Discover The Age Old History, Culture, And Hidden Gems
Edinburgh, one of the most popular tourist attractions of Scotland, is rich with history and age-old traditions. At the heart of this pictorially beautiful city is the Royal Mile. The Royal Mile is basically a cobblestone street that is a mile long and stretches from the famous Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The architecture that the tourists can witness on this street is not just beautiful but also artistic. This is the reason why thousands of tourists travel to the vibrant city of Edinburgh to experience royalty and witness the age-old beauty. If you are someone who is looking for places you can see during your visit to the Royal Mile of Edinburgh, this article is for you. It brings you all the details about the best places, both historic and modern that you must visit.
Royal Mile Historical Background
The historical significance of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh dates back to the 12th century. Back then, Edinburgh, which is now a well-established tourist attraction, was just a small town surrounding the royal castle. The road that worked as a connection between the royal Edinburgh castle and the town was famous with the name High Street.
As time passed, the small town grew and expanded rapidly. The High Street became one of the most busy markets in the city, lined up with shops, taverns, and many other businesses. The street quickly became a hub of activities for the city residents. Many more streets like Esplanade, Castle Hill, Lawnmarket, Parliament Square, and Canongate.
The city became the capital of Scotland in 1437 after King Robert the Bruce granted a community town status to Edinburgh. The street was renamed the Royal Mile and became a processional route stretching from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. Many new historical buildings were also constructed in that era, like the St. Giles Cathedral and the High Kirk of Edinburgh. The royal street became a witness to some of the major events that shaped history.
In today’s day and age, the Royal Mile still remains one of the most-visited parts of Edinburgh. To date, the street serves as a window to the past lifestyle with a modern touch. With many coffee shops, eateries, and tourist attractions now developed, the Royal Mile remains an integral part of Edinburgh’s culture and history.
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Top 10 Royal Attractions For Tourists To Visit In Royal Mile
Following is a list of the top 10 royal attractions that tourists can visit on their visit to the Royal Mile.
Edinburgh Castle
One of the top royal attractions in the Royal Mile is Edinburgh Castle, which is located at the top of the castle rock. The castle is famous for its National War Museum of Scotland and is home to One O’Clock Gun and Scottish Crown Jewels.
Giles’ Cathedral
Another top location is the Giles’ Cathedral, which is known as the mother church of Presbyterianism. Its architecture is known for its Gothic style and stained glass windows. Queen Elizabeth II lay in this church for 24 hours during her last journey from Balmoral Castle to London.
The Real Mary King’s Close
The Real Mary King’s Close is one of the most popular underground attractions that attracts millions of visitors, letting them explore the hidden alleyways under the Royal Mile.
The Scotch Whisky Experience
This is not a historical sight but definitely a must-do activity if you wish to understand the rich cultural heritage of Scotland. The interactive experience allows tourists to learn about the history and even taste the iconic national drink of Scotland.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse
Another one of the most popular palaces in Royal Mile is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which is famous as the official residence of the British Monarch. It is now open for visitors, and they can now see where Mary Queen of Scots lived.
Museum of Edinburgh
If you are a history lover and wish to understand the historical story of Edinburgh’s age-old existence, you must visit the Edinburgh Museum.
The Writers’ Museum
If you are someone who loves literature, then you must also visit The Writers’ Museum of Edinburgh as well. It is dedicated to the three most famous writers of Scotland, namely Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson.
The Canongate Tolbooth
The age-old architecture located in the heart of Edinburgh was a courthouse and a prison back then. It is now famous as the People’s Story Museum, which tells stories about the ordinary citizens of Edinburgh.
John Knox House
The house, which was originally built in the 16th century, is the only surviving example of a building that is associated with the Scottish Reformation. It is now famous as a museum that tells the life story of John Knox, a reformer.
The Scottish Parliament
Located at the foot of the Royal Mile, The Scottish Parliament is also one of the most important buildings in Edinburgh. It is open to visitors who can learn about the government’s workings.
Famous Pubs For Visitors That Add A Modern Touch To Royal Mile
The following is a list of a few pubs located on the Royal Mile that tourists can visit for relaxation.
- The World’s End: It is one of the most popular pubs in Edinburgh. It is located at the foot of the Royal Mile. It is famous for its wide selection of pub grub and craft beers.
- Deacon Brodie’s Tavern: This is a historic pub named after the infamous Deacon Brodie. He was known as a businessman in the daylight and a thief at night. The pub is known for its lively atmosphere and offers live music on weekends.
- The Royal Mile Tavern: Another famous pub offering Scottish whiskies.
- The Mitre Bar: This bar came into existence in the 19th century and is known for its friendly atmosphere.
- The Bow Bar: A small pub that offers Scottish whiskies and cozy vibes.
- The Albanach: A pub that came into existence in the 16th century. It offers Scottish whiskies along with famous traditional dishes like Haggis and Cullen Skink.
- The White Hart Inn: This is one of the oldest pubs in Edinburgh that came into existence in 1516. It is located on top of the Royal Mile and is known for its traditional Scottish atmosphere.
