I have a girl crush. Her name is Victoria.
I mean, how was I not to fall for her? She is everything that makes me happy. She’s sophisticated, unpretentious, cheerful, elegant, vibrant, charming, and just the sight of her causes my heart to beat a little faster. Simply put, she’s beautiful! I think it might be love. Okay, okay, I’m just being silly. A girl can have a little fun on a Friday morning, right?
Victoria Street, formerly called Bow Street until Queen Victoria took the British throne in 1837, was built during the early 19th century as part of Thomas Hamilton’s Improvement Act of 1827. The planned improvements were designed to transform the original road from a steep, narrow, Z-shaped street into a route that would provide much easier passage into the rest of the city. The redesign was particularly necessary for the carriages that had a challenging time managing the awkward hill.
This radical alteration in design meant that, sadly, most of the original medieval structures were lost forever. Most of what we see today is the result of 19th-century development. A few of the original buildings are still there, particularly at the foot of the curve where Victoria Street meets the Grassmarket.
I read somewhere that Victoria Street was J.K. Rowling’s inspiration for Diagon Alley. I don’t know if that is true or not, but I can see how some might think that. The narrow, curved, cobbled street, the stony upper buildings and terraces, and the brightly painted storefronts do seem to bear a striking resemblance to the one in Harry’s world. It’s certainly an interesting notion.
Victoria Street is arguably one of the prettiest and most photographed streets in Edinburgh. It is where new meets old in an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and pubs all set within this preserved picture of the past.
When you go to Scotland, don’t miss seeing this lovely lady. Don’t forget your camera! Oh, and be ever so careful on the cobbles.
Until next time…
Cheers,
Thanks for sharing 🙂 There’s something enchanting about Old Towns, right?! I came across a couple in Poland and Estonia, and totally recommend! Feel free to read my post on them. https://penandparadise.wordpress.com/2017/10/08/this-old-town-in-poland-will-sweep-your-ground/
Yes, there definitely is. I get absorbed in imagining the lives of all the people that once called those places home. It’s fascinating to me.
You write a really nice blog! Thank you for taking the time to look at mine. 🙂
I must have walked up this street! 🙂
I definitely sat outside the French patisserie with macarons in the window and had tea and croissants with my daughter! 🙂
Thanks for the memories of my summer trip. 🙂
I hope you’ll get to back again one day. I’m certainly counting the days until I get to return. 🙂
I probably will visit again, but not any time soon – it’s a looong way from Cape Town. 🙂
Enjoy your visit 🙂
Oh, wow, that is a very long way! Is Cape Town as beautiful as everyone says?
Yes, it really is beautiful here. You have so much to choose from; long white beaches and clear seas, forests and mountains and let’s not forget the many vineyards!.
But, if you visit, you better bring your own water! We are in a serious drought right now.
Cape Town sounds like the sort of place I would love to see. Hope you get a little rain soon!
Thank you. Rainy season is over and none expected now till March or later next year. It’s gonna be a very long hot dry summer!
Ugh, sounds like it. Weird to think you’re in summer and here in the States we’re in fall.