Explore the Historical Royal Mile of Scotland
The Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland, is the most historical mile of cobble stone streets and buildings that can be found anywhere in the world. It is made up of side streets, namely Lawnmarket, Canongate, Castle Esplanade, Abbey Strand, Castle Hill and High Street. The mile starts at the top of Castle Rock, the Edinburgh Castle, and runs all the way down to the legendary Holyrood Abbey. With so much to explore, between browsing the eateries and small shops, the Royal Mile is the busiest tourist attraction in Edinburgh.
Most visitors start at the Edinburgh Castle, which also has many smaller buildings of historical significance including the St. Margret’s Chapel and the National War Museum of Scotland, and is home to the Scottish Crown Jewels. The home of the eighteenth century poet, Alan Ramsey, now known as Goose Pie House, and the 1600 Boswell’s Court Tenement are worth a look, as is the Camera Obscura and Outlook Tower that was opened in the 1800s and still thrills visitors with marvelous photographic exhibitions.
Lawnmarket was once a thriving market place for quality linen, and the sixteenth century Gladstone’s Land building has been restored as a realistic representation of life during the 1600s. Visitors are also recommended to explore Lady Stair’s House, which was constructed in the year 1662 and is now home to the Writer’s Museum. Parents should ensure that they visit the Museum of Childhood that has a wonderful collection of dolls, toys and books on display. The Peoples’ Story museum can be found in the Canongate Tollbooth that was erected in 1591 and retells the stories of ordinary people living in Edinburgh through the ages.
Holyrood House is a palace that once belonged to King David I. The architectural splendor of the buildings not only protect the breathtaking relics of the past, but are home to many legends, myths and scandals that are waiting to be discovered. Other historic sites and buildings in the Royal Mile include Brodie’s Close, Parliament House, King Charles II Monument, the Heart of Midlothian, Mary King’s Close, Brass Rubbing Centre, John Knox House, Canongate Kirk, Huntly House, White Horse Close, Panmure House and many more.
It is a mile of heritage, wonder and mystery. As an attraction, the Royal Mile will definitely take a few days to explore completely, as it always seems that there are more continued surprises and amazing discoveries waiting around every corner.