Arthur's Seat & Holyrood Park Suidhe Artair

An extinct volcano in the middle of the city, with the best free views in Scotland.

Photo: Ermell / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Arthur's Seat is a 251-metre peak inside Holyrood Park, a wild area of crags, lochs and moorland a short walk from the Royal Mile. The climb takes 45 minutes to an hour from the Queen's Drive car park or Holyrood, and the summit gives 360-degree views over the city and the Firth of Forth.

There are easier routes too: the path around Salisbury Crags, or a walk to Dunsapie Loch. Wear proper shoes: the last part is steep and loose.

Tickets / priceFree. Holyrood Park is open to everyone and needs no ticket. Source: Holyrood Park (Historic Environment Scotland) and travel guides, checked 2026-10-10

Opening hoursThe park is open all day and night, but go in daylight: the paths are uneven and badly lit. Most people walk up for sunrise or sunset. Source: Holyrood Park and visitor guides, checked 2026-10-10

Time needed90–180 minutes

Best timeSunrise or sunset on a clear day

Getting thereBus 35 or 36 to Holyrood; 15 min walk from Waverley station

AddressHolyrood Park, Edinburgh EH8 8AZ

Booking advice

No booking needed. Bring a windproof jacket, water and shoes with grip; the summit is windy even on warm days.

Insider tips

The shortest route is from the Dunsapie Loch car park: about 20 minutes up and 15 down, but steep.
For sunrise in summer, start about an hour before so you are not climbing in the dark.
Take the Radical Road under Salisbury Crags for views of the Old Town without the summit climb (check it is open).

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