Things to do in Copenhagen

Cool and chic, Copenhagen is my kind of city. For food, drink and design this city is hard to beat and at Christmas the Danish capital is alight with festive fairs and events.

Eat

Geist – try stylish and artful Danish food created by celebrated chef Bo Bech. The menu is refined and concise and filled with genius tapas-style dishes. Cauliflower and black truffle was particularly memorable; both tastes and visuals are spectacular.

Era Ora – the talented team here provide the ultimate Italian food and wine experience. Expect a banquet and spend an afternoon indulging in the finest culinary creations.

Cocks and Cows – voted best burger in Copenhagen a few years ago, this joint still excels at American classics. Any variety is possible (bun, sauce, fillings and toppings) and the results are faultless. Chips receive top marks too: homemade, thin, crispy with a sprinkling of sea salt.

Ricemarket – from the founders of Kiin Kiin (the only Michelin starred Thai restaurant in Europe), Ricemarket is a delicious casual alternative, easy to get a table and less threatening to your wallet!

Drink

Ruby – established in 2007, Ruby soon became a popular choice for the discerning Copenhagen cocktail drinker. Masters of mixology, the bartenders will create any drink you desire. I chose the off-menu strong but brilliantly balanced Brooklyn.

The Union – concealed completely on a quiet street in town, we almost interrupted several private parties before eventually discovering the inconspicuous black door. Truly outstanding cocktails, we loved the Pinky and the Roscoe.

See

Louisiana – venture out of town to the staggeringly beautiful modern art museum. Currently on show: a passionate Jorn and Pollock exhibition and an exploratory show about the Arctic.

Christiania – take a stroll around this freetown built on a dream of freedom and the notion of a place governed by its residents. An alternative, anarchistic area – definitely worth exploring.

Shop

Playtype – letters of all shapes, sizes and forms fill this tiny eclectic shop.
Pick up an alphabet poster or buy your very own special Playtype font on a memory stick.

Acne Archive – a haven for Acne lovers, this outlet store sells past seasons’ rejects for a fraction of the price.

Finders Keepers – an occasional, very special fair celebrating the best young designers on the Scandi scene. Bring cash.

Do

Tivoli Gardens – one of the world’s oldest amusement parks – during the festive season experience the warmth of Christmas with the festive stalls, rides and restaurants.

Canal tour – tick off all the sights in 90 minutes on this informative and picturesque tour. The impressive opera house, little mermaid and black diamond are all en route.

Many thanks to the Copenhagen Tourist Board for their help with this trip, more information here.

An Edinburgh Itinerary

The best thing about my brother’s Edinburgh University education is the excuse it gives me for four years of visiting rights to Scotland’s picturesque capital city. Rivalling London with its impressive selection of fine dining, cool bars and attractive historical sights, it is the ideal place for a weekend break in Britain.

9 am: after a heavenly buffet breakfast at the Caledonian Hotel pack your map and umbrella and set out for Princes Street, Edinburgh’s busiest shopping road.

10 am: Wander through the boutiques until you reach Artisan Roast for the perfect cup of coffee. But a note to Potter geeks; the cafe keenly states that ‘JK Rowling did not write here!’

10.30 am: If you dare, the dungeons are worth a visit. Catch one of the live shows for spooky stories and amusing anecdotes about Scotland’s murky past.

12.30 pm: Head to the Leith area for lunch by the waterside. Edinburgh boasts five Michelin starred eateries, The Kitchin is perhaps the healthiest, offering beautifully presented, seasonally inspired recipes. The lunch menu is very reasonable with three courses priced at £26 per person.

2 pm: Jump on the 22 bus back into town for an afternoon of sightseeing. The National Museum of Scotland is currently displaying an awesome Viking exhibition, but their permanent collection is enough to lure you in all year round.

3 pm: Potter around Grassmarket and exchange a tea and cake break with a trip to Oink! the thrifty but thoroughly Scottish snack of hog roast and haggis. Pop into the most popular vintage shop, Armstrong’s for a look through their racks of hand-me-downs.

4 pm: Trek up through the Royal Mile, past the bagpipers, to the renowned Edinburgh Castle… step back in time in this amazing medieval building which overlooks the entire city. Students avoid the place at all costs, adhering to the superstitious rumour that they will fail their finals if they step over the Castle threshold. Then just moments away is the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, a mesmerising interactive exhibition; we especially loved the dizzying vortex tunnel.

7 pm: For cocktails the Last Word Saloon is the only place to go. Choose the deliciously well balanced John Candy concoction or pick their masterful rendition of the famous gin drink the bar is named after.

8.30 pm: There is no need to look further than the Caledonian Hotel for supper. With the talented Galvin brothers at the helm, you have the choice to dine at the smart Pompadour Restaurant or the more casual Brasserie de Luxe. We couldn’t fault the Parisian style dishes and the immaculate service. When tiredness sets in drift upstairs to bed.

For massive savings and minimal stress buy the Edinburgh Pass… undoubtedly the most efficient way to see all the city’s delights!

For more information see the Edinburgh tourist board website here.

Thoroughly Modern Milly travelled with East Coast Trains. East Coast operates regular services each weekday between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh. Customers travelling First Class can enjoy East Coast’s complimentary food and drinks offer plus unlimited Wi-Fi. Book advanced return fares online at www.eastcoast.co.uk. Times and fares can also be found via 08457 225225 or from any staffed stations.

Ten Things to do in West Cornwall

1.     Rent a holiday cottage in Trengwainton, National Trust Gardens


2.     Visit Men-an-tol, an ancient Cornish monument

3.     Make a wish at the Clootie Tree

4.     At low tide, stroll the causeway from Marazion to St Michael’s Mount (and take a boat back once the tide has come in)

5.     Scoff an indulgent afternoon Cornish cream tea at the Queen’s Hotel on Penzance pier

 

6.     Soak up the rays on secluded Perranuthnoe Beach

7.     Meander along the coastal path from Sennen Cove to Land’s End (and back for ice cream and/or a hot drink!)

8.     Spend a relaxing Sunday morning wandering the tiny streets of Mousehole

9.     Enjoy lunch at the Carbis Bay Hotel (complete with magnificent views of the private beach below)


10. Explore St Ives and discover a world of art at the Tate Gallery

 

I travelled courtesy of First Great Western trains.

All information about First Great Western train fares and timings here.

***My new travel book, CORNWALL by Weekend Journals is available to order here. Use the code TMM10 to get 10% off.***