Edinburgh's Royal Mile Attractions
Edinburgh Castle, Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre & Mary King's Close
The Royal Mile in Edinburgh is Scotland's most famous street. Home to Edinburgh Castle and venue for the Edinburgh Festival and Edinburgh Tattoo.
“The Largest, Longest, and Finest Street in the World.” - Daniel Defoe
The Royal Mile is part of Edinburgh's Old Town and is the Scottish capital's most notable area, rich in history and also linked with some of the city's less savoury characters like Williams Burke and Hare, who were responsible for 17 murders during the 1820s.
Edinburgh's most famous street, runs from the castle drawbridge to the gates of Holyrood Palace. Take the time to stroll down this unique thoroughfare and visit some of Scotland's best-loved tourist venues.
Edinburgh Castle:
Scotland's top tourist attraction boasts a thousand years of history. It dominates the capital's skyline and is home to the world famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre:
The centre's resident ghost may reveal some of the blender's best kept secrets. Discover 300 years of Scotch whisky history and try a nip of Laphroaig, the best whisky in the world.
St Giles Cathedral:
To discover St Giles is to understand Scotland's religious history since John Knox and the Reformation. Don't miss the Thistle Chapel and its intricate carvings. This magnificent building is inextricably linked to some of Scotland’s most influential figures: The Duke of Argyle, Marquis of Montrose, Jenny Geddes and those who formed the Covenanting movement that swept the nation.
Mary King's Close:
The close was part of a 17th century street running north under what is now Edinburgh City Chambers. A visit to the close is an opportunity to take a glimpse of life in the city before the Black Death arrived in 1645.
Museum of Childhood:
It's described as the "nosiest museum in the world" and exhibits dolls, bicycles, teddy bears and kids stuff from around the world. You can soak up the atmosphere of the 1950s, learn about children's schooling and listen to them at play on Edinburgh's streets. It was the first museum in the world to specialise in the history of childhood.
Writers' Museum:
The museum in Lady Stairs Close, part of Lawnmarket, is dedicated to the lives of some of Scotland’s finest writers: Robert Louis Stevenson, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns. It houses a fascinating collection of manuscripts, portraits and personal items.
People's Story Museum:
Housed in the Canongate Tolbooth, this unique museum is filled with past sights, sounds and smells from the lives of the people who worked in Edinburgh.
Scottish Parliament:
Despite the unusual design the new parliament building has won a number of prestigious architectural awards. Why not make your own mind up! Take the tour or wander round on your own.
The Palace of Hollyrood House:
The residence of Her Majesty the Queen when she visits Scotland. started life as a monastery in 1128. A visit to the palace gives you a taste of Scotland's turbulent past. It's a great place to explore if you have an interest in Scotland’s best loved monarch, Mary Queen of Scots.
For more information visit the Edinburgh and Lothians Tourist Board
