Calton Hill Tours and Activities

Climb the steps on the south side of Calton Hill to gain access to some perfect picture-taking spots. This former volcano is 171 metres tall, and can be climbed in just a few minutes.Nelson's Monument adds an additional 30 metres to the summit of the hill. This monument was built to celebrate the victory of British general Horatio Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar, and further enhances the range of views available. A massive time ball falls from the mast on the tower's roof at the same time as the One O'clock Gun sounds from Edinburgh Castle. In the past, sea captains relied on the accuracy of these indicators when calibrating their on-board instruments.There are a plethora of interesting sights to be seen from here. The coastline of Fife is laid out to the north, along with the Forth Estuary. Salisbury Crags and Arthur's Seat can be seen to the south, while a look to the west will draw your eye along the length of the Royal Mile and up towards Edinburgh Castle.Wander in between the tall Doric columns of the Scottish National Monument. Construction started here in 1826, but ran out of money, leaving this homage to the Athenian Parthenon only partially complete. Its purpose was to honour the Scottish dead from the Napoleonic wars.Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns, is also remembered here at the Burns Monument. Every year in January, on Burns' Night, Scottish people all around the world traditionally meet to eat haggis and read his poetry. St Andrew's House is on the side of the hill facing south – this is the home of the Scottish government.There is pay parking at the southern and eastern access points to Calton Hill. It is also a short stroll from the eastern end of Princes Street.