EXPLORE EDINBURGH ON A BUDGET

CLIMB ARTHURS SEAT

Arthurs seat is Edinburgh’s spectacular 360 million years old dormant volcano. Take the easy 1 hour hike up to the volcano’s summit and enjoy breathtaking views of Edinburgh’s Skyline, Castle and Firth of Forth. This is an exhilarating experience that you will never forget.

From the Scottish Parliament take the Volunteer’s Walk past Hunter’s Bog. Eventually you’ll reach the end of the Hike at Salisbury Crags, This vantage point looks right out over the magnificent Edinburgh Skyline so get ready for some incredible awe inspiring photographs. If you want to go all the way to the summit turn left onto the Piper’s Walk path, and take a short uphill hike up to the volcano’s summit.

VISIT EDINBURGH CASTLE

Edinburgh Castle is Scotland’s number one tourist attraction. Not only will you get some amazing pictures of the castle and esplanade but there is tons of things to see and do. Try and get there before 1pm and experience the firing of famous the ‘1 O’clock Gun’. The entrance fee (Adult £16.00, Concession £12.80, Child £9.60) includes admission to all of the walking tours, museums, dungeons and Scottish Crown jewels. Check out the Great Hall where Kings and Queens came to feast and St Margaret’s Chapel which is the castle’s oldest surviving structure.

VISIT THR ROYAL MILE AND TAKE A FREE SANDIMANS WALKING TOUR

The Royal Mile is Edinburgh’s and Scotland’s most famous Street. At one end there is Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s Scottish Residence in Scotland and at the other end you will find the magnificent St Giles Cathedral. After checking out the Palace and some of the unique shops. Head to the Tron Kirk and take a FREE Sandimans 3 hour walking tour. The tour will take you through the cobbled backstreets and alleys of historic Edinburgh. You will learn about Greyfriars Bobby, Maggie Dickson, Burke and Hare, the birthplace of Harry Potter and Edinburgh’s sordid history. The Walking Tour Departs from the Tron Kirk in the High Street at 11am and 1pm Daily.

HIKE UP ‘EDINBURGH’s DISGRACE – CALTON HILL

Visit Calton Hill and Enjoy fantastic views of Edinburgh City, Edinburgh Castle and Firth of Forth. Check out a number of great monuments such as ‘Edinburgh’s disgrace’, the unfinished National Monument which was built to remember casualties of the Napoleonic war. There are also monuments for Nelson, Duguld Stewart, Rabbie Burns, The Political Martyr’s and a burial site.

VISIT EDINBURGHS FREE MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES

In Edinburgh the museums and Art Galleries offer free entry. Check out the Museum of Edinburgh which exhibits the true story of Greyfriars Bobby. The National Museum of Scotland where you can explore the diversity and development of the natural world as well as Scotland’s complete History. The Writers Museum which includes the history of Rabbie Burns. The Museum of Childhood where young people can learn about the children of the past and see a fantastic range of toys and games, while adults enjoy a trip down memory lane. The National Art Gallery and National Gallery of Modern art which display Scotland’s top art collections.

Check out the Mound area just off Princes Street where you’ll find the National Galleries of Scotland complex. There are two magnificent neo-classical designs by William Henry Playfair an incredible architect. Tthe Royal Scottish Academy main building and the National Gallery of Scotland which is truly inspiring. It houses works from artists including Da Vinci, Vermee and Raphael, as well as other famous artists such as Monet, Constable and Cezanne. Access is free. Other Edinburgh galleries include The Gallery of Modern Art in the West End, Dean Gallery beside Dean Bridge and the National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street which is essential viewing.