Magical Christmas in Edinburgh: A Winter Wonderland Adventure, Brighton and Lisbon

Spending Christmas in Europe isn’t something we do very often, so this year felt a little special. We had two weeks in Edinburgh, petsitting the most adorable dog in a cosy flat right by the canal. Yes, it was chilly but honestly? I loved every bit of it. The walks with the dog were beautiful, and there’s something about Edinburgh in winter that just gets under your skin.

Three people smiling together indoors, with a window showing a street view in the background. — Fresh off the plane

We had the pleasure of looking after Puzzle, the most gorgeous dog who quickly became our unofficial tour guide. There’s something about having a dog to look after that gives your days a lovely focus.

A scenic view of a river with a small waterfall, surrounded by trees and foliage.

The flat itself was perfectly placed, right on the canal, which made for the most magical early morning walks. The sunrise over the water, the stillness, the reflections shimmering on the surface… it was the kind of thing that makes you stop and just breathe it all in.

A sunset view over a canal surrounded by residential buildings and boats, with reflections in the water.

A scenic view of a canal with reflections of terraced buildings and blue railings, under a partly cloudy sky.

A black narrowboat moored on a calm canal, with a colorful mural on its side, reflected in the water. In the background, there are charming, small, colorful shed-like structures and bare trees, under a clear sky.

A black narrowboat moored on a calm canal, reflecting the surrounding brick buildings and blue sky.

A serene canal scene at sunset featuring moored narrowboats reflecting in the still water, with colorful clouds in the sky and urban buildings in the background.

A tranquil scene featuring modern buildings reflected in a calm body of water, with a colorful sky at sunset and people walking along the path.

A tranquil canal scene featuring buildings with modern architecture reflected in the water, under a colorful sky during sunset.

A view of a river lined with buildings featuring a mix of architectural styles, including modern and traditional designs, under a cloudy sky.

Reflection of buildings and a tree in calm water with dry grass in the foreground.

A canal bordered by modern buildings, reflecting a colorful sky at sunset.

Day out watching them trying not to fall off!

A group of five people posing for a photo in a bouldering gym, with climbing walls in the background.

Group of five climbers at an indoor bouldering gym, engaged in climbing practice on a textured wall with colorful holds.

A young woman climbing an indoor rock wall, wearing a purple sweatshirt and black leggings, with colorful climbing holds in various shapes and sizes around her.

A climber scaling a bouldering wall with colorful holds in an indoor climbing gym.

A group of six people poses in front of a green-lit structure with bars, resembling a jail cell, while one person is locked inside. The setting has a playful atmosphere.

There are some amazing escape rooms in Edinburgh, perfect for all of us!

Smiling woman wearing a furry hat and a gray coat, holding a smartphone, outdoors with trees in the background. — And a walk by the river. So cold but only a drizzle…

A smiling couple wearing furry hats, standing outdoors by a lake surrounded by trees.

A man standing on a muddy path beside a calm lake, surrounded by bare trees and autumn leaves.

Three swans swimming in a calm body of water, surrounded by tall grass and trees.

Christmas in Edinburgh was a feast for the eyes and everything else too. The lights, the shops, the food, the bustling crowds… there’s an energy to the city at that time of year that’s hard not to get swept up in. I loved being able to just wander, pop into cafes, and eat far too much food. No complaints there. We visited the Xmas market and enjoyed all the twinkling lights.

Night view of a vibrant city square illuminated with colorful lights, featuring a large ferris wheel, illuminated buildings, and a billboard display.

A brightly lit carousel at night, featuring ornate horses and colorful decorations, set against a dark background.

A brightly lit Ferris wheel at night, featuring colorful LED lights and passenger cabins, set against a dark sky.

Panoramic view of Edinburgh city at dusk, featuring the historic Edinburgh Castle perched on a rocky cliff with modern buildings and mountains in the background.

Edinburgh Castle viewed from the entrance, showcasing its historic stone architecture and adorned with various flags, under a cloudy sky.

