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Photography & History Tour of Calton Hill, Edinburgh (2hrs)
Select Date and Travelers
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn More
3 Hours
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Overview
Calton Hill is a 'must-see' when you visit Edinburgh and the ideal introduction to Edinburgh for its amazing views.
Local photographer, David, a resident of 50 years, will show you the best photography spots & views of the city, whilst guiding you around all its beautiful monuments, buildings, galleries & historic graveyards.
Along the way, you'll learn about some of Edinburgh's most interesting citizens, see some amazing classical buildings, and even visit an old watchtower which was used to look out for grave-robbers!
Built on an extinct volcano, to the east of Edinburgh's New Town, Calton Hill has been a public park since 1724. Countless generations of citizens have enjoyed its panoramic views and classical buildings, which gave Edinburgh its nickname the "Athens of The North". David will show you all its highlights, including the National Monument, the Nelson Monument and the old Observatory, plus lots, lots more.
It's the ideal way to start your holiday in Edinburgh!
What's Included
Meeting And Pickup
Meeting point
The meeting point is directly outside the 'HOWIES RESTAURANT' at 29 WATERLOO PLACE, Edinburgh. The approximate postcode is EH1 3BQ. I will be wearing a BLUE BLAZER, a BLUE CAP and have a BLUE RUCKSACK. I will provide a telephone number in case you need to contact me.
End Point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Old Calton Burial Ground
Before visiting Calton Hill, David will show you one of Edinburgh's most atmospheric & historic cemeteries - Old Calton Burial Ground. The final resting place of many famous Scots, David will show you some fascinating graves, including an Edinburgh Perfumer and a lady who's leg was buried 20 years before her! We'll also see the striking Martyrs' Monument, The statue of Abraham Lincoln and the Old Governors House of Old Calton Jail. David will show you some of his favourite views of Old Calton Hill, including Rock House, the old photographic studio of 'Hill & Adamson', the early Edinburgh photographers who pioneered the art of photography. Before leaving, we'll visit a secret part of the cemetery, very rarely visited by locals or visitors.
20 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Nelson Monument
Completed in 1815, this intriguing tower (that looks like a telescope) was designed by Robert Burn to commemorate the Napoleonic Wars. We'll learn about the connections it has with the firing of the 1 O'clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle, and its original purpose, to provide a home for disabled seamen. David will also show you some spectacular views (& photography spots) of Princes Street and The Edinburgh Old Town, all the way to the Pentland Hills, with lots of helpful tips.
10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Started in 1826 and modelled on the Parthenon in Athens, the National Monument is one of Edinburgh's most striking monuments, built to commemorate Scots who died in the Napoleonic Wars. David will explain why it's often referred to as 'Edinburgh's Disgrace' and show you all the best angles for taking photos.
10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Dugald Stewart Monument
Built in 1832 by architect William Playfair, this grand Doric temple celebrates Dugald Stewart, who was a much admired Professor of Moral Philosophy at Edinburgh University. David will show you great views of the city and give you some top tips on getting the best possible photos.
10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Observatory House
David will tell you about the history of Old Observatory House and help you to take photos of some of the best views of the city, all the way to the Forth Estuary and Fife. David will give you lots of tips on exposure & composition.
10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free
We'll visit the Collective contemporary art space located in the old observatory building and admire its lovely garden and incredible views.
10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Playfair Monument
David will give you lots of tips on photographing architecture at this classical monument, built in memory of the esteemed mathematician, John Playfair.
5 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free
David will tell you all about the interesting history of the Portuguese Cannon, located on top of the hill, and show you one of the city's best photos using the cannon.
5 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free
A small cairn built by the keepers of the Vigil for the Scottish Parliament. David will explain a little about the Scottish Referendum for establishing a new Scottish Parliament and its history since. We'll also take some great photos of Arthur's Seat.
5 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free
The Burns Monument
We'll visit the impressive Burns Monument at the foot of Calton Hill next to the magnificent Old Royal High School. The monument is a circular, Neo-Greek style temple celebrating Scotland's national bard (poet), Robert Burns.
5 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free
New Calton Burial Ground
A fascinating and beautiful burial ground, close to Calton Hill, David will show you the atmospheric Watch Tower, which was used by families to watch out for 'resurrectionists' and grave-robbing. We'll also visit some of the finer mausoleums & graves including that of the family of the Edinburgh writer, Robert Louis Stevenson. There are also wonderful views of Arthur's Seat and the Scottish Parliament from the burial ground. If time allows, we'll also visit the Physic Garden at Palace of Holyroodhouse.
20 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Operated by David Wheater
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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