant buildings - all for free. From heritage landmarks to the city’s newest architecture, Doors Open Day offers free access to properties that are either not usually open to the public or would normally charge an entry fee. The event also offers the public an opportunity to find out more about the capital's public buildings.'

Firstly we went to Drumsheugh Baths. A private members club that has been open since 1882. See their website for more information. It is amazing how much they have preserved the original building. I also didn't realise they had a gym and did classes- I had thought it would only be swimming.

Next up was the Edinburgh Society of Music which has been around since 1887. Sadly their building was covered in scaffolding but it was still impressive inside. The view down to the Dean Bridge was gorgeous and whilst we looked around their was a lady pianist who was playing Mozart on the piano. We also wished we'd waited for a coffee as they were serving tea and coffee and AMAZING cakes in their bar which was being used as a tea room for the occasion.

Next was the French Institute where my Mum used to take Becky and I. They are housed in a gorgeous Victorian Building which has a magnificent roof light.

The French Institute also had a beautiful view across the Dean bridge. I love this part of the West end- gorgeous. You can also see the start of the autumn colours on the trees.

Looking out of the French Institute.

Nathan outside with our bikes. We cycled between each venue and enjoyed being on the Water of Leith cycle path. It was such nice weather and made me want to embrace the autumn!

Nathan on the Water of Leith.

Nathan and I at the Water of Leith.

Cycling under the Dean Bridge.

The highlight of our visits to the Edinburgh Open Doors Weekend was St Bernard's well. I was amazed and I didn't expect what was inside. From the outside and when you cycle past the well it looks quite plain- a grey statue covered in moss. Inside however is a different story.

The Well was built so the landowner could take the waters for medicinal reasons and was opened to the public between 6am-9am. It is now only open 9 times a year by the Dean Village association. What a gem!

My camera didn't pick it up as I could only see the interior by using my flash but they had small tea lights on the pump in the middle of the room and the candle light hit against the bronze tiles and so the whole room twinkled magically. So pretty.

The ceiling at St Bernard's well.