Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is not just a single street, but a vibrant historical artery connecting Edinburgh Castle at the top of the volcanic crag to the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the bottom. Formed by a series of interconnected streets—Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street, Canongate, and Abbey Strand—it serves as the backbone of Edinburgh's Old Town. The architecture here is striking, featuring towering stone tenements that were once the skyscrapers of the medieval world, built upwards due to the restrictive defensive walls of the city.

Branching off the main thoroughfare are dozens of narrow, steep alleyways known as 'closes' and 'wynds'. These hidden passages are named after the tradesmen or prominent citizens who once lived there, such as Advocate's Close or Bakehouse Close. Exploring these alleys is essential for understanding the cramped, bustling nature of historic Edinburgh. Today, the Royal Mile is a dynamic mix of the ancient and the modern, housing the Scottish Parliament, St Giles' Cathedral, numerous museums, traditional pubs, and a plethora of shops selling everything from high-end cashmere to novelty souvenirs.

Reasons to Visit

• Historical Density: Walk in the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots and Adam Smith among centuries-old architecture.
• Edinburgh Castle: Anchor your visit at one of Europe's most iconic and historically significant fortresses.
• Hidden Closes: Discover the secret, atmospheric alleyways that plunge down the sides of the Old Town.
• Festival Hub: Experience the world's largest arts festival every August when the street becomes a massive stage.
• Whisky Tasting: Sample Scotland's national drink at numerous specialized bars and the Scotch Whisky Experience.

Things to Avoid

• Overpriced Tartan Shops: Avoid buying from the first souvenir shop you see; compare prices and look for authentic Scottish wool.
• Peak Festival Crowds (if you dislike crowds): August is incredibly busy; walking down the street can take three times as long.
• Uncomfortable Shoes: The steep inclines and uneven cobblestones make high heels or flimsy sandals a bad choice.
• Eating at Tourist Traps: Venture slightly off the main street or down a close to find better quality and more reasonably priced food.

Local Transportation Tips

The Royal Mile is best explored entirely on foot, as it is heavily pedestrianized in sections and traffic is restricted. Lothian Buses serve the bridges that cross the Royal Mile (George IV Bridge and South Bridge), providing easy access from other parts of the city. Edinburgh Waverley train station is located just a short, albeit steep, walk away via the Playfair Steps or Cockburn Street. Taxis can drop you off at various points along the street, but driving yourself is highly discouraged due to one-way systems and lack of parking.

Travel Etiquette

• Stand on the Right: When using the narrow stairs in the closes, keep to the right to let others pass.
• Tipping Performers: If you stop to watch a street performer during the Fringe, it is customary to leave a tip.
• Pub Etiquette: Order and pay for your drinks at the bar; table service is rare in traditional pubs.
• Respecting Residents: Remember that the Old Town is a residential area; keep noise down in the closes late at night.

Recommended Age Group

The Royal Mile offers a rich tapestry of history and entertainment that appeals to a wide range of ages, though the physical terrain requires some consideration.

• Babies (0-2 years): Neutral. While the main street is wide, the uneven cobblestones make stroller navigation bumpy, and the steep closes are inaccessible with a pram.
• Kids (3-12 years): Recommended. Castles, street performers, and interactive museums like Camera Obscura are highly engaging for younger travelers.
• Teens (13-19 years): Recommended. Ghost tours, rich history, and the vibrant festival atmosphere appeal strongly to older kids.
• Adults (20-64 years): Recommended. Perfect for history buffs, pub culture enthusiasts, and architectural exploration.
• Seniors (65+ years): Recommended. Rich in accessible history along the main thoroughfare, though the steep inclines and cobblestones require comfortable footwear and pacing.

Accessibility Level: Medium

• Terrain: The Royal Mile features steep inclines, particularly near the castle, and uneven cobblestones which can be challenging for manual wheelchairs.
• Dropped Kerbs: Most of the main street has dropped kerbs and wide pavements, making the primary thoroughfare manageable.
• Attractions: Major sites like Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish Parliament have excellent accessibility features, including ramps and elevators.
• Closes and Wynds: Many of the historic alleyways involve steep stairs and are not wheelchair accessible.
• Transport: Lothian Buses are fully wheelchair accessible and can drop visitors near the Royal Mile.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the Royal Mile is actually longer than a standard mile? It measures exactly one 'Scots mile', an obsolete measurement that is approximately 1.12 English miles (1.81 kilometers). Additionally, beneath the Royal Mile lies a hidden, sealed-off 17th-century street called Mary King's Close, which was built over and forgotten for centuries before being rediscovered.

Cool Statistics

• Length: 1 Scots Mile (1.81 km / 1.12 miles).
• Elevation Drop: Approximately 100 meters from the Castle to the Palace.
• Number of Closes: Over 70 historic alleyways branch off the main street.
• Oldest Building: John Knox House, dating back to 1470.
• Festival Performers: Over 3,000 shows take place across Edinburgh during the August Fringe, with the Royal Mile as the central hub.