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
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.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Top ways to experience Arthur's Seat

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.
Reach out directly

See what travelers are saying

  • markAlan S
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic out of season walk
    Most reviews will be based on the easy tourist route, however there are plenty other routes up with more interest, there is a scramble which requires the use of hands, not too difficult but great fun! The summit is very good which is better than many Munro's, Please note it's a bit tricky in wet conditions due to the wet rock, I have seen a few slips! It gets very busy during the summer months so if you don't like crowds go off season, I have had the summit to myself twice a magical experience, I highly recommend this walk as it isn't often you can walk on a extinct volcano with views over a fantastic city.
    Visited February 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written September 20, 2023
  • Dell L
    Austin, Texas27 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing views at Arthur’s Seat
    While not always easy, this hike is worth the effort. With a panoramic view of Edinburgh, the sea, and Holyrood, this hike will take your breath away. It can be crowded but there’s plenty of room to roam the green hills. Wear comfortable shoes and take water and enjoy the best of Edinburgh.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 23, 2023
  • MrsRTeacher
    Melbourne, Australia41 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Arthur’s Seat at Dusk
    We’ve visited in 2019 and this evening. As Edinburgh is often cloudy, seeing a sunset is not guaranteed. However the views were wonderful. We picked a night with the best weather. Warning, it’s a rocky hike. It is not signed and sometimes there’s a choice of paths. If you go at dusk it might br a good idea to bring a headlamp. Locals were running up and down in the dark without any trouble, which is amazing. So it is easy for some. You’ll need a fairly good level of fitness and really good shoes. Anyone with mobility issues should reconsider. In 2019 we saw a couple enjoying wine, so we did that too on this visit. Looking at other reviews, it is not possible to drive to the peak but to the base. There are no seats and it can get windy up there. Wear layers. Some reviews implied other paths but I haven’t found them.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 23, 2023
  • Val Scribe
    Austin, Texas10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Arthur's Seat
    Scotland was a last minute trip for us, my brother, sister and I. We had no plans and thus no idea what there was to see. We first went to Edinburgh Castle upon recommendation of basically everyone and while there were pointed to Arthur's Seat. My sister decided to go to the National Museum of Scotland but my brother and I decided to go ahead and give Arthur's Seat a climb. We were not prepared; I was in a blouse, jeans and sneakers made for jogging. He was in lounge clothes. Neither of us were prepared for how muddy it was. On the first gentle slopes up to St. Anthony's Chapel it was fine; avoid the puddles, avoid any mess or slips. The further up we got the harder it got to avoid mud of any kind. The path narrowed and there weren't enough rocks to step on to avoid them, even when you did use the rocks, they twisted beneath your feet so you almost twisted an ankle. Some places were so muddy it felt like for every step you took you took a step and half back simply from sliding back with the mud until you found an alternate path. There were many people going up with us (most much better prepared than us), some of whom were just seemingly flying up the hills. They were very kind to any of us who were struggling due to either being unfit (hello) or due to age or disability by shouting encouragement on the way up and, as they passed us on their way down, telling us it was indeed worth the struggle. They were completely correct. The scenic views offered were absolutely stunning! You can see for miles in all directions, you can see the waters surrounding the land, the large cityscape surrounded by long tracts of land. Edinburgh Castle sits in the back, so small in view but you know it's actually massive when you're at her gates. Taking pictures was actually quite easy; the majority of people are also there for the view and pictures so there seemed to be an unspoken etiquette of steering clear and watching where you're going. Everyone was very careful passing each other so close to a massive cliff and it no effort at all to navigate around to find your picture spot. The people were kind, the view absolutely stunning, the effort more than worth it. Give it a go and enjoy yourself!
    Visited November 2022
    Traveled with family
    Written October 4, 2023
  • Aaron M
    Saint Louis, Missouri102 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A lovely morning hike
    This is a lovely hike with beautiful views at the top. There are several possible trails; understand that even the easy trail will take some effort. The conditions of the trails are often a little rough, and there may be some slippery stones along the way. So, caution is required. The hike and the view are the purpose of this site:there are no thrones or chairs at the top. Also, this isn't Disney, so there are no bathrooms. It'll take a few hours to make it up and back down, so give yourself time, and you'll enjoy yourself. The earlier in the day you go, the less crowded. Most of all, have fun.
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 5, 2023
  • Pammy351
    Dublin, Ireland12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Walk to top of Arthur's Seat, Scotland
    Loved this trip to Arthur's Seat. Beautiful panoramic views of Edinburgh and the coast. Wear comfortable sturdy footwear as rocks are a bit slippy. In fact I would not advise this walk if it is raining or if the ground is very wet. There are a few routes to pick to get to the top some flagged as easier than others. Worth a visit.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written October 10, 2023
  • Arlene V
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Arthur's Seat is an exhilarating short hike in Edinburgh
    Arthur's Seat is an exhilarating hike up an 800+ foot extinct volcano in Holyrood Park in Edinburgh. The scenery is stunning and you'll also encounter a 15th Century chapel on the route. It is a gentle saunter in some places and a scramble over rocky ground as you get higher up. Allow a couple hours for the full experience including enjoying the views at the top. It is well worth the effort. Wear hike-worthy shoes with traction.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written October 11, 2023
  • Sara N
    Chatham, Massachusetts100 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A good climb
    Nice change of pace from the city. It was a climb and the views were great. We are walkers, so it was an easy walk from the city center to the entrance then up the hill. The top is rocky and there are some steep parts. If nothing else, it will get your heart-rate up a bit. Come prepared and wear good shoes!! You are walking on a dirt (sometimes muddy) path, with rocks. I would not want to hike this in white, traction-less Keds.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written October 16, 2023
  • nin6
    Germany221 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great view, familiarize yourself with the conditions on site before the trip
    Arthur's Seat was a surprise. It was much more difficult than expected to reach the top and took much more time than expected. However, the trip was worth it overall. We had a very nice panoramic view from the top (See pictures). If the weather is bad, I would strongly advise against it because the path can be enormously slippery in the rain. We had good weather, with moderate wind. Even in the best weather, start the trip only with appropriate equipment and in good condition. For those who can use the hop-on hop-off bus, get off at Dynamic Earth and then start on foot.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written October 22, 2023
  • Manicrose
    Bourne, United Kingdom1,520 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth the effort
    Climbing to the top is definitely not easy, no matter what path you take. Be prepared. Wear sensible shoes and take the weather into account. The path is a mix of stone and bare ground so could be very muddy or slippery in bad weather. Allow about an hour and half to two hours for the climb to the top and back down. The views from the top are amazing. Only a shame that some people decided to sit behind the summit stone when we were up there, ruining photo opportunities for many of us that had made the climb. Before the climb we had found maps online that indicated several different paths to take. However when we got there we found that there we no markers for these paths so just ended up following the crowd to the top.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 26, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles21,749 reviews
Excellent
16,874
Very good
4,279
Average
513
Poor
51
Terrible
32

Taniwha
Edinburgh, UK9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020 • Family
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.
Written March 6, 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.

Em240593
Portsmouth, UK291 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021
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!
Written August 7, 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.

Maddy
Vineyard, UT211 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2019
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!
Written April 30, 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.

SophieAndCallum
Buxted, UK298 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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, UK18 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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, Canada146 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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, UK3,077 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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, UK94 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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, UK1,167 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.

Showing results 1-10 of 17,684
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Arthur's Seat - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

All Edinburgh HotelsEdinburgh Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Edinburgh
All things to do in Edinburgh
Day Trips in Edinburgh
RestaurantsFlightsVacation RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars