Places To See And Things To Do When Visiting Edinburgh

I was born and bred in Wales in the UK and have lived here for the majority of my life, except for when I lived in Australia for about six years.

I have travelled extensively throughout the UK and explored a lot of Wales and England during my lifetime, but one part of the UK that I have not visited is Scotland and in particular, Edinburgh.

This is the year that I want to put that right and visit Scotland. More importantly, Edinburgh. Summer is a great time to visit Edinburgh. First of all, it’s usually better weather and at this time of year there are many Edinburgh Events happening such as the Edinburgh fringe festival which is definitely something that I would love to visit as I have heard so much about it over the years and how amazing it is with people arriving from the four corners of the world.

There are many places that I want to go and see while visiting Edinburgh. Here are a few places that I would love to see on a visit to Edinburgh.

1. Edinburgh Castle

I have many times on television, especially when a royal occasion was happening wanted to go to Edinburgh Castle. It sits on Castle Rock which overlooks the city of Edinburgh which has stunning views of the city.

Edinburgh Castle also houses some of the most important Scottish artefacts. In particular, the honours of Scotland which are the oldest Crown Jewels in the UK. They also have The Stone of Destiny, an ancient symbol of the Scottish monarchy.

Being Welsh I love history and in particular Celtic history. Of course, Edinburgh Castle offers and I can’t wait to hear it, the one o’clock gun in the castle grounds.

2. Climb Arthur’s Seat

This is perhaps one of the most iconic places to visit while in Edinburgh. Arthur’s seat is located in Holyrood Park, which in fact is actually an ancient volcano and is 251 metres above sea level.

Arthur’s Seat offers 360 degree views of Edinburgh and the Lothians. You can also see the remains of the medieval St Anthony’s Chapel. There are many paths that everybody can walk and you can feed the ducks and swans.

Arthur’s seat is a must see just to take in the stunning views of Edinburgh.

3. The Scott Monument

The Scott Monument was built in 1832 which was to commemorate the death of one of Scotland’s best loved writers. It is decorated with carvings of some of the characters from his novels.

The gothic spire stands at the eastern end of Princes Street Gardens and is actually the largest memorial to a writer anywhere in the world. At a height of 200 feet, you have to climb 287 steps to get to the top but it will all be worth it for stunning views of the city. As I read a few of Sir Walter Scott’s novels I really want to go to the museum room which holds an exhibition of Scott’s life and work.

Afterwards you can also explore Princes street which is nearby.

4. National Museum of Scotland

Of course there is always a chance that the weather will not be very good, so on the possible day it may rain I have decided that National Museum of Scotland is an absolute must see. It’s free entry and there are over 20,000 unique artefacts to see, so there is plenty to see and do for all the family.

So my plan this year or if not possible this year, then it’s my plan for next year, is to visit Edinburgh and take in all of it’s magnificent history and fantastic historical sites that Edinburgh has to offer, as well as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Have you been to Edinburgh? Where would you recommend to go and what places to see while on a trip to Edinburgh? I would love to your recommendations in the comments below.