Description
A charming port town roughly ten miles from Edinburgh, South Queensferry is one of the most beautiful towns in Scotland; boasting quaint cobblestone streets, a variety of independent retailers and boutique shopping experiences, and plenty of picturesque places to walk, it’s easy to get lost in the charming atmosphere here. However, it’s also just a short trip to Edinburgh city centre, and the Scottish capital is one destination you don’t want to miss out on visiting when you have the chance; the entire city is a picture, and home to an abundance of breathtaking sights and incredible experiences. You’ll find some of the most significant Scottish landmarks here, from the ever-iconic Edinburgh Castle to the stunning Palace of Holyroodhouse – and indeed the Royal Mile that connects the two, cutting through the heart of the city centre. That’s not all, though. From atop Calton Hill – which is home to the National Monument, the Nelson 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 admire 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 fantastic experiences available across the capital, there really is an abundance of things to enjoy when you’re in Edinburgh. So, while South Queensferry has its charms, the Scottish capital really is the highlight here.
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Things to do
Forth Bridge
An iconic single cantilever railway bridge stretching across the Firth of Forth, connecting South Queensferry with North Queensferry, Forth Bridge is an UNESCO World Heritage Site widely considered one of the best man-made wonders in Scotland; a symbol of the nation, and an impressive feat of human engineering, the bridge was completed in 1889 after seven years of construction. It spans over 8,000 feet across the waterway and was the longest single cantilever bridge in the world at the time of completion; this remained until 1919, where it was bested by Quebec Bridge in Canada. It remains the second-longest single cantilever bridge in the world, though, and an impressive sight to see first-hand.
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.