Free Things To Do In Edinburgh For Families

Edinburgh is a beautiful and vibrant city located in Scotland. It is the capital of Scotland and is one of the most visited cities in the United Kingdom. With its unique historical architecture, diverse culture and stunning natural scenery, Edinburgh has something for everyone. From its ancient historical sites to its lively nightlife, Edinburgh is a city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another trip, there are plenty of free things to do in Edinburgh for families.

The History of Edinburgh

Edinburgh has a rich and vibrant history. The city was founded in the 7th century by the Picts, a Celtic tribe who were believed to have been living in the region since the Bronze Age. The Romans occupied the city in the 1st century AD and named it “AthLondinium”. The city was later taken over by the Scots in the 11th century, who established Edinburgh as the capital city of their kingdom. The city has been through many changes over the centuries, with each new era bringing a new kind of life and culture to the city.

What to Do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a city full of life, culture and fun. From its picturesque streets to its stunning architecture, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of the top free things to do in Edinburgh for families:

Explore Edinburgh Castle

No visit to Edinburgh is complete without a visit to its iconic castle. Situated atop a tall basalt rock, Edinburgh Castle is one of the most impressive castles in Europe. It dates back more than 900 years and has served as the residence of Scottish royalty for centuries. Inside the castle, you can explore its grand halls and courtyards, as well as admire its magnificent views of the surrounding landscape. Visiting the castle is free, but there is a charge for certain attractions such as the audio tour and guided tours of the castle.

Visit St Giles’ Cathedral

St Giles’ Cathedral is one of the most impressive cathedrals in Edinburgh. It was founded in 1124 and is full of history and beauty. Inside, you’ll find some of the oldest stained glass windows in Europe, as well as some of the earliest examples of Gothic architecture. There are several guided tours available, but visitors are welcome to explore the cathedral on their own for free.

Take a Walk Down the Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is one of the most famous streets in Edinburgh. It runs from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace and is lined with shops and restaurants. It’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll and admire the stunning architecture of Edinburgh’s buildings. You can also take a free guided tour to learn more about the history of the street.

Visit Holyrood Palace

Holyrood Palace is one of the most iconic buildings in Edinburgh. It was built in the 16th century and has served as residence for Scottish royalty ever since. It is now open to visitors and offers an opportunity to explore its grand halls and courtyards. Guided tours are available for a fee, but visitors are also welcome to explore the palace on their own for free.

Enjoy Views from Calton Hill

Calton Hill offers some of the best views of Edinburgh’s skyline. From here, you can admire the city’s impressive architecture and take in stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral and Holyrood Palace. It’s a great spot for a picnic or just to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy some fresh air. The hill is also home to several monuments, including Nelson’s Monument, which is free to visit.

Explore Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano situated just outside of Edinburgh’s city centre. It offers stunning views of the city below and is a great place to spend an afternoon exploring. There are several hiking trails around Arthur’s Seat that offer an opportunity to explore its natural beauty. It’s also a great spot for a picnic or just to take in some fresh air.

Tours in Edinburgh

In addition to exploring some of Edinburgh’s must-see attractions on your own, there are plenty of tours that offer an even more in-depth look at this beautiful city. Here are two popular tours that are perfect for families visiting Edinburgh:

Edinburgh Afternoon City Tour

This tour takes visitors on an afternoon journey through some of Edinburgh’s most impressive sites. The tour starts off at St Giles’ Cathedral before making its way down the Royal Mile. Along the way, visitors will get to see some of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. The tour also includes stops at some hidden gems such as Greyfriars Kirkyard and Calton Hill, as well as plenty of opportunities to explore on your own or take pictures. You can book this Edinburgh Afternoon City Tour here if you would like to learn more about this beautiful city.

Edinburgh Ghost Bus Tour

This tour takes visitors on an eerie journey through some of Edinburgh’s darkest secrets. Led by a knowledgeable guide, visitors will learn about some of Edinburgh’s spookiest stories from centuries past. The tour makes stops at some of Edinburgh’s most haunted locations such as Greyfriars Kirkyard, where visitors will get to explore its dark corners on their own and listen out for any ghostly voices that may be lurking within its walls. You can book this Edinburgh Ghost Bus Tour here to discover Edinburgh’s dark side.

Conclusion

Edinburgh is an amazing city that has something for everyone and offers plenty of free things to do for families visiting for the first time. From exploring its iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace to taking a guided tour around some of its spookiest sites, there are plenty of activities that will keep your family entertained during your stay in Edinburgh. Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled day or a more educational experience, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city. So come explore all that Edinburgh has to offer!