Arthur's Seat
Arthur's Seat
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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About
Arthur's Seat is one of four hill forts, dating from around 2,000 years ago. Situated within Holyrood Park, as well as it's rich cultural heritage, the park offers walks, solace, wildlife, volcanic geology and unparalleled vistas of the city from its many vantage points. The park has several Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designations due to its exceptional range of grassland habitats and its internationally important volcanic geology. Ranger service on site.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Southside & Holyrood
Many of Edinburgh’s student hangouts gather around university buildings in Southside, the sort of neighborhood that supports a long string of second-hand shops and eateries serving ethnic food for just a few pounds. In August the student population is replaced by vast numbers of boisterous visitors here for the Fringe, Edinburgh’s world-class comedy and arts festival which headquarters itself here. Flanking Southside are two great parks. The Meadows is a vast flat and sporty space where football, rugby, tennis, cricket, croquet, and golf often all take place side by side. Kids in its big playgrounds add to the joyful noise. Far bigger and much wilder, Holyrood Park extends to the east and provides a real hike up Arthur’s Seat, but the district is best known as the site of Scotland’s Parliament and its premier Royal Palace—and their steady stream of sightseers.
See what travelers are saying
  • Taniwha
    Edinburgh, United Kingdom9 contributions
    Great fresh walk
    Close to the city centre and The Palace of Holyrood, there are various easy and difficult ways of walking up and around this extinct volcano. Once at the top you have a 360 view of the city and the sunset over the castle is the most stupendous I've ever seen in all my travels. Be careful with young children however as there are a few shear, unfenced drops on the Palace side.
    Visited March 2020
    Traveled with family
    Written March 6, 2020
  • Em240593
    Portsmouth, United Kingdom301 contributions
    Not the easiest of terrain but worth it
    Similarly to Calton Hill, we were told about this by a family member and suggested it would be a great chance to experience something outside and get in some more great views of the area. I'm not afraid to say that I struggled a little on the way up with a lot of uneven terrain and crumbly steps but persevered because I really wanted to check out the views at the top. I'm not the fittest of people and when google described it was being " slightly strenuous" I was surprised that I found it as hard as I did but I'm proud of myself for doing it. I wasn't expecting to see so many little kids doing the walk up but I guess they are pretty fearless compared to me! At the very top there is a white pillar which had unfortunately had graffiti on it which is such a shame as the surrounding area is full of nature. I was surprised to see quite a lot of broken glass on the way too which is a harsh reminder of how horrible some humans can be. Without a doubt the views were great at the top, and it was good to be able to say I'd done it but was definitely pleased when I was back on even ground again! The walk down was a bit easier than the way up but would definitely recommend trainers or good walking shoes as everything is quite uneven and saw a few people take a tumble at some points. On the way back down it had started to rain so was pleased that we went up when it was dry even though it was a bit more windy that I'd have liked but the rain didn't seem to put off many people and it was becoming fairly busy. If you like walking, and you're okay with uneven terrain I would definitely recommend coming up to Arthur's Seat as it offers the best views of the city. I wouldn't have liked to have done this on my own, so i was very grateful to have my boyfriend there to help me up along the way!
    Visited August 2021
    Written August 7, 2021
  • Maddy
    Vineyard, Utah216 contributions
    Views if a little muddy
    My mom and I traveled to Edinburgh in May 2019. We decided to take a quick foray up Arthur's Seat after visiting the Palace of HolyRood. We only had about an hour or so, so we hiked up to one of the lower points rather than going all the way to the top. Because we were there in early May it was a little chilly and muddy, which hindered our ascent some. But the views were by far worth it. We saw lots of people out hiking and it was enjoyable without being too difficult. Do look out for the wind and the mud, depending on the time of year you visit!
    Visited May 2019
    Written April 30, 2020
  • SophieAndCallum
    Buxted, United Kingdom165 contributions
    Breathtaking!