A reflective image capturing two individuals taking a selfie with a dog, set against a cobblestone street lined with historic buildings and pedestrians in the background.

A narrow passageway called 'Jollie's Close' with a decorative sign overhead, featuring a barred gate, stone walls, and a lit lantern. In the background, a Christmas tree is visible, illuminated by warm lights.

A funhouse mirror reflection showing two individuals: one with an excited expression and the other looking at their phone. The background features festive decorations and a historic building.

A bagpiper dressed in traditional Scottish attire, including a kilt and feathered hat, playing the bagpipes against a stone wall. A case on the ground displays a sign requesting tips and contains coins and small bills.

Exterior view of Bertie's, a fish and chips restaurant, adorned with festive decorations and lights, showcasing a traditional stone building.

A close-up view of a stone wall with curved shadow patterns created by light shining through a barred window, showcasing an artistic interplay of light and shadow.

A picturesque cobblestone street in a historic town, lined with charming buildings, adorned with festive lights and decorations, bustling with pedestrians during twilight.

View of Edinburgh Castle perched on a hill, surrounded by trees and historic buildings, during twilight.

A historic stone fortress built on a rocky hill under a clear blue sky.

Pentland Hills Regional Park, beautiful walk with views over Edinburgh

Three friends joyfully posing on a hiking trail, surrounded by trees, with one person waving and others smiling.

A scenic view from a hilltop overlooking a winding path through greenery, with a sprawling landscape and distant hills in the background under a cloudy sky.

A couple walking along a gravel pathway through a scenic landscape with sparse trees and grassy terrain.

A scenic view of a winding pathway leading down a grassy hill, overlooking a city and body of water in the distance, under a cloudy sky.

A tranquil view of a calm lake surrounded by lush green trees and rolling hills under a cloudy sky.

A group of four friends smiling and posing for a selfie outdoors, with a scenic landscape in the background featuring rolling hills and a cloudy sky.

Towards Arthur’s Seat

A group of three people smiling and waving on a grassy hillside, with a small dog resting nearby. The sky is partly cloudy.

A panoramic view of a city, showcasing a mix of modern and historical buildings, including a castle in the background, with residential areas in the foreground and a cloudy sky.

Two people sitting on a hilltop overlooking a cityscape with buildings, a body of water, and distant hills in the background.

Two people sitting on a rocky hillside overlooking a cityscape at sunset, with dramatic clouds in the sky.

Yet another walk around Prestonhill quarry near Dalgety Bay

A serene landscape featuring a calm lake surrounded by steep rock cliffs and sparse trees, with reflections visible on the water's surface.

Two people standing by a calm body of water in a quarry. One is gesturing playfully while the other stands with a smile, both dressed for cooler weather.

A young woman and a young man posing together near a lake, surrounded by rocky cliffs and greenery, on an overcast day.

Coastal scene featuring a rocky shoreline and a row of seaside houses with red roofs under a cloudy sky.

A bird with an orange chest perched on a branch surrounded by green leaves.

Brighton

After being in a balmy Edinburgh, we moved onto the sunny coast where we froze in sub zero temperatures and snow. Welcome to Brighton!

A person wearing a black hooded jacket and a face mask stands outdoors, with a suburban street in the background. The image captures the person's eyes and part of their face, while they are bundled up against the cold weather.

A man standing on a snowy sidewalk, wearing a warm jacket and hat, with arms outstretched in a playful pose.

A foggy landscape featuring a frost-covered field, with bare branches extending into the frame and blurred trees visible in the background.

Brighton has a way of surprising you. Step away from the seafront buzz and within minutes you’re up on the South Downs, with sweeping views across the city, the coast, and miles of rolling green hills. The contrast is striking, one moment you’re in a lively seaside town, the next you’re out in open countryside with nothing but the wind and the sound of your own footsteps.

