Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood

Why go

Begin in the Old Town at Edinburgh Castle, where the volcanic crag gives the route its western anchor, then descend into the Royal Mile’s sequence of buildings, closes and changing views. St Margaret’s Chapel offers an early historical focus before the route reaches the Hub and the Tron Kirk. Continue east towards Holyrood Abbey and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where the ridge meets the parkland below Arthur’s Seat. This ordered walk suits travellers who want architecture and royal history together. Let the Old Town, Castle and Royal Mile set the pace; treat the Hub, Tron Kirk and interior visits as optional choices rather than a checklist.

The route, stop by stop

World itinerary estimate: 360–600 min

1. 01

   Optional · 20–30 min

   Old Town

   Explore Edinburgh’s medieval ridge through the Royal Mile and its branching closes. This is a walking area with steep changes of level, rather than a single attraction.

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2. Walk · 11 min · Estimated

   02

   Optional · 120–150 min

   Edinburgh Castle

   Go for the fortress setting and Scotland’s royal and military history above the Old Town. The visit climbs through successive defended wards towards the summit of Castle Rock.

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3. Walk · 2 min · Estimated

   03

   Optional · 15–15 min

   St Margaret’s Chapel

   This small Romanesque chapel is Edinburgh’s oldest surviving building and a worthwhile detail within a castle visit. Access follows Edinburgh Castle admission rather than an independent church timetable.

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4. Walk · 16 min · Estimated

   04

   Optional · 30–45 min

   The Royal Mile

   Walk between Edinburgh Castle and Holyroodhouse along a succession of historic streets. The main route gives clear landmarks, but its closes and side streets reward deliberate detours.

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5. Walk · 11 min · Estimated

   05

   Optional · 15–15 min

   The Hub

   Notice the Gothic spire near the top of the Royal Mile, or visit for an Edinburgh International Festival event. Interior access depends on the programme, so plan around a performance.

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6. Walk · 8 min · Estimated

   06

   Optional · 15–30 min

   Tron Kirk

   Treat this seventeenth-century former church as an architectural stop on the Royal Mile. Its spire and altered footprint reward a look, while interior access needs checking separately.

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7. Walk · 19 min · Estimated

   07

   Optional · 20–30 min

   Holyrood Abbey

   The roofless medieval abbey adds a striking contrast to the Palace of Holyroodhouse visit. It belongs to the palace visitor route, so plan it with that admission.

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8. Walk · 2 min · Estimated

   08

   Optional · 60–90 min

   Palace of Holyroodhouse

   Visit the working royal palace at the lower end of the Royal Mile for State Apartments, Mary, Queen of Scots’ rooms and the adjoining medieval abbey.

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