Calton Hill, Edinburgh

Two weeks ago we had the best weekend in Edinburgh, Scotland and I thought I would show you all a special place that we managed to visit. I have been to Edinburgh a couple of times before but never with the amazing weather that we have just had. I have to say, I have always loved Edinburgh but like anywhere else in the world I’m sure, with good weather, it really just POPPED with the glorious sunshine. The atmosphere was electric with a real buzz in the city and the architecture was out of this world.

Calton Hill is close to all the tourist attractions and is very easy to find from Princes Street in the city centre. You have to climb some steep steps to reach the top but it is totally worth it for the views all over Edinburgh. I was expecting the great view from the top but had no idea there would be so many amazing historical monuments situated here.

Taking the walk up to Calton Hill

Thankfully you will arrive to find a map of the area and you can observe your first monument here, The Nelson Monument. This is a memorial tower in honour of Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson who was regarded as one of the best Royal Navy officers in history.

National Monument of Scotland – inspired by the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. This is a memorial to commemorate the fallen soldiers of times past. I thought this was pretty epic to see and I instantly had the feeling of being in Ancient Greece / Italy.

There are a couple of really impressive stone arch entrances.

Entrance to the City Observatory

City Observatory – built in 1818, this was also inspired by the architecture in Athens.

Amazing to see inside and imagine what it was like to observe the night sky with this impressive telescope, especially before all of our more modern technological advances / knowledge.

Observatory House – once the home to different astronomers and can now be rented out as a two bedroom holiday stay. This was my favourite monument for its unique design and character. I also really appreciated the surrounding flowers!

Dugald Stewart Monument – to commemorate the impressive philosopher and mathematician, Dugald Stewart.
Views from Calton Hill overlooking Edinburgh

That’s it for now. Thanks for taking a look around Calton Hill with me and please let me know if you have ever visited here yourself. I have never seen so many impressive monuments all in one small location!

I hope you have all had a lovely weekend and not developing the Sunday night fear that I am currently pushing to the back of my mind 😅.

Wayne ✌🏽

20 thoughts on “Calton Hill, Edinburgh”

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  2. I’m impressed by your adventurous spirit and enthusiasm for exploring Calton Hill. It sounds like you had a lot of fun and discovered some hidden gems. Your photos are amazing and make me want to visit Edinburgh soon!

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  4. Great post and so many amazing photos from one of my favourite places in Edinburgh! The panoramic views from Calton Hill have astonished and inspired me ever since I lived in the city. And every time I revisit Edinburgh, I always find time to make my way to the top in order to enjoy all the major landmarks that can be seen from a bird’s eye view: Arthur’s Seat with the Crags behind Holyrood Palace and the Parliament, Leith and the Firth of Forth, Princes Street in its New Town grid and the Royal Mile climbing up towards the Castle. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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