Information
Open All Year
Tel: 0131 524 2090
Mini-Breaks
For as little as £89, why not take advantage of
our special 2 night bed and breakfast package?
More Details
Please note that we do not accept stag or hen parties at any of
our hostels.
Local Attractions
Butterfly & Insect World
Enter
our tropical rainforest with hundreds of butterflies and other
exotic insects
Melville Nursery, Lasswade EH18 1AZ
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Craigmillar Castle
Well preserved castle
on south side of Edinburgh, Historic Scotland
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Cramond Heritage Trust
Cramond’s Story
exhibition, Cramond
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Forth Rail Bridge
A masterpiece of heavy engineering every bit as
spectacular and remarkable as the Eiffel Tower
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Forth Road Bridge
Longest suspension
bridge in Europe on completion in 1964. Carries over 12million
vehicles annually
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Castlelaw Hill
Fort An Iron Age hill fort
with a souterrain built in one of the ditches
On Castle Knowe, about 1m NW of Glencorse or 2.5m SW from
Lothianburn Junction on the City Bypass, off the A702
Visit Website
Corstorphine Dovecot
A large circular
‘beehive’ dovecot in a good state of preservation with nesting
boxes complete
In Dovecot Road off Saughton Road N leading to and from
Corstorphine High Street, Edinburgh
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Dalmeny House
Dalmeny House and estate.
South Queensferry EH30 9TQ
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The Edinburgh Canal Centre
Offering a variety of cruises ranging from sightseeing trips
to candlelit dinner evening events
The Bridge Inn, 27 Baird Road, Ratho, EH28 8RA
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Website
Collection Of Historic Musical Instruments
Wind
Bowed String and Percussion Instruments from all
periods and places
Reid Concert Hall, Bristo Square, Edinburgh EH8 9AG
Visit
Website
St Cecilia's Hall Museum of
Instruments
Early Keyboard and the Plucked String
Instruments
St Cecilia's Hall, Niddry Street, Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1LJ
Visit
Website
Gorgie City Farm
Based in the centre of
Edinburgh, the farm is a favourite attraction for families,
tourists and animal lovers alike
51 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh EH11 2LA
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Hopetoun House
The magnificent
stately home overlooking the River Forth is one of the most
splendid examples of Georgian architecture in Britain
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Prestongrange Museum
Mining and industrial
museum east of Edinburgh
Visit
Website
Real Mary King’s Close
Hidden beneath the
Royal Mile lies Edinburgh’s deepest secret: a warren of
hidden ‘closes’. STB 5 Star Attraction
2 Warriston’s Close Writers Court Edinburgh EH1 1PG
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Rosslyn Castle
Fascinating, almost
fairy-tale and almost forgotten ruin close to the better-known
Rosslyn Chapel
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Rosslyn Chapel
Still a working
church this beautiful and mysterious chapel has been made famous by
"The Da Vinci Code"
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Royal Highland Show
Scotland’s
biggest outdoor event and one of the UK’s top agricultural
shows
Visit Website
Royal Observatory Visitor Centre
A university astronomy research group, an establishment of a
UK Research Council and a Visitor Centre all on one site.
STB 3 Star Visitor Attraction
Blackford Hill, Edinburgh
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Royal Scottish Academy
The home of
contemporary art in Scotland
The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL
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Royal Yacht Britannia
Once the
ocean-going home to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family.
Discover the heart and soul of this most special of royal
residences
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Scottish Mining Museum
Mining
heritage, social and mining history for Scotland based at one of
the finest surviving examples of a Victorian colliery in
Europe
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Trinity House Maritime Museum
An
outstanding collection of maritime memorabilia inside an elegant
Georgian house
99 Kirkgate, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6BJ
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The World Famous Taste of
Scotland
Scottish music, costume, bagpipes,
fiddles and dances in the historic setting of Prestonfield
House
The Stables at Prestonfield, Priestfield Road, Edinburgh, EH16
5UT
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Inveresk Lodge
Garden on a sloping site in
Musselburgh, NTS
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Preston Market Cross
The only surviving
example of a market cross of its type on its original site
0.5m NE of the B1361 near the railway station
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Eating out
Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel
Restaurant
Open to all, the Cafe & Bistro offers
affordable contemporary and classic dishes made from locally
sourced ingredients. We have a fine selection of drinks from
speciality coffees to beers & wine and serve a choice of
Continental or Full Scottish Breakfast options every morning. Enjoy
a taste of Scotland whilst visiting Edinburgh.
