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A mini guide to
Holyrood, Arthur's Seat & Calton Hill: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Pick your hill
Calton Hill is a short, gentle climb from Princes Street. Arthur's Seat is a longer hill walk: allow a couple of hours and wear proper shoes.
Check the weather
Holyrood Park is exposed and the crags can be slippery in wet weather. Take a waterproof and stay on the paths.
Combine the Palace and the Royal Mile
The Palace of Holyroodhouse stands at the bottom of the Royal Mile, so it fits neatly at the end of a walk down from the Castle.
Go for sunset
Calton Hill is a favourite spot for views of the skyline at sunset. It gets busy on clear evenings, so arrive early.
Festival season
Edinburgh's big events
Dates come from the organisers. Confirm them on the official sites before you book, and expect busy streets and high prices.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
6 to 30 August 2027
The Fringe's 80th edition, with shows across the city.
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
6 to 28 August 2027
The annual military show in Edinburgh each August.
Edinburgh's Hogmanay
29 to 31 December 2026, plus New Year's Day
A torchlight procession, concerts and the Street Party, followed by a free live-music trail on New Year's Day.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Holyrood, Arthur's Seat & Calton Hill?
Holyrood, Arthur's Seat & Calton Hill is in Edinburgh, Scotland. A royal palace, a Parliament and two hills with city views. Nearby stops and stations include Waverley, St Andrew Square, Picardy Place.
How long do I need in Holyrood, Arthur's Seat & Calton Hill?
Half a day, or a full day with the hill walks. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Palace of Holyroodhouse, Holyrood Abbey, The Scottish Parliament. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Waverley (ScotRail, LNER and other operators); St Andrew Square (Edinburgh Trams); Picardy Place (Edinburgh Trams); Edinburgh Bus Station (National Express, Megabus and other coaches). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 23 places to eat and drink in and around Holyrood, Arthur's Seat & Calton Hill, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 9 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Holyrood, Arthur's Seat & Calton Hill accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Holyrood, Arthur's Seat & Calton Hill
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The monarch's official residence in Scotland, at the foot of the Royal Mile, with historic State Apartments and the abbey ruins beside it.
Holyrood Abbey
Ruins of the abbey founded in 1128, beside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The Scottish Parliament
Home of the Scottish Parliament, a landmark modern building designed by Enric Miralles.
Edinburgh
More areas to explore
Stockbridge & Dean Village
A riverside village, a botanic garden and Edinburgh's best-loved suburb
Open the mini guide →
Leith & the Waterfront
A historic port with a royal yacht, a lively waterfront and some of the city's best food
Open the mini guide →
Grassmarket & Southside
A market square under the Castle, Greyfriars and the city's main museum
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Canongate Kirk: 瑞丽江的河水, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Palace of Holyroodhouse: 瑞丽江的河水, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Holyrood Abbey: LASZLO ILYES from Cleveland, Ohio, USA, CC BY 2.0, source
- The Scottish Parliament: Matthew Ross, Public domain, source
- Stockbridge & Dean Village: Mike Shaw, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Leith & the Waterfront: Alan Murray-Rust, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Grassmarket & Southside: rboed*, CC BY 2.0, source
- Haymarket & Murrayfield: Kim Traynor, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Bruntsfield & Morningside: Macumba, Public domain, source
- Portobello & the Coast: M J Richardson, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Old Town & Royal Mile: Anthony O'Neil, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- New Town: Chris Morgan, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
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