Description
Home to one of four cruise ports in Edinburgh, Newhaven is a northern district of the Scottish capital roughly two miles from the city centre. Here, as soon as you arrive in Edinburgh, you’ll find the iconic Newhaven Lighthouse – originally constructed in 1883, it marks the mouth of the River Ouse – and Starbank Park – a stunning community garden with gorgeous views of the North Sea. However, beyond Newhaven, Edinburgh is home to an abundance of breathtaking sights and incredible experiences; it has so much more to offer. The entire city is a picture, with Edinburgh Old Town dominated by medieval architecture and charming narrow streets, while Edinburgh New Town features a blend of Georgian and Neoclassical architecture; a city full of incredible landmarks, Edinburgh is a charming destination unlike any other. The ever-iconic Edinburgh Castle and Palace of Holyroodhouse are always worth seeing when you visit, as is the Royal Mile running through the heart of the city and connecting the two, but there are so many must-see spots in this remarkable city. From atop Calton Hill – which is home to the National Monument, the Nelson Monument, the Dugald Stewart Monument and the City Observatory (among other landmarks) – and Arthur’s Seat – an ancient extinct volcano in Holyrood Park – you’ll have the chance to relish in sweeping panoramic views of the city and beyond. The Scott Monument, St. Giles’ Cathedral, and Royal Botanic Gardens are all excellent options when it comes to sightseeing too. When you combine all of this with the incredible food, charming cafes, lively pubs, and other experiences available across the capital, there really is an abundance of things to enjoy when you’re in Edinburgh.
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Things to do
Edinburgh Castle
Sitting atop Castle Rock – an area that has been inhabited by humans since the Iron Age – Edinburgh Castle, in some form, has overlooked the Edinburgh area since the 11th century. Starting out as a royal residence for Malcolm III, the castle eventually became a military garrison from circa 1633, and has since become an important part of Scotland’s national heritage. It played an active role in the Wars of Scottish Independence throughout the 14th century, the siege to free James III of Scotland in 1482, and the Lang Siege from 1571 to 1573 – while also being an important site during the Jacobite rising of 1745, among other Scottish conflicts. Now a tourist attraction with historical displays, several shops and cafes, and some sensational views of the city, a visit to Edinburgh Castle is not to be missed.
Calton Hill
This hill in central Edinburgh is home to a number of important landmarks and monuments, making it a fantastic place to visit when you’re in Edinburgh. Standing over 150 ft high over the Scottish capital, you’ll find the following monuments on this UNESCO World Heritage Site: the National Monument, the Nelson Monument, the Dugald Stewart Monument, the old Royal High School, the Robert Burns Monument, the Political Martyrs’ Monument, and the City Observatory. With some of these monuments as old as the 18th century, there’s a lot to learn about Edinburgh and Scotland’s history just from this one hilltop – that, and some stunning views of the city surrounding you.
The Scott Monument
A stunning Victorian Gothic monument in Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens, an area where you can see Edinburgh Castle atop Castle Rock rising in the distance, the Scott Monument honours Scottish novelist, poet, and historian Sir Walter Scott – who authored Rob Roy (1817), Waverley (1818), and Ivanhoe (1819), among others. At over 200 ft tall, it’s the second-tallest monument to an author in the world after the Jose Marti Monument in Havana, Cuba. While breathtaking to see from street level, you can also climb up this intricate tower monument to enjoy panoramic views of Edinburgh from viewing platforms. Inaugurated in 1846, the monument itself is adorned with visages of Scottish writers, poets, and other notable figures.