Itinerary 3 Calton Hill and the New Town
Hollyrood to Dean Village via Calton Hill and Charlotte Square
Calton Hill
If you are starting the itinerary at the Parliament, walk round to Calton Hill and climb for great views of Edinburgh. If you are going to start the itinerary from the house, you might want to consider getting the N° 9 bus.
View of Princes Street from Calton Hill
View of the Firth of Fourth
Some historical information:
https://www.allaboutedinburgh.co.uk/calton-hill-edinburgh
West Register Street
Perhaps combine your experience of the New Town with a coffee or a drink at the beautiful Café Royal, just off St Andrew’s Square (West Register Street). Remember children can only enter cafés if the parents are having something to eat.
Café Royal Bar. (There is also a restaurant). (4.2 on Tripadvisor)
The Guildford Arms (4.1 on Tripadvisor)
And, if for nothing else, just for curiosity, have a look at the over the top, late nineteenth century architecture in the adjacent pub, The Guildford Arms (which also sells coffee and does standard British pub food):
This is maybe your chance to eat haggis, turnips and mashed potatoes (the famed Scottish national dish). It is not nearly as bad as it sounds. Haggis is derived from “hachis” in French, which means “chopped”. So it is really just a sausage with spiced chopped meat mixed with barley.
St Andrews Square and the New Town
Whereas the area around the Old Town (the High Street) dates back to Medieval times, the New Town was built in the eighteenth century and has the geometric regularity favoured by the Enlightenment. Much of the area is taken up with high end private accommodation and offices and so, apart from the architecture, there is not all that much to do. Most people visit for the shopping area around Princes and George Street.Still the general sense of opulence associated with New Town Houses and the spectacular nature of the architecture in this, second, world heritage site in Edinburgh is worth seeing.
St Andrews Square. One of the squares in the opulent New Town and has the advantage of offering great views of the Old Town (which used to have the tallest buildings in Europe).
Don’t forget to have a look inside the Royal Bank of Scotland’s main building. It is one of the last remaining branches in Edinburgh and you can just walk in as if you were walking into a bank.
The Main Hall of the Royal Bank of Scotland (old) Headquarters. Don’t forget to look up at the domed ceiling!
The Scottish Portrait Museum (4.6 on Tripadvisor)
A neo-Gothic palace dedicated to exploring various aspects of Scottish history. Discover contemporary portraits of pop culture icons like Billy Connolly, Emeli Sandé and Tilda Swinton alongside famous historical figures such as Mary Queen of Scots, Robert Burns and Charles Edward Stuart.
George Street and Rose Street
After the National Portrait Gallery, head back to St Andrews Square and have a walk along George Street.
Don’t miss the chance to have a look inside The Dome (a former bank) and also in the palatial style.
Perhaps treat yourself to an afternoon tea or even a meal. Prices are reasonable.
At the statue of William Pitt, turn left to go down towards the National Gallery (classical building with columns). This might be a chance to visit (FREE). If you do not have much time, just go for the Impressionists section.
If you do not go to the National Gallery now, then turn off to explore Rose Street with its pubs and cafés. Go towards Charlotte Square.
The Mussel Inn on Rose Street (seafood)
Charlotte Square
Go along to the end of Rose Street until you come to Charlotte Square. See if you can find the residence of the Scottish First Minister (head of the Scottish government). It is at Bute House.
Bute House
The Georgian House (4.6 on Tripadvisor)
You might be interested in visiting The Georgian House. It is right next door to Bute House. The Georgian House will give you an insight into the opulent well to do during the eighteenth century. Ever read a Jane Austen novel?
Here is the Tripadvisor page:
You can find the reasonably priced cost of a visit here:
https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/georgian-house
And Now on to Itinerary 4
Itinerary 4 takes you back to the New Town and Circus Lane, Moray Place and Roxburgh Crescent before going on to Dean Village.
If you want to skip this bit (but you will be missing something of the impressive nature of New Town Residencies, walk straight down from Charlotte Square to Belle Brae for access to Dean Village. You can pick up Itinerary 4 from Dean Village.