Some weeks in Edinburgh feel as if the city is telling a story — in the frosty pavements, shifting skies, glowing lights and the small moments that bring people together.

This week had all of that: icy mornings, a full day of rain, dramatic sunsets, cosy firesides and the friendly rhythm of school life carrying on, whatever the weather decided to do.

Winter light: frosty, clear and dramatic

We began with crisp mornings and an arctic-blue sky — the kind of luminous winter light that makes Edinburgh feel calm and still. By mid-week, the mood shifted completely: steady rain, dark clouds and a day where winter raincoats were essential.

But this is Edinburgh in November.

In return for our patience, the city gave us evenings full of colour — rose-pink skies over the Old Town, soft gold across Princes Street Gardens and even the rumour of the northern lights.

Some students saw them. Flora didn’t. Hope remains.

Experience Edinburgh: discovering the city through English

This week brought a real mix of Edinburgh weather — crisp blue mornings, a rainy day and bursts of late-autumn light. But for our Experience Edinburgh group, that’s all part of the adventure.

The course followed its usual rhythm: a blend of indoor and outdoor moments, lively conversations, cultural discoveries and those small, surprising details you only notice when you’re out exploring the city with a guide.

Students tell us this is one of their favourite things about the course:

"You don’t wait for perfect weather — you experience the real city and use every moment as a chance to practise English."

Later, warming up in the pub with a hot drink by the fire, there was a feeling of balance — the sense of having experienced a full Edinburgh.

Cosy pub social: firesides, hot chocolate and a wee dram

Nothing says November in Edinburgh quite like a glowing pub fire.

This week’s social was full of:

• hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows
• a few wee drams of whisky
• relaxed conversations
• and the first sparkle of Christmas lights outside

The fire crackled, coats steamed softly by the fire, and the warmth of the room made the English flow easily — stories, jokes, travel tales and plans for the weekend.

A cultural treat: primates, skyline views and a warm drink

A midweek visit to the National Museum of Scotland’s Primates exhibition gave students a chance to learn something new and enjoy thoughtful conversations.

Afterwards, a hot chocolate break followed by the rooftop garden brought one of the best free skyline views of Edinburgh.

Stockbridge at dusk: cheese, wine and good company

Another group enjoyed an evening in Stockbridge — one of Edinburgh’s loveliest neighbourhoods.

A relaxed cheese and wine tasting offered the perfect mix of:

• new vocabulary
• flavour descriptions
• cultural stories
• and international wines (including one very impressive English sparkling!)

A warm, friendly evening — and a reminder that Edinburgh is full of hidden corners waiting to be discovered.

Behind the scenes at 17 Young Street

Every old building has a personality. Ours decided to express itself this week.

• the hoover gave up
• a toilet seat surrendered
• a mysterious alarm sang its own tune
• winter maintenance began in earnest

Some weeks the school behaves beautifully.

This week… was not one of them.

It’s not glamorous, but it is real — and part of what makes a small, family-run school feel like a community. The hiccups didn’t stop classes, conversations or the warm atmosphere for a single moment.

What’s happening in Edinburgh

If you’re in the city this month — or planning a winter visit — here are some lovely cultural moments to enjoy. Each one is a chance to practise English in real situations and feel the festive spirit of Edinburgh.

🎭 Scottish Ballet – The Snow Queen

From 27 November, Scottish Ballet brings this atmospheric winter tale to life. A magical story, beautiful costumes and a perfect December mood-setter.

🎄 Edinburgh’s Christmas

From 15 November to 4 January the whole city lights up — markets, fairground rides, food stalls, concerts and glowing streets. A must-see for any winter visit.

🕺 Ceilidh at the Charteris Centre

On 29 November, enjoy a classic Scottish ceilidh in the Greyfriars Charteris Centre — live folk music, dancing led by a caller, and a friendly atmosphere. No experience needed!

👑 Cinderella: A Fairytale at The Lyceum

Beginning 28 November, this warm, imaginative retelling of the classic tale is perfect for winter evenings — full of humour, music and festive charm.

✨ Christmas at the Botanics

A magical illuminated trail through the Royal Botanic Garden — one of Edinburgh’s favourite winter traditions.

Course highlight: last English with yoga and wellbeing course of the year

With temperatures dropping below zero, our December English with yoga and wellbeing course (1–5 December) is the perfect way to stay warm, relaxed and focused.

Think:

• gentle yoga
• walking
• small-group English practice
• winter afternoons exploring the city, galleries and museums

A calm, refreshing way to end the year.