Tel: 0131 5242090
Visit Website
The Witchery
Witchery is the most
atmospheric and spectacular dining destination in the city,
offering some of Scotland’s finest traditional fare
The Witchery by the Castle, Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh,
EH1 2NF
Tel: 0131 2255613
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Giulianos Italian restaurant
Located 2
minutes from the hostel
18-19 Union Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3NQ
Tel: 0131 5566590
Howies
There are four Howies restaurants
in Edinburgh the nearest to Edinburgh Central YH is on Waterloo
Place, situated at the East End of Princes Street, within a 200
year old gorgeous Georgian building its the ideal place to pop in
for a bite of reasonably-priced, good quality Scottish
cuisine.
Tel: 0131 5565766
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Le Monde
A mix of Scottish fare and
tantalising European cuisine.
16 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PF
Tel: 0131 2703900
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David Bann
Licensed Vegetarian Restaurant
in Edinburgh
56-58 St Mary's Street, Edinburgh
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Creelers
The most established seafood
restaurant in central Edinburgh
3 Hunter Square, Edinburgh EH1 1QW
Tel: 0131 220 4447
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Kweilin
Serves quality Cantonese cuisine
which is a pleasure to be savoured
19-21 Dundas Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6QG
Tel: 0131 5571875
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La Garrigue
A simple and stylish
restaurant. A cross between an up-market restaurant and a French
bistro
31 Jeffrey Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DH
Tel: 0131 5573032
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City
Edinburgh Castle
Mighty and world
famous iconic landmark in the centre of Edinburgh built on an
extinct volcano. Containing, above all, the Honours of Scotland,
the nation’s crown jewels. Historic Scotland
Visit
Website
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Offering unrivalled views of
Edinburgh’s skyline in a fun and informative way
Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2ND
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Edinburgh Dungeon
Travel back to the
darkest moments in Scotland's history
Visit
Website
Edinburgh Festival
No other place is
as vibrant as Edinburgh each year in August. Many individual
festivals at the same time make it the biggest festival of its kind
in the world. Packed with comedy, theatre, drama and musical acts
from across the globe
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Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Scotland’s
most prestigious and internationally renowned event features music
and spectacle set against the world famous backdrop of Edinburgh
Castle
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Palace of Holyroodhouse
Her Majesty The
Queen's official residence in Scotland, Open all year
Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh.
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Edinburgh Zoo
Scotland’s largest and most exotic wildlife attraction.