    A must for a trip to Edinburgh! We hiked up to Arthur's Seat at sunrise. It was 100% worth the early, dark morning walk for the view a the top! The radical road is closed currently due to a rock slide but you can use the alternative route. It is super easy to navigate your way to the top. The route is relatively strenuous but short enough that most people will be absolutely fine. It took us about 20-25 minutes from the Scottish Parliament to the top. However, we climb bigger, steeper hills quite regularly so I would anticipate it to take a little longer for someone less used to the gradients. Wear a good pair of hiking boots, or at the very least trainers with grip as it can get a little slippy. Suitable cold weather clothing at this time of year is also advisable! The wind chill at the top is pretty nippy!! Stunning views of Edinburgh, the coast and the surrounding countryside from the top. 100% recommend going at sunrise, it was relatively quiet with only a few hikers choosing the same time of day as us. On our way back down, it was obvious from the number of people going up that it gets a lot busier a bit later in the morning
    Visited January 2022
    Written January 8, 2022
  • Hannah M
    13 contributions
    Worth the effort
    We climbed Arthur's Seat just before sunrise so that we could see the beauty of the city as the first light spread over it. Absolutely gorgeous views. Definitely recommend researching the best route first! If you're not a confident hiker then it's probably best to go during daylight hours. Bring a hat because it's pretty windy at the top but definitely worth it.
    Visited September 2020
    Traveled with friends
    Written September 5, 2020
  • Eloise J
    Castleford, United Kingdom12 contributions
    Mesmorising Views of Edinburgh
    The most amazing views in Edinburgh. Beware - it is extremely windy at the top. I'd highly recommend (as I did) carefully getting your pictures and then promptly finding a spot in the rocks to sit. I've inserted a picture of me at the top of Arthur's Seat to accurately depict the wind. Safe to say, as soon as the picture was taken, I planted myself firmly back in a cubby hole in the rocks! Me and my partner love hiking, so we went equipped with a backpack (drinks, plasters, coats etc) and walking boots. However, many did not. I'd HIGHLY recommend walking boots at the very least as it is quite rocky and slippy towards the top. I found that had I not been wearing my walking boots, I wouldn't have been able to plant my feet quite so firmly and probably had a good chance of slipping. The uphill walk is so worth it when you reach the top and get the best view of such a beautiful city. I'd give yourself a good 2 hours to complete the walk. Enjoy!
    Visited October 2021
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 29, 2021
  • MapleRidgeMalf
    Maple Ridge, Canada148 contributions
    Great Hike Close to Royal Mile
    Arthur’s Seat is visible from many places around Edinburgh. If you are on the Royal Mile, go to the park just behind the Queen’s Residence at the bottom of the Mile, and you can cross a park to the base of the Seat. We went on a cloudy, but not rainy day in January and it was delightful. There are several paths around and up to explore. A couple of the steep ones were closed when we were there due to avalanches, however there were still lots to see. The top part is scrambling up some rocks that can be a bit slippery but the view at the top is really worth it. We drove there and paid for parking in the lot closest to the park, however afterwards we discovered that there were several other places to park that were free.
    Visited January 2020
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 4, 2020
  • breweruk
    Brookmans Park, United Kingdom2,989 contributions
    Excellent walk from Edinburgh city centre
    It's just a 45 minute walk from the city centre and offers spectacular 360 degree views of the coast and the city. Boots recommended. The path can be steep in parts, and there are some bits where you have to scramble a little near the top. Well worth doing. We did a circular walk heading back via the Sheep Heid Inn at Duddingston and then back around the Loch along the disused Innocent Railway. Seven miles round trip, although you can do it in a lot less than that if you just go straight there and back.
    Visited January 2020
    Written January 14, 2020
  • Tony Ruddle
    Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom98 contributions
    On the Bucket list
    Arrived 4 pm on a sunny afternoon with torrential storm coming for next two days. So set off at 5 pm - as an over 70 year old took me about 50 minutes steady tramping up but well worth the stunning 360 degree views. Made extra special when the Red Arrows flew over at 7pm all colours streaming for a belated VJ Day celebration. Met a dad and 4 year old girl from Denmark on my way up. So if reasonably fit and persevering you can do it.
    Visited August 2020
    Traveled solo
    Written August 25, 2020
  • DunelmArts
    Aberdeen, United Kingdom1,094 contributions
    Hillwalking in the city
    If you fancy a bit of hillwalking without leaving the city, Edinburgh’s extinct volcano Arthur’s Seat is for you. The path to the summit is signposted, or just follow the string of hillwalkers who all have the same plan. It’s especially popular at weekends. Higher up, the path becomes uneven and rocky, so appropriate footwear is required. At the top it’s very windy , but the views are magnificent.
    Visited February 2020
    Written February 7, 2020
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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SophieAndCallum
Buxted, UK165 contributions
Jan 2022
A must for a trip to Edinburgh!

