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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 04 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Lucy Gillmore

Dog-walkers do it daily while tourists tramp up for the view and to say they’ve ‘done it’. The mysteriously named Arthur’s Seat is a 250m-high craggy hill – one part of an extinct volcano, which rises right out of the city centre.

The enjoyable one-hour walk to the top (relatively easy on the legs) rewards with panoramic views over the city and out over the Firth of Forth to Fife.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around
Duration: 2 hours

Getting there & doing it

Arthur’s Seat is in Holyrood Park, in the centre of the city; there are car parks at three good starting points: near Dunsapie Loch, near the Scottish Parliament, and near St Margaret’s Loch.

The easiest ascent is via the grassy slopes rising above Dunsapie Loch, but wherever you start from, it’s easy to pick out the well-defined paths that snake to the top. The hike up to the top is relatively easy, and takes an hour (two if you’re very slow).

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Cheval Abbey Strand

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[1.2 miles]

History-steeped aparthotel with contemporary designer interiors, perfectly located for sightseeing at the bottom of the Royal Mile.

Official star rating:

Market Street Hotel

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[1.9 miles]

A cool, central upside-down design hotel with a rooftop terrace and champagne lounge. Perfect for those who love cool design and champagne sundowners.

Official star rating:

Cheval Old Town Chambers

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[1.9 miles]

Chic, contemporary design and a family and pet-friendly ethos come as standard in these luxury apartments in Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town.

Official star rating:

The Balmoral Hotel

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[2 miles]

The grand dame of Edinburgh’s hotel scene, this luxurious landmark hotel is still the epitome of elegance.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Edinburgh

Edinburgh Region, United Kingdom (UK)

Capital treats abound, from mighty castles and royal palaces to gourmet restaurants and arguably the world’s best performing arts festival.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

National Museum of Scotland

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[1.8 miles]

Scotland’s history, culture, art and design, science and technology – under one state-of-the-art roof. Special exhibits include the story of Mary Queen of Scots and Dolly the sheep.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Queen’s Gallery Edinburgh
Experience

Queen’s Gallery Edinburgh

Edinburgh , Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[1.2 miles]

Part of the Holyroodhouse complex, this art gallery exhibits a rotating collection of works from the Royal Collection. It’s one of 13 venues that showcase the largest private art collection in the world. Open daily.

Best for ages: 18+ | £9

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The Chocolatarium
Experience

The Chocolatarium

Edinburgh , Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[1.6 miles]

This micro-chocolate factory in the city centre offers 90-minute introduction tours to all aspects of chocolate-making, and you get you create your own bar to take away. There are also truffle-making masterclasses, and a unique chocolate and Scottish whisky experience that pairs artisan chocolates with single malts.

Best for ages: 6+ | £20

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Edinburgh Dungeon
Experience

Edinburgh Dungeon

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[2 miles]

An underground yomp through the darkest episodes in the city’s history, including the story of body-snatchers Burke & Hare, a torture chamber and the Grassmarket Gallows – a re-creation of when Edinburgh’s central square was famous for its hangings.

Best for ages: 10+ | £18

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