Only 10 minutes from the City Centre
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Our Dynamic Earth
A fantastic journey of
discovery from the beginning of time to the unknown future of our
planet, STB 4 Star Visitor Attraction
Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH3 8AS
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Auld Reekie Tours
Learn about the
historical dark side of Edinburgh. Tours depart the Tron Kirk
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Calton Hill
Superb views over entire
city and Firth of Forth. Set right in the City Centre it is only a
short climb or drive to the top
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No. 28 Charlotte Square
Robert Adam’s
Georgian masterpiece has been beautifully restored and is the head
office of the National Trust for Scotland
Charlotte Square, Edinburgh EH2 4ET
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Canongate Kirk Church
Church on
Edinburgh's Royal Mile used by residents of Holyrood Palace. Built
in 1690
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City of Edinburgh Council Museums &
Galleries
A number of museums and galleries across
Edinburgh
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Talbot Rice Gallery
One of Scotland’s
leading public galleries of contemporary visual art
Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL
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The Fringe
The largest art festival
in the world and the most popular of Edinburgh's August
festivals
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Holyrood Abbey & Abbey
Strand
The ruined nave of the 12th and
13th century abbey church is one of Edinburgh’s World Heritage
Sites
Visit Website
Holyrood Park & Arthurs Seat
Mountainous wilderness with ruins, lochs and an extinct
volcano. Tremendous views from Salisbury Crags or the summit of
Arthur’s Seat over Edinburgh, The Kingdom of Five and the
Borders
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International Book Festival
Takes
place during the August festivals in a magical tented village on
the beautiful and historic Charlotte Square Gardens, centrally
located in Edinburgh's world heritage listed Georgian New
Town
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Mercat
Tours
Specialised in walking
tours around Edinburgh’s Old Town featuring the most haunted
locations. STB 4 Star Tour
Mercat House, 28 Blair Street, Edinburgh EH1 1QR
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National Galleries of Scotland
Free admission to this magnificent museum in the centre of
Edinburgh telling the story of Scotland its land, its people and
culture
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National Museum of Scotland
Magnificent
museum in the centre of Edinburgh
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Royal Botanic Garden
World renowned
for its horticultural excellence the beautifully landscaped grounds
provide a tranquil haven only one mile from the city
centre
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Royal Scots Regimental
Museum
Located in Edinburgh Castle the museum
tells the story of the Royal Scots Regiment
The Castle, Edinburgh EH1 2YT
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Scotch Whisky Centre
Unique insight
into the secrets of the “water of life”. Interactive tours next to
the Edinburgh Castle
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Scottish Parliament
Controversial yet magnificent home of Scotland's devolved
parliament. Hailed as one of the most innovative designs in Britain
today
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St Giles Cathedral
Historic
cathedral in the Royal Mile. Also known as the High Kirk of
Edinburgh, it is the Mother Church of Presbyterianism and
contains the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle
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St John's Church
Imposing church in
the heart of Edinburgh with beautiful stained glass
windows
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St Mary's Cathedral
Cathedral Church
of the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh
Visit Website
Surgeons' Hall Museum
Scotland's
oldest museum houses one of the largest and most historic
collections of surgical pathology material in the UK. STB 4
Star Attraction
Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9DW
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National War Museum
400 years of the
Scottish military experience housed in part of Edinburgh
Castle
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The National Library of Scotland
An information treasure trove of Scotland's knowledge,
history and culture, with millions of books, manuscripts and maps
covering every subject
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Rebustours
Providing
visitors to Edinburgh with walking tours of the background to Ian
Rankin's bestselling Inspector Rebus novels
Visit Website
Families
- Excellent self-catering facilities
- Restaurant and coffee shop
- Family and private rooms, all en-suite
- High chairs, cots and baby baths
- Laundry facilities
- TV in Lounge
- Internet and WiFi available
- Tourist information
- Close to the many city based attractions
We understand better than anyone the implications of
travelling with young children. That is why we are doing all we can
to make your hostelling experience memorable for all the right
reasons.
Children and families are welcome at all our hostels, although we
have highlighted a number of hostels within our network as
being “Family Hostels” as they are particularly well-suited to
travelling with and entertaining younger children.
Family hostels not only have private rooms available, many
with en-suite facilities, they also carry practical items such as
travel cots, high chairs, microwaves and toys. In addition there is
normally a TV and games room as well as extensive private gardens
on site where the kids can let off some steam. Close to great
attractions and activities, these family hostels offer a great base
from which to explore the area. Our helpful staff are a great
source of knowledge on places to visit and things to see and
do.
Hostelling is a very friendly and relaxed way to travel and
our ethos actively involves children.