We hiked up to Arthur's Seat at sunrise. It was 100% worth the early, dark morning walk for the view a the top!

The radical road is closed currently due to a rock slide but you can use the alternative route. It is super easy to navigate your way to the top. The route is relatively strenuous but short enough that most people will be absolutely fine. It took us about 20-25 minutes from the Scottish Parliament to the top. However, we climb bigger, steeper hills quite regularly so I would anticipate it to take a little longer for someone less used to the gradients.

Wear a good pair of hiking boots, or at the very least trainers with grip as it can get a little slippy. Suitable cold weather clothing at this time of year is also advisable! The wind chill at the top is pretty nippy!!

Stunning views of Edinburgh, the coast and the surrounding countryside from the top. 100% recommend going at sunrise, it was relatively quiet with only a few hikers choosing the same time of day as us. On our way back down, it was obvious from the number of people going up that it gets a lot busier a bit later in the morning
Written January 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hannah M
13 contributions
Sep 2020 • Friends
We climbed Arthur's Seat just before sunrise so that we could see the beauty of the city as the first light spread over it.
Absolutely gorgeous views. Definitely recommend researching the best route first! If you're not a confident hiker then it's probably best to go during daylight hours. Bring a hat because it's pretty windy at the top but definitely worth it.
Written September 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Eloise J
Castleford, UK12 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
The most amazing views in Edinburgh. Beware - it is extremely windy at the top. I'd highly recommend (as I did) carefully getting your pictures and then promptly finding a spot in the rocks to sit. I've inserted a picture of me at the top of Arthur's Seat to accurately depict the wind. Safe to say, as soon as the picture was taken, I planted myself firmly back in a cubby hole in the rocks! Me and my partner love hiking, so we went equipped with a backpack (drinks, plasters, coats etc) and walking boots. However, many did not. I'd HIGHLY recommend walking boots at the very least as it is quite rocky and slippy towards the top. I found that had I not been wearing my walking boots, I wouldn't have been able to plant my feet quite so firmly and probably had a good chance of slipping. The uphill walk is so worth it when you reach the top and get the best view of such a beautiful city. I'd give yourself a good 2 hours to complete the walk. Enjoy!
Written October 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MapleRidgeMalf
Maple Ridge, Canada148 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Arthur’s Seat is visible from many places around Edinburgh. If you are on the Royal Mile, go to the park just behind the Queen’s Residence at the bottom of the Mile, and you can cross a park to the base of the Seat. We went on a cloudy, but not rainy day in January and it was delightful. There are several paths around and up to explore. A couple of the steep ones were closed when we were there due to avalanches, however there were still lots to see. The top part is scrambling up some rocks that can be a bit slippery but the view at the top is really worth it. We drove there and paid for parking in the lot closest to the park, however afterwards we discovered that there were several other places to park that were free.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

breweruk
Brookmans Park, UK2,989 contributions
Jan 2020
It's just a 45 minute walk from the city centre and offers spectacular 360 degree views of the coast and the city. Boots recommended. The path can be steep in parts, and there are some bits where you have to scramble a little near the top. Well worth doing. We did a circular walk heading back via the Sheep Heid Inn at Duddingston and then back around the Loch along the disused Innocent Railway. Seven miles round trip, although you can do it in a lot less than that if you just go straight there and back.
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tony Ruddle
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK98 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
Arrived 4 pm on a sunny afternoon with torrential storm coming for next two days. So set off at 5 pm - as an over 70 year old took me about 50 minutes steady tramping up but well worth the stunning 360 degree views.
Made extra special when the Red Arrows flew over at 7pm all colours streaming for a belated VJ Day celebration.
Met a dad and 4 year old girl from Denmark on my way up. So if reasonably fit and persevering you can do it.
Written August 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DunelmArts
Aberdeen, UK1,094 contributions
Feb 2020
If you fancy a bit of hillwalking without leaving the city, Edinburgh’s extinct volcano Arthur’s Seat is for you. The path to the summit is signposted, or just follow the string of hillwalkers who all have the same plan. It’s especially popular at weekends. Higher up, the path becomes uneven and rocky, so appropriate footwear is required. At the top it’s very windy , but the views are magnificent.
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gogs Rossi
Edinburgh, UK778 contributions
Feb 2020
How lucky we are to have this extinct lump of volcanic rock close at the centre of our city.
Having lived in Edinburgh for many years I have dragged many a visitor to the summit and none have been disappointed. Whatever the weather the summit offers fantastic 360 degrees views of the city and the surrounding Edinburgh. Another fantastic thing is the number of routes to the top. Some of which are steeper than other.
A word of warning a good pair of shoes should be worn for the walk as the surface on the walk is uneven and can be muddy.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Christopher H
Ashford, UK251 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
A trip to Edinburgh wouldn't be complete without a trek up Arthur's Seat, at 250m it's not for the less able unfortunately but is worth the walk if you can.
I was lucky with the weather as day before it rained all day but with views across the city and countryside it was amazing.
There are a few routes up, I walked from the Scottish parliament along a slow but long incline which gets steeper towards top, the way down from the north side is a set of old stone stairs, in even and some are quiet the step but would be easier at a slow pace. Also parking is near the start of these.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Benjamin A
Edinburgh, UK11 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
It is not a hard climb at all, but it can be a windy one. Like anywhere in Scotland if its not the height of summer make sure to pack a jacket, and a hat to keep the wind from stinging your ears. But the 360 degree view is worth it even if it ends up being a cold and windy day, and if not there are a couple of good spots to sit and relax while looking down on the city. A great spot to bring a picnic to eat on one of the many grassy knolls.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Arthur's Seat (Edinburgh) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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Arthur's Seat is open:
  • Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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