QYPE*

The Royal Mile is the gateway to Edinburgh's rich, multi-faceted history and unique culture. The high sandstone buildings and vast collection of statues paying tribute to writers, philosophers and religious leaders alike, reveal the secrets of this Old Town road. The top of the Mile is marked by the Castle which is Scotland’s bastion of strength – the very monument that immortalizes Scotland’s battles and heroes.

Beyond this, the cobble-stoned mile unfolds east of the Castle, giving way to a menagerie of closes and lanes that testify to times gone by. The Mile is dotted with a variety of shops, sights, pubs and restaurants that will have you spinning with indecision and choice. You can buy almost anything ranging from whiskey to crafts to textiles and so much more. (Not to forget the souvenir shops that are ten a penny!)

Major sights to look out for are St Giles Cathedral which is the product of the reformation, Parliament Square, the infamous Heart of Midlothian which lies on the ground in memory of the Old Toll Booth Prison, and the Holyrood Palace which marks the end of the Mile.

On a clear day, a stroll along the Mile can easily take a few hours and is guaranteed to offer something for everyone!