Walkers
Moderate walks
Roslin and the North Esk Valley
A
beautiful walk over many points of interest
Distance: 8km/5miles, Duration: 3hrs, Height Gain: 100 metres/330
feet
View Route
Dalkeith Country Park
This is an easy
introductory walk; further extended walks can be taken in the
estate
Distance: 2.9kms/1.8miles, Duration: 1hr
View Route
Carnethy - Pentland Hills
Experience the
ever changing variety of colour and atmosphere on offer
Distance: 5.8kms/3.6miles, Duration: 2 1/2hrs
View Route
South Queensferry - Dalmeny
A very
rewarding walk providing the best views of the Forth Bridges
Distance: 8.45km/5.3 miles, Duration: 2hrs, Height Gain: 60
metres/198 feet
View Route
Roslin Glen Walk
This walk forms a
fascinating journey along the river North Esk in Midlothian
Distance: 7.9km/4.9 miles, Duration: 3hrs, Height Gain: 70
metres/231 feet
View Route
Rosewell to Roslin Glen Circuit
This route
forms part of one of the British Horse Society's Tyne
Distance: 9.1km/5.7 miles, Duration: 2 1/2hrs
View Route
Pentland Hills: Hill End Trail
A short adventurous climb in the Pentland Hills Regional Park
Distance: 6.4km/4 miles, Duration: 3hrs
View Route
Nine Mile Burn - West Kip - Nine Mile
Burn
This easy walk starts from Nine Mile Burn and
crosses over open moorland
Distance: 8km/5miles, Duration: 2 1/2hrs, Height Gain: 500
metres/1650 feet
View Route
Vogrie: Blinkbonny Circuit
This route
forms part of one of the British Horse Society's Tyne-Esk Horse
Trails
Distance: 8.3km/5.1miles, Duration: 2 1/2hrs
View Route
Vogrie Country Park: Tyne Valley Path
This
walk is set within one of Scotland's most attractive country
parks
Distance: 3.2km/2miles, Duration: 1hr
View Route
Blackford and Braid Hills
This is not far
from Edinburgh's centre, yet sufficently wild enough to be a
'country walk'
Distance: 7kms/4/4mile,s Duration: 2 1/2hrs, Height Gain: 250
metres/825 feet
View Route
Penicuik to Musselburgh Cycleway
This
popular cycle-walkway provides a path for cyclists/horse
riders/pedestrians
Distance: 17.3km/10.8 miles, Duration: 6hrs
View Route
North Esk Reservoir
The start point is at
the southerly end of Carlops village
Distance: 7.2km/4.5 miles, Duration: 2 1/2hrs
View Route
Newtongrange Mining Museum Town Trail
The
walk begins and ends at the Scottish Mining Museum
Distance: 3km/2 miles, Duration: 1 1/4hrs
View Route
Fala Flow
The walk begins at a track road
south of the historic Midlothian village of Fala
Distance: 11.9kms/7.4miles, Duration: 4hrs
View
Route
Edinburgh City Centre to the Botanic
Garden
A gentle walk from Edinburgh City Centre, ideal to fill a free
afternoon
Distance: 8kms/5miles, Duration: 2hrs, Height Gain: 30 metres/99
feet
View Route
Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat
A tour of
the small but picturesque royal estate of Holyrood Park
Distance: 6kms/3.75miles, Duration: 2hrs, Height Gain: 280
metres/924 feet
View Route
Longer walks
The Pentland Hills
The Pentland Hills lie
a few miles south of Edinburgh
Distance: 11.27km/7miles, Duration: 3 1/2hrs, Height Gain: 400
metres/1320 feet
View Route
Mountain Walks
Pentland Peaks
This trail follows the main
ridge of the Pentlands with breathtaking scenery
Distance: 18km/11.25 miles, Duration: 6hrs, Height Gain: 970
metres/3201 feet
Disclaimer: All
walking routes are hosted on external sites, therefore SYHA can
hold no responsibility towards their accuracy. SYHA would also like
to acknowledge the British
Mountaineering Council Participation Statement: "The BMC
recognises that climbing and mountaineering are activities with a
danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these
activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be
responsible for their own actions".
