Arthur's Seat

“Edinburgh Castle is one of the most exciting historic sites in Western Europe. Booking is required. Set in the heart of Scotland's dynamic capital city, it is sure to capture your imagination. The scenery will take your breath away. Edinburgh Castle is alive with exciting tales of its time as a military fortress, royal residence and prison of war. When you climb Castle Hill, you will walk in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens – and even the odd pirate or two. Set upon its mighty rock, Edinburgh Castle’s strategic advantage is clear. Seeing the site’s military potential, Iron Age people built a hill fort on the rock. Early medieval poetry tells of a war band that feasted here for a year before riding to their deaths in battle. As well as guarding great moments in history, the castle has suffered many sieges. During the Wars of Independence it changed hands many times. In 1314, the Scots retook the castle from the English in a daring night raid led by Thomas Randolph, nephew of Robert the Bruce. The castle defences have evolved over hundreds of years. Mons Meg, one of the greatest medieval cannons ever made, was given to King James II in 1457. The Half Moon Battery, built in the aftermath of the Lang Siege of 1573, was armed for 200 years by bronze guns known as the Seven Sisters. Six more guns defend the Argyle Battery, with its open outlook to the north.”

“Lots of items of interest in here (8000 to be exact). Enough to keep kids occupied.. although I found it easy to get a bit lost!! You could spend days in here so probably better to be a bit planned on your attack ;-)”

“Beautifully kept gardens, you can enjoy most of it for free and pay to visit the glass houses. They also put on light shows at Christmas time. You need to book tickets for the light show but it's worth seeing.”

“Large free art gallery in a beautiful setting. You can walk to or from Stockbridge along the water of Leith and take in a bit of nature along the way. Modern Two is just across the road, usually with a paid exhibition on.”

“Calton Hill rises beyond the east end of Princes Street and carries a rather eccentric collection of buildings and monuments. Its principal attraction is the superb panoramic view, taking in pretty much the whole of Edinburgh. Robert Louis Stevenson said that Calton Hill was the best viewpoint in the city as from it you could see both Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Seat, something you couldn't from either of them.”