The Secret Herb Garden

When I heard their was a new cafe with a garden, bees and furniture shop called The Secret Herb Garden on the outskirts of Edinburgh, I couldn't wait to check it out and take my Mum with me.

We took my Mum, Nana and Dad along today and as soon as we arrived, we were offered a beer tasting, so I knew there was going to be something for everyone.

There were cakes topped with flowers and a huge selection of quiches in the cafe, although they only seemed to offer slices of the one's they had already cut in to which was bad luck for the mushroom hating vegetarian who came in after us.

Luckily for me, I'd ordered the last slice of butternut squash which was delicious. I also had a bottle of Cry Baby Soda, which I'd tried at Google's last party and they have so many interesting flavours I'd love to try.

Although we got seated in the cafe, you can sit anywhere in the garden or glasshouse.

I'd love to come back soon and drink coffee in the greenhouse with the butterflies.

There was lots to discover in the rest of the grounds including a bee observatory, lavendar garden and chickens.

We headed to Dalkeith Country Park afterwards to take a walk and explore the grounds.

This palace is owned by the University of Wisconsin as a research centre. I wonder if they're researching cheese.

Our favourite part of the gardens was the Orangery which looked so ornate and beautiful even though it was a ruin. Tom read that they're going to be restoring it and I'd love to come back to see it when it's ready.

We ended our day with drinks and nibbles at The Paper Mill, where it was still warm enough to sit outside.