Groups
- Rooms from singles to 8 bedded dormitories,
all en-suite
- Additional single sex wash rooms and toilet
facilities on each floor
- Large dining room
- Excellent self-catering facilities
- Lockers in rooms
- TV’s in Lounge areas
- Conference room for films, games, dances and
meetings (subject to availability)
- Laundry facilities
- Internet and WiFi available
- 24/7 vending machines
- Tourist information
Edinburgh Castle
A visit to the Castle gives you historical
information of this remarkable fortress and former royal residence
and splendid panoramic views of the city.
Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG
Tel: 0131 225 9846
Visit Website
Edinburgh
Dungeon
Transport yourself back to the darkest moments
in the Scotland's history within the deep depths of the Edinburgh
Dungeon. Live actors, shows, a spooky ride and interactive special
effects ensure that you face your fears head on in this unique
experience.
32 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1QB
Visit Website
Edinburgh
Zoo
The largest and most exciting wildlife
attraction in Scotland, committed to the highest standards of
animal welfare, conservation and environmental education. In just
one day, you can meet over 1,000 wonderful animals in beautiful
parkland setting on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
134 Corstorphine Rd, Edinburgh, City of
Edinburgh
Tel: 0131 334 9171
Visit Website
Camera Obscura
A fascinating and highly amusing way to see
the city and learn about its history. This unique experience has
delighted and intrigued people for over 150 years.
Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1
2ND
Tel: 0131 226 3709
Visit Website
DeepSea
World
Experience the mystery of coral reefs, the
majesty of sharks and the magic of our Seal Sanctuary - set in a
spectacular quarry! With the UK’s longest underwater viewing
tunnel, a great cafe, special events and easy parking,
Battery Quarry, North Queensferry, Fife, KY11
1JR
Tel: 01383 411 880
Visit Website
Dynamic Earth
Travel back in time to witness the Big Bang
from the deck of a space ship, then forward through the history of
our planet. You'll be shaken by earthquakes, dive deep beneath the
ocean in a submarine, feel the chill of polar ice and even get
caught in a tropical rainstorm! Suitable for all ages and
abilities.
Holyrood Rd, Edinburgh EH8 8AS
Tel: 0131 550
7800
Visit Website
Royal Yacht
Britannia
This magnificent ship has played host to some
of the most famous people in the world. But, above all, she was
home to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family. Now in
Edinburgh you are welcome on board to discover the heart and soul
of this most special of royal
residences.
Ocean Terminal, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ
Tel: 0131 555
5566
Visit Website
Murryfield Ice Rink
The largest permanently seated indoor arena
stadium in Scotland
Riversdale Crescent. Edinburgh EH12 5XN
Tel: 0131 337 6933
Visit Website
Museum of
Childhood
Described as 'the noisiest museum in the
world', the Museum of Childhood is a favourite with adults and
children alike. It is a treasure house, crammed full of objects
telling the story of childhood, past and present.
42 High Street, Old Town, Edinburgh EH1
1TG
Tel: 0131 529 4142
Visit Website
Royal Botanical Gardens
Refresh your senses and explore the riches of
the green kingdom at one of the world's finest botanic gardens.
20a Inverleith Row, Edinburgh EH3 5LR
Tel: 0131 552 7171
Visit Website
Laserquest
The world's best known and most exciting brand
of Laser Tag game.
56b Darly Road, Edinburgh, EH11 2BA
Tel: 0131 346 1919
Visit Website
HolyroodPalace
Dating from 1498 when it was built by James
IV, the Palace is located on the site of Holyrood Abbey, an
Augustine monastery dating from1128. Closely associated with Mary
Queen of Scots and now the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II
in Scotland
Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, EH7
Visit Website
Museum of
Scotland
A landmark building in the heart of
Edinburgh's Old Town whose collections tell the story of Scotland,
its land, people and culture.
Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street Edinburgh,
EH1 1JF
Tel: 0131 225 7534
Visit Website
The Scottish Parliament
At the foot of Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile
in front of the spectacular Holyrood Park and Salisbury Crags.
Constructed from a mixture of steel, oak, and granite, the complex
building has been hailed as one of the most innovative designs in
Britain today.
The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh EH99
1SP
Tel: 0131 348 5000
Visit Website