Activities

Edinburgh Castle is Scotland’s number 1 visitor attraction. Sitting majestically upon a volcanic rock at the top of the famous Royal Mile. It includes St Margaret’s Chapel from the 12th century and the Great Hall where the Scottish Parliament met until 1639. The One o'clock gun sounds at 1pm every day except Sundays, and is well worth seeing and hearing!

The Royal Mile stretches from the Castle to The Palace of Holyrood House and Scottish Parliament. Along the mile there are a number of attractions: The Writers Museum provides a glimpse into the lives of three of Scotland's best known writers - Burns, Scott and Stevenson.  The Scotch Whisky Experience, shows you the distilling process as you take a ride through a replica distillery – a must for all whisky lovers.  The Camera Obscura and world of Illusions is a truly entertaining experience for all ages. The Museum of Childhood lets you step back in time as you see 5 galleries showing how children have been dressed and educated over the years.  

The Palace of Holyrood House is Her Majesty The Queen's official residence in Scotland. You can visit the Royal Apartments which reflect the changing tastes of monarchs over the years.

At the Museum of Scotland you can discover some of the nation's most precious possessions alongside the everyday objects that throw light on Scotland through the ages.

The Scottish Parliament building opened in 2004 and is an absorbing building with some unusual architecture and offers a fascinating tour.  

Holyrood Park is a Royal Park in Edinburgh open to the public. It contains parkland, lochs, hills and crags, and yet in the centre of the city. You can take a walking tour of the park, visiting Salisbury Craigs, St. Anthony's Chapel, and also take the steep climb up to Arthur's Seat (251m) where you can be rewarded with fabulous views of the city.

The Royal Yacht Britannia is only 15 minutes walk from the city centre. The elegant state rooms and the absorbing engine room are just some of the highlights.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest festival of performing arts anywhere in the world. (August). The Military Tattoo is a spectacular display of military marching bands, music, dance, daredevil motorcycle display teams and more... (Early Aug)

The best way to see Edinburgh is via the sightseeing bus which will drop you off at all of Edinburgh's top sightseeing locations.