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Home > Scotland > Things to do in Lothian Scotland > Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat

This is the highest point in Holyrood Park—a massive, ancient extinct volcano that sits right in the middle of Edinburgh. It’s located at the bottom of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, using the postcode EH8 8AZ.

What to Expect and Enjoy
You don’t have to leave the city to feel like you’re in the wild Scottish Highlands.

  • The Summit: The main goal for most is reaching the top. At the peak, you are 251 metres above sea level, and the 360-degree views of the city, the castle, and the sea are absolutely spectacular.
  • St Anthony’s Chapel: On your way up, you’ll pass the ruins of a tiny 15th-century stone chapel perched on a hill. It’s a great spot for a photo.
  • Salisbury Crags: If you want a shorter but still dramatic walk, you can trek along the top of these massive cliffs that face the city.
  • Duddingston Loch: On the quieter side of the hill, there is a beautiful loch full of swans and ducks, which feels a world away from the busy streets.

Best For and Time Spent
Perfect for active families, couples, and walkers. It is a proper hike, so it might be a bit much for very young children unless you take a very slow pace.

  • Duration: A round trip to the top and back usually takes about 2 hours, depending on which path you take and how long you spend taking photos!

Helpful Tips for Your Visit

  • The Routes: There are several ways up. The easiest “grassy” path starts from near Dunsapie Loch (where you can park). The steeper, more rugged paths start from the Holyrood Palace side.
  • What to Wear: Even if it’s warm at the bottom, it is almost always very windy and much colder at the top. Wear sturdy trainers or walking boots, as the paths can be muddy and the rocks near the summit are very slippery.
  • Cost: It is completely free to explore the entire park.
  • Parking: There are several car parks within the park (Queen’s Drive), but they fill up very fast on weekends. Some roads are closed to cars on Sundays to give more space to walkers and cyclists.

More Places Nearby

Almond Valley Heritage Centre Blackness Castle Camera Obscura & World of Illusions Dalkeith Country Park Dalmeny House Dirleton Castle and Gardens Dynamic Earth East Links Family Park Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh Ghost Tours Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) Edinburgh Zoo Five Sisters Zoo Fountain Park Foxlake Adventures Glenkinchie Distillery Hopetoun House House of the Binns Inveresk Lodge Garden Jupiter Artland Linlithgow Palace Lost Shore Surf Resort Malleny Garden Midlothian Snowsports Centre Murrayfield Stadium Tour Musselburgh Racecourse National Museum of Flight National Museum of Scotland Newhailes House North Berwick Harbour Rosslyn Chapel Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Scottish National Gallery Scottish National Portrait Gallery Scottish Parliament Visitor Centre Tantallon Castle The Edinburgh Dungeon The Palace of Holyroodhouse The Royal Mile The Royal Yacht Britannia The Scottish Seabird Centre
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