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Edinburgh - Castles, Cathedrals,
Monuments,
Stately Homes & Palaces
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Since the stone age, man has been
creating majestic structures that we still marvel at
today.
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Whether you are interested in ancient monuments,
battlefield sites, re-enactments, Roman and Norman forts
and castles, Stately Homes, Country Houses, Historic
Cathedrals, Ruined Abbeys etc, this is the page that
should give you the information you need.
Here we try to list properties in
private ownership but open to the public (even if only
occasionally) as well as those in the care of the
National Trust or English/Scottish Heritage.
We know that not all the
properties in Edinburgh are listed. Please help us
make this guide comprehensive by giving details of
missing attractions
here.
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NELSON MONUMENT
Calton Hill, Edinburgh, EH7 5AA
Tel: 0131 556 2716
Web:
www.cac.org.uk
Open: Apr to Sept: Mon 1-6pm, Tues -
Sat 10am - 6pm. Oct to Mar: Mon - Sat 10am -
3pm. Entry fee: £3.00
Perched high on Calton
Hill, at the east end of the city centre, is the
monument to Admiral Lord Nelson's victory, and
death, at the battle of Trafalgar, on 21 October
1805.
In 1852, a large time ball
was introduced, which is lowered as the one
o'clock gun is fired from Edinburgh Castle each
day. Climb the 143 steps to see the tremendous
views.
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EDINBURGH CASTLE
Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Midlothian,
EH1 2NG
Tel: 0131 225 9846 Fax:
0131 220 4733
This magnificent Castle is Edinburgh's top tourist
attraction known throughout the world. The Castle
rock has been inhabited since 800 BC and the great
Castle which grew upon it has become a symbol of
Scotland's nationhood. Guided tours are available
but cannot be reserved in advance.
Visit the Honours of the Kingdom exhibition
showing the Scottish Crown Jewels, The Stone of
Destiny and Mons Meg cannon.
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SIR WALTER SCOTT MONUMENT
East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, EH2
3AA
Tel: 0131 529 4068
Web: www.cac.org.uk
Open: Apr to Sept: Mon - Sat 9am-6pm &
Sun 10am - 6pm. Oct to Mar: Mon - Sat 9am -
3pm & Sun 10am - 3pm. Entry fee: £3.00
On the death of Sir
Walter Scott in 1832, the city came together to
agree on a fitting monument to this outstanding
Scottish literary figure.
Since the monument opened
in August 1846, millions of people have climbed
the 200 foot structure to admire its commanding
views of the city centre, and to obtain a closer
look at the statuettes of characters from
Scott's works.
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CRAIGMILLAR CASTLE
Craigmillar Castle Road, Edinburgh, Midlothian,
EH16 4SY
Tel: 0131 661 4445
The castle of Craigmillar is one of the most
perfectly preserved castles in Scotland. Even
today, the castle retains the character of a
medieval stronghold. Building began in the early
15th century, and over the next 250 years the
castle became a comfortable residence surrounded
by fine gardens and pastureland. The castle’s
history is not only closely involved with the
city of Edinburgh, but plays an important part
in the story of Mary Queen of Scots who fled to
Craigmillar Castle following the murder of
Rizzio. It was in the castle where the plot was
hatched to murder Mary’s husband, Lord Darnley.
Wedding ceremonies can take place in the Great
Hall, which can accommodate up to 60 people.
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LAURISTON CASTLE
2a Cramond Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 5QD
Tel: 0131 336 2060
Web:
www.cac.org.uk
Lauriston Castle was
left in trust to the nation by its last private
owners, Mr and Mrs William Robert Reid, who
lived there from 1902 to 1926.
Its Edwardian-period
interiors have been carefully preserved and
reflect the taste of wealthy middle-class
collectors of the period. See website for
opening times.
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The Scottish Haunts of
Mary, Queen of Scots
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As in England, where the
number of historical establishments that
claim, "Queen Victoria slept here," is legion,
the same holds true in Scotland for Mary,
Queen of Scots.
In her relatively brief 45 years of life, Mary
seems to have spent at least one night in just
about every castle of note in Scotland.
