Beautiful Places Near Edinburgh

Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, is a thriving hub of culture and history. It is also a vibrant city surrounded by stunning natural beauty. From lush green hills to breathtakingly beautiful coastline, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this stunning city. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the most beautiful places near Edinburgh, from popular tourist spots to hidden gems.

Overview of Edinburgh

Edinburgh is Scotland’s second-largest city, with a population of over 500,000 people. It is known for its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and rich history. Edinburgh is home to some of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, such as Edinburgh Castle and the Scott Monument. The city is also the birthplace of many famous figures, such as Robert Burns, Walter Scott, and J.K. Rowling.

The city is divided into two distinct parts: the Old Town and the New Town. The Old Town dates back to the Middle Ages and is home to many of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The New Town was built in the 18th century and is characterised by its grand, Georgian-style architecture and cobbled streets.

What makes Edinburgh so unique and popular is its mix of rich culture, history, and natural beauty. This city has something for everyone to enjoy, from world-class museums and galleries to stylish cafes and bars. It is also the perfect destination for outdoorsy types, with plenty of urban parks, green spaces, and stunning coastal views.

The Most Popular Tourist Attractions

Edinburgh is one of the most popular destinations in Scotland, with millions of tourists visiting every year. Here are some of the most popular tourist attractions near Edinburgh:

Edinburgh Castle

No trip to Edinburgh would be complete without a visit to the iconic Edinburgh Castle. This castle dates back to the 12th century and is one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks. It sits atop Castle Rock – a volcanic outcrop in the city centre – with stunning views of the city skyline and Arthur’s Seat. Visitors can explore the castle’s many chambers and towers, which are filled with historic artefacts and artworks. The castle also plays host to many special events throughout the year, such as the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and festive concerts.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is an oasis of tranquillity in the heart of the city. This sprawling garden covers 70 acres and is home to over 13,000 species of plants from all over the world. Visitors can explore a range of outdoor gardens, such as the Rock Garden and Japanese Garden, as well as two glasshouses that house tropical plants from around the world. RBGE also offers a range of activities, such as guided tours and educational talks.

Scott Monument

The Scott Monument is another iconic Edinburgh landmark that is well worth a visit. This Gothic-style monument was built in honour of Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott and stands at an impressive 200 feet tall. Visitors can climb the 287 steps to the top of the monument for stunning views of the city skyline. The monument also houses a museum that displays many artefacts related to Scott’s life and work.

Hidden Gems Near Edinburgh

Although Edinburgh is a popular tourist destination, there are still plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Here are some of the best hidden gems near Edinburgh:

Cramond Island

Cramond Island is a small island located off the coast of Edinburgh in the Firth of Forth. It is home to a variety of wildlife and has a network of paths that lead to a number of archaeological sites. The island is accessible via a causeway at low tide but becomes inaccessible at high tide – making it the perfect spot for an adventure! Visitors can explore the island’s historic ruins, spot wildlife such as seals and otters, or simply relax on its sandy beaches.

Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano located on the outskirts of Edinburgh. It stands at 822 feet tall and offers stunning views across the city skyline. It is also home to a range of wildlife, including red deer and rare birds. Visitors can explore Arthur’s Seat by taking one of the many hiking trails that lead up to its summit or take a leisurely stroll through its lush parklands.

Greyfriars Kirkyard

Greyfriars Kirkyard is one of Edinburgh’s oldest graveyards, with graves dating back to the 16th century. It is home to many famous figures from Scottish history, including poet Robert Burns, philosopher David Hume, and author Sir Walter Scott. Visitors can explore this historic cemetery by taking one of the guided tours or just take in its eerie atmosphere on their own.

Tours Near Edinburgh

If you’re looking for an activity-filled day out near Edinburgh, then why not take one of these popular tours? We have picked two tours that offer a unique experience:

Edinburgh Castle Tour

Take a tour of Edinburgh Castle and learn about its rich history. You will explore the castle’s state apartments, Great Hall, and artefacts from Scotland’s past. You will also have the chance to take in stunning views of the city skyline from atop Castle Rock. This tour lasts two hours with prices starting at £20 per person – book your tour here.

Whisky Distillery Tour

Explore Scotland’s oldest whisky distillery on this unique tour. You will learn about whisky production from start to finish as you visit each stage of production from mashing to bottling. At the end of the tour, you will get to taste some of the distillery’s finest whiskies – prices start at £25 per person – book your tour here.

Conclusion

From vibrant culture to stunning natural beauty, Edinburgh has something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for iconic attractions or hidden gems, this city has them all and more! There are so many beautiful places near Edinburgh that it can be hard to know where to start – we hope this guide has helped you plan your trip!