Edinburgh's Royal Mile - Shopping & Museums

Leading down the hill from Edinburgh Castle is the road known as “The Royal Mile”. Most of the shops here have a Scottish theme whether its tartan and kilts, small souvenirs, locally produced cashmere and woollen clothing or accessories – you will never be short of presents to take home. You can even investigate your own Scottish connections to see if there’s a tartan that represents your family surname.

In amongst these tourist attractions there are some great little cafes and bistros to sit and take in the atmosphere. With the middle of the Royal mile now closed to cars, it is usually filled with street performers in the summer months and stall holders selling jewellery and small accessories. For those on a budget there is one little cafe called “Carrubbers” which is highly recommended. Situated down a side alley from John Knox’s house you will get the most delicious home-made soup and sandwiches at a fraction of the cost of the better known cafes (only open Monday to Friday).

The Royal Mile was built over the top of old Edinburgh to stop the spread of disease in the City. Now, these old city streets can be accessed via Mary King’s Close – tours run all day during the summer months from 10am to 10pm. The tours last one hour and cost £9.50 per adult and £6 per child (under 5 year olds are not accommodated for health and safety reasons). Pre-booking is usually required - phone 08702 430 160 for details. This is the best way to experience an Edinburgh of yesteryear in a street that time has forgotten.

Towards the bottom of “The Mile”, have a look in the Museum of Childhood to see how we have lived and played throughout the centuries. This museum is free although some of the activities inside may incur a small charge. Or visit Dynamic Earth, where you will be transported 15,000 million years through to the present in a completely interactive environment – a real educational experience during which you actually walk through an ice age, a tropical rain forest and see how living creatures have changed and developed throughout the lifetime of Planet Earth. Dynamic Earth day tickets cost £9.50 per adult and £5.95 per child (under 3's go free).