Castle · UNESCO
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
A fortress on an extinct volcano above the city, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels.
Art gallery · United Kingdom · Scotland
Scottish National Gallery
A free gallery of European and Scottish painting between the Old and New Towns.
Free to enter about 1.5 h
For storytellers
Why Scottish National Gallery matters
Set on the Mound between the Old Town and the New Town, this neoclassical gallery is a quiet haven of art. You can see Scottish portraits and landscapes alongside European masters, and entry is free. Allow an hour, then step outside to the gardens below for views of the castle rock overhead.
Talking points
- Entry is free.
- It sits on The Mound between the two towns.
- Scottish art has its own room of highlights.
Free to read aloud or adapt in your video. Check facts that matter to you against an official source before you publish.
More in Edinburgh
Mountain
Arthur's Seat
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
An ancient volcano in Holyrood Park with a short climb and a full city panorama.
Neighbourhood · UNESCO
The Royal Mile
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
The historic street running from the castle to Holyrood Palace, lined with closes, shops and pubs.
Viewpoint
Calton Hill
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
A small hill with unfinished monuments and one of the best views of Edinburgh.
Festival or event
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
A huge August arts festival that turns the city into a stage.
Neighbourhood
Grassmarket and Victoria Street
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
A lively old square and a curved, colourful street of independent shops below the castle.
Also nearby
Within about 40 km, closest first.