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Southside & Holyrood
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Southside & Holyrood
Speciality Museums • Science Museums
Southside & Holyrood
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- SiberianEmoOmsk, Russia75 contributionsMay in Edinburgh is renowned for its ephemeral weather. It might be sunny, yet chilly; it will be overcast, but you will sweat when wearing a jacket. The winds might be brutal, making all that hair product go to waste.
Arthur's Seat is a highest point of the Holyrood Park. Even though it is a stone throw from the Holyroodhouse Palace, I would not recommend combing visits to those two together. The visit to the palace will take a few hours and will probably drain the energy. I would suggest visiting the Arthur's Seat earlier in the morning or after having a light lunch after you still have energy for a hike.
There are many tributary trails, so for those who love to hike, will spend longer time exploring the park. There are also many view points and amazing flowers, so photographers will enjoy the outing.
For those who love history, there are the ruins of ak old church. Explore those!
The last part of the trail to the Arthur's Seat is a bit steep. If you are not an experienced hiker, stay on the main path, as the side routes are rocky, unmentioned, amd crumble under your feet. Also, wear athletic shoes (my addiction to Vans nearly ruined a new pair on the climb).Written 2 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - ChrisM239Burton, UK86 contributionsThis is a fascinating insight into life on the Royal Yacht Britannia and the history of the Royal Yachts in general.
Each area you visit is maintained to a very high standard and the tour is well sign posted.
There are hand held tour guides or you can scan QR codes with your smart phone to get the audible tour on your phone. I did this and it worked flawlessly and really added to the experience.
The on-bard sweet shop is just amazing, can highly recommend some of their home made fudge!
After the tour we visited the on-board cafe / restaurant and had tea and cake. Range and choice of both teas and cakes was very good, with a good range of sandwiches etc. available too if that's what you're looking for.
Only slight disappointment was the fact that you couldn't see the yacht as a whole as you approached it because of the shopping centre that has been built. This isn't the fault of the team running the yacht though, hence why I'm still giving a 5 star rating.Written 1 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - cctkMillerVancouver, WA280 contributionsUnbelievable that such a museum of quality has so much free access. Some exhibits require purchase but there is so much to gather in without cost this would be a crime to miss this offering.Written 30 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- DkervinNorth Kingstown, RI8 contributionsEdinburgh was amazing. We are out most nights and when leaving the restaurant at 10:30PM it was still light out.
The Castle tour was much more than we ever expected and so much history to learn about.
A favorite for me was the Golf Tavern and the 36 hole pitch and putt course. They provided a Guinness, a club, putter and ball for £10.
WonderfulWritten 2 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - IrishRoverPittsburgh, PA2,652 contributionsBuy your tickets in Advance!!!!. If you are a military buff there is no place better to explore the proud Heritage of the Scots. If you are a fan of the Crown the Scottish Crown Jewels are a must see as well as a little history of Mary Queen of Scots. Allow yourself at least 2hours and bring a good pair of walking shoesWritten 1 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- PPJTelford, UK170 contributionsA really good range of illusions and exhibits, some purely visual and some interactive. The staff were really positive and friendly, particularly our host during the actual camera obscura display who was a joy. The view from the roof is incredible.Written 2 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Paul Balmer12 contributionsMy adult son and I really enjoyed our visit on 6/10/22. Seeing the rooms/halls while listening to the audio guide was thoroughly enjoyable. I recommend purchasing tickets in advance...and maybe allow time for some tea in the Cafe :)Written 1 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- IrishRoverPittsburgh, PA2,652 contributionsMy advice is to start at the Castle and walk downhill to the Palace. The Royal Mile is a great Down Hill stroll through old town and a mix of eating, drinking, shopping and sightseeing. If you are in the city you will go.
you will be overwilled by the amount of wool shops and toursit shops but in between those are some real jewelsWritten 1 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - PopcornMonkeyReviewsWest Yorkshire, UK3,705 contributionsReally good food, excellent service, friendly staff, nice drinks and great decor and atmosphere, would recommend.Written 2 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- TacomaDawnTacoma, WA164 contributionsGood picture taking opportunities from the hill but the park is a bit run down. Felt safe there, pretty busy location.Written 2 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- 1TraveltheWorldAlice Springs, Australia12,101 contributionsWhat can we say except, WOW!
We have watched the show many times over the years but it is lame in comparison to the real thing.
The ambiance, the volume, the audience participation...everything.
We were here during the Edinburgh festival, so the streets were full but the lines to the concert which holds 8000 seats, moves extremely quickly with the help of the many police and military personel.
We were lucky enough to have great weather throughout the show.
Fireworks at the end of the show help make this one of the most memorable experiences you will have in a lifetime.Written 15 March 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Claire WEdinburgh, UK22 contributionsCame to the island via a boat tour. We were give just under 2 hours to explore. Loved exploring the island, tho didn’t see all of it due to not wanting to get attacked by seagulls. Saw the abby (which reopened while I was on the island), which was very interesting too see. There is a small museum and gift shop, which was nice to visit too. Absolutely loved visiting the island and highly recommend visiting.Written 24 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- JenAnnieNottingham, UK464 contributionsWe have travelled from Northumberland today to Scotland. We are staying in Kirkcaldy. This is the 1st time I have ever been over the Forth Bridge. I thought it was amazing. Really enjoyed the experience.Written 24 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- POPSPOZLancaster, PA101 contributionsMy wife and I were on vacation in Edinburgh with a bus tour. We had free time and decided to see the botanical gardens. It was a great choice. Beautiful gardens with incredible trees, plants and flowers from around the world but also many native plants and trees. Very natural feel with nice walking paths. This is a must see place to enjoy peace and quiet. Staff members were very helpful and knowledgeable. Amazingly it was free admission.Written 30 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- EmilySaint Louis, MO2 contributionsI went here because I'm an Outlander fan and this is a primary filming location for part of the show. Everyone from the gate attendant to the guides was extremely kind and helpful. This estate is beautiful and full of history. The guide, Jennifer, was so helpful and knowledgable on Outlander information, but she also gave me so much history about the estate itself. It was a great experience and I would recommend any Outlander fan to visit.Written 1 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Edinburgh
- The top attractions to visit in Edinburgh are: See all attractions in Edinburgh on Tripadvisor
- The best outdoor activities in Edinburgh according to Tripadvisor travellers are: See all outdoor activities in Edinburgh on Tripadvisor
- The best day trips from Edinburgh according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
- Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe & Hairy Coos Tour from Edinburgh
- St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
- Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glen Coe Day Trip from Edinburgh
- Loch Ness Glencoe and The Highlands from Edinburgh
- The most popular things to do in Edinburgh with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Arthur's Seat
- Edinburgh Old Town
- National Museum of Scotland
- Royal Yacht Britannia
- Camera Obscura and World of Illusions