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Borthwick Castle -
Photo :
Nick Watts
CCL |
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Tantallon Castle
near North Berwick, EH39 5PN
Tel: 01620 892727
E-mail:
hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Set on the edge of the cliffs, looking out to
the Bass Rock, this formidable castle was a
stronghold of the Douglas family. It features
earthwork defences and a massive 50ft high 14th
century curtain wall with towers. A forework was
added in the 16th century to defend the central
tower against artillery The Scottish Tourist
Board graded this attraction 'Commended'.
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St Giles Cathedral
Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1RE
Tel: 0131 225 9442 Fax:
0131 225 9576
E-mail:
info@stgiles.net
Web:
www.stgiles.net
Discover 1000 years of history in the heart of
Edinburgh. St Giles' was the church of John Knox
during the Reformation and is renowned for its
stained glass, Rieger organ & beautiful Thistle
Chapel. Free guided tours, concerts, cathedral
shop & restaurant. Entrance to the cathedral is
free but donations are welcome.
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Rosslyn Chapel
Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9PU
Tel: 0131 440 2159 Fax:
0131 440 1979
E-mail:
rosslynch@aol.com
Outstanding example of 15th century gothic
architecture. Famed for the beauty of its
carvings and the aura of mystery and magic that
surround them. The famous apprentice pillar,
green men and others make Rosslyn a must for any
visitor.
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ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN
EDINBURGH
20a Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH3
5LR
Tel: 0131 552 7171
Fax: 0131 248 2901
E-mail:
o&m@rbge.org.uk
Web:
www.rbge.org.uk
Scotland's premier
garden displays plant treasures from around the
globe in its seventy exquisitely landscaped
acres, featuring the magnificent glasshouse
experience.
Shop, cafe, exhibitions,
tours.
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Malleny Garden
Balerno, Edinburgh, EH14 7AF
Tel: 0131 449 2283
This 3 acre walled garden has a delightful
collection of old fashioned roses & fine
herbaceous borders, & also houses the National
Bonsai Collection for Scotland. A particular
feature of the garden is the four 400-year old
clipped Yew Trees, but there is also extensive
woodland for a peaceful stroll surrounded by
wildlife. The house was built for Sir James
Murray of Kilbaberton around 1635-open on
occasion in summer.
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John Muir House
126-128 High Street,
Dunbar, EH42 1JJ
Tel: 01368 865899 Fax:
01368 864899
E-mail:
info@jmbt.org.uk
The birthplace of the pioneering conservationist
has been transformed into a new visitor
attraction. The stunning interpretative centre
highlights the work and achievements of this
remarkable man.
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Gladstone's Land
477b Lawnmarket, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2NT
Tel: 0131 226 5856 Fax:
0131 226 4851
Six storey tenement building dating from 1620,
home of an Edinburgh merchant. Restored to show
life in the Old Town. Contains remarkable
painted ceilings. The building is the most
important example of 17th-century high-tenement
housing to survive in Edinburgh.
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Georgian House
The National Trust for Scotland, 7 Charlotte
Square, Edinburgh, EH2 4DR
Tel: 0131 225 2160 Fax:
0131 226 3318
E-mail:
thegeorgianhouse@nts.org.uk
Adam designed neo-classical townhouse located at
the north side of Charlotte Sq. Refurbished and
furnished to show life in the New Town around
1796. Collection of fine furniture and
paintings. The second floor is also available
for private functions.
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Palace Of Holyroodhouse
Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH8 8DX
Tel: 0131 556 5100 Fax:
0131 557 5256
E-mail:
holyroodhouse@royalcollection.org.uk
Her Majesty the Queen's official residence in
Scotland. Holyrood Abbey, historic apartments,
state rooms and Mary Queen of Scots chambers.
Palace gardens open during summer months.
Disabled facilities. Please contact Palace ahead
of visit. Winter Times from November: Queens
Gallery & Shop closes at 1630, the Palace closes
at 1645.
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To join or recommend an establishment to
us, please
contact Tourist Net UK
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