The walks around the Downs are simply stunning. Wide chalk paths wind through the hills, passing through patches of woodland and opening up to those big, breathtaking views that make you feel very small in the best possible way. It’s the kind of walking that clears your head without you even realising it. On a snowy, crisp day, the light is simply stunning, with a low sun and a feeling of freshness in the air.

A scenic view of a pathway leading through rolling green hills, with a bright sun rising in the background and a tree silhouetted against the sky.

Scenic view of a snow-covered hillside with a winding path, trees, and a bright sun shining through the clouds.

A snowy path leads through a grassy area with shadows of two people walking, alongside a parked car and wooden fencing under a clear blue sky.

A scenic landscape showing a snowy path leading to rolling hills under a clear blue sky, with the sun rising on the horizon.

A snowy pathway winds through a green landscape under a bright sun and clear blue sky.

Snow-covered fields under a clear blue sky with a few wispy clouds.

A herd of brown cows grazing on snowy hills under a clear blue sky.

A scenic winter landscape featuring rolling hills covered in snow, under a clear sky with a bright sun illuminating the scene, and soft clouds in the distance.

A tranquil pond surrounded by houses on a sunny day, with some birds on the ice.

Lisbon

Sadly, our Lisbon stay was cut short! It is always fun to stroll through the streets and see the views and a shame not to have more time to do so. We visited the Museu do Aljube: Resistência e Liberdade dedicated to the 1974 Carnation Revolution and the fight against the 1926–1974 dictatorship. Located in a former political prison, it documents resistance, repression, and the path to democracy. You can still see the horrible cells and learn more about the fascism era, the colonies and the resistance movement.

View of an architectural courtyard with stone walls and arches, seen through a metal grate, overlooking a body of water and rooftops.

A panoramic view of a cityscape featuring densely packed buildings with red-tiled roofs, highlighting the architectural character and layout of the urban area.

Narrow cobblestone alleyway with colorful decorations, leading to a bright sky and buildings in the background.

panoramic view of colorful rooftops in Lisbon, Portugal, with a prominent church and the river in the background under a cloudy sky.

The rest of the day was spent strolling through the charming streets of Alfama, the historic heart of Lisbon. There is something special about getting lost in its maze of narrow lanes, discovering hidden courtyards, local shops, and quiet corners filled with character. Despite having been here so many times, it always feels like I have stepped back in time, with history and everyday life blending together.

narrow cobblestone street lined with pastel-colored buildings, some with balconies, laundry hanging outside, and a clear blue sky

Narrow alleyway featuring colorful plants and a restaurant sign hanging above, with buildings in pastel colors on either side.

A view looking down a narrow cobblestone staircase that leads to an arched passageway, with colorful buildings on either side and a hint of ocean visible in the distance.

Narrow cobblestone alleyway flanked by colorful buildings with potted plants and decorative elements, leading to a stairway.

Narrow staircase leading upwards between buildings, with graffiti on the steps and a blue sky above.

A view of narrow streets with traditional tiled roofs and a large cruise ship docked in the background, under a partly cloudy sky.

A panoramic view of a colorful cityscape with buildings featuring terracotta roofs, set against a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds, overlooking a body of water.

Narrow staircase ascending through a tight alley with walls on either side and a street sign that reads 'Beco do Carneiro'.

Front view of an old building with blue-tiled exterior, featuring multiple balconies with clothes drying, and a restaurant sign reading 'Alfama Grill'.

A colorful street decorated with festive garlands in a Lisbon neighborhood, showcasing a small plaza with buildings, a musician figure on a balcony, and vibrant floral decorations.

Decorative colorful garlands hanging over a white building, with a cobblestone street visible in the background.

Mozambique

And then it was back to Mozambique and the sunshine.

Ponta Malongane is always a pleasure to return to, truly wild, peaceful, and beautifully untouched miles of unspoiled, empty beaches stretch as far as the eye can see, with barely another person in sight.

The sea, though, demands respect. The waves are powerful and unpredictable, crashing in with a force that can knock you off your feet in seconds. Swimming here is very much at your own risk, but that raw, untamed energy is part of what makes it so unforgettable.