Arthur's Seat
Arthur’s Seat is the rugged centrepiece of Holyrood Park, an ancient volcano shaped by ice ages. Its summit, rising 251 metres above the city, offers one of Edinburgh’s most rewarding panoramas, stretching from the Forth bridges to the Highlands.
A climb from Holyrood Palace takes around 45 minutes, leading past dramatic Salisbury Crags and the ruins of St Anthony’s Chapel. The park itself is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, home to diverse geology and wildlife around Duddingston Loch. More than just a hike, Arthur’s Seat is a journey through natural and ancient history — a must for experiencing Edinburgh’s wilder side without leaving the city.
Rosslyn Chapel
Rosslyn Chapel, founded in 1446 as the Collegiate Church of St Matthew, is a masterpiece of stone carving shrouded in mystery. Its interior is a dense tapestry of carved symbols, where biblical scenes, naturalistic figures and enigmatic patterns cover almost every surface. The chapel's 40-year construction period yielded this unique and ornate stonework, which has inspired countless myths and legends. This fascination was only amplified by its feature in “The Da Vinci Code”. After exploring the intricate carvings and their intriguing tales, extend your visit with a peaceful walk through the adjacent Roslin Glen Country Park.
St Giles' Cathedral
St Giles' Cathedral, the historic "Mother Kirk of Scotland", has been a focal point of religious and civic life on the Royal Mile since 1124. Its architecture is a tapestry of centuries, but the cathedral is most famous as the epicentre of the Scottish Reformation under firebrand minister John Knox. While the main body of the kirk is imposing, its greatest artistic treasure is the Thistle Chapel, an astonishingly detailed 1911 Gothic space housing Scotland's chivalric order.
You can admire the beautiful stained-glass windows, see an original National Covenant, and find the bronze memorial to Robert Louis Stevenson. Just outside the west door, the Heart of Midlothian set into the cobbles is traditionally spat upon for luck. Free tours and audio guides help unravel the complex history within this essential Edinburgh landmark.
Water of Leith Walkway
The Water of Leith Walkway is a 20-kilometre footpath and cycleway that offers a serene escape through the heart of Edinburgh. Following the city's main river from Balerno to the port of Leith, this gently descending trail immerses you in lush greenery, away from city traffic. It connects several key attractions, including the picturesque Dean Village with its iconic St Bernard's Well, the Royal Botanic Garden, and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.
The path is a haven for wildlife, where herons, swans and darting fish are common sights. Popular with walkers, joggers and cyclists, it’s a peaceful, car-free route for exploring the more intimate side of the city. An audio trail is available for a guided experience, and public art like Anthony Gormley's 6 Times statues dot the route.
