edinburgh royal visit today

King to undertake series of engagements in annual Scottish visit

The King will attend a series of engagements over two days during an annual visit to Scotland, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.

Charles will hold an investiture and host guests at a garden party in Edinburgh on July 2 and 3 as part of Holyrood Week.

The King , joined by the Queen, will also attend a celebration for the 900th anniversary of the city at Edinburgh Castle.

Each year, the monarch traditionally spends a week based at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, known as Holyrood Week or Royal Week in Scotland.

Charles’s visit last year was his first public engagement in Scotland since his coronation.

The King will first attend the Ceremony of the Keys in the Palace of Holyroodhouse gardens on July 2, where he will be presented with the keys to the city, before holding an investiture at the palace.

Camilla will host a reception to celebrate those promoting Scottish literacy before the pair host guests at a garden party, alongside the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

On July 3 the King and Queen will be joined by the Prince of Wales, whose Scottish title is the Duke of Rothesay, at the Thistle Service at St Giles’ Cathedral, where Camilla and Edward will be appointed to the Order of the Thistle.

Charles and Camilla will round off the trip by joining a celebration with various performers, guests and organisations at Edinburgh Castle to mark the city’s anniversary.

This year’s events will be reduced in size due to the General Election called for July 4.

Confirmation of the King’s visit comes after Buckingham Palace separately announced on Monday that the Princess Royal , who attended Holyrood Week last year, was in hospital after suffering minor injuries to her head and concussion, following an incident on the Gatcombe Park estate.

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King Charles' visit to Scotland: Timeline of events, road closures and how to watch

The King and Queen will be arriving in Edinburgh on July 5 to mark their Coronation in Scotland with a series of royal celebrations in the heart of the city.

14:37, 3 JUL 2023
Updated 12:27, 4 JUL 2023

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King Charles and Queen Camilla will be arriving in Edinburgh this week for the monarch's 'second Coronation' celebration which will see a series of spectacular events take place in the city to honour the new British sovereign.

The monarch's visit on Wednesday, July 5 will be the first time he has visited the capital since he was officially crowned in May.

His arrival for the annual Scottish Royal Week will be welcomed with a string of celebrations that will last two and a half hours in the heart of Edinburgh.

The events on the day will begin at around lunchtime and will kickstart with a People's procession of around 100 people from Edinburgh Castle's Esplanade to St Giles Cathedral.

The celebrations will finish up later in the afternoon with a 21 gun salute from Edinburgh castle followed by a magnificent RAF flypast finale down the Royal Mile.

Here's everything you need to know about what will happen on the day including the timeline of the events, road closures and where to watch the celebrations on television.

Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress which dominates the skyline of the city of Edinburgh, Scotland from its position on the Castle Rock. The castle also houses the Scottish regalia, known as the Honours of Scotland. The castle is in the care of Historic Scotland and is Scotland's most-visited paid tourist attraction.

Timeline of events

13.15: People’s Procession departs Edinburgh Castle Esplanade

13.30: People’s Procession arrives at St Giles’ Cathedral

13.40: The Honours of Scotland leave Edinburgh Castle Esplanade under military escort

13.40: Military pipe and drums bands and the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment move from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to West Parliament Square

13.50: The Honours of Scotland arrive at West Parliament Square by vehicle

14.05: Royal Procession leaves the Palace of Holyroodhouse

14.10: Royal Procession arrives at St Giles’ Cathedral

14.15: National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication begins

15.15: Service ends

15.20: The King and Queen exit St Giles’ to gun salute from the Castle

15.27: Royal party arrive at Palace of Holyroodhouse

15.40: RAF flypast down the Royal Mile

How to watch

Atmosphere on the Royal Mile as Queen Elizabeth II's coffin ss transferred to London, on September 13, 2022 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

The Scottish Coronation celebrations will be broadcast live on BBC1 Scotland from 1:30pm with the National Service of Dedication and Dedication at 14:15 also available to listen to on BBC Radio 3.

For those wanting to watch the People's Procession take place in person, there will be viewing opportunities along the Royal Mile from the Castle to the Palace of Holyrood house.

According to the Scottish Government website, The People's Procession will be made up of a wide range of organisations who will be representing aspects of Scottish life including charities and public services.

The Procession will be escorted by The Royal Regiment of Scotland, their Shetland Pony mascot Corporal Cruachan and will be supported by cadet musicians from the Combined Cadet Force Pipes and Drums, 51 Brigade Cadet Military Band.

Why is King Charles coming

King Charles III and Princess Anne, Princess Royal walk along The Royal Mile as they accompany Queen Elizabeth II's coffin to St Giles' Cathedral for a Service of Thanksgiving on September 12, 2022 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Royal week is a tradition that happens each year in Scotland with the British monarch arriving in Edinburgh to spend a week based at the Palace of Holyrood house in the Capital.

Charles' first visit as King echoes the visit his late mother Queen Elizabeth II made to the city of Edinburgh in June 1953 shortly after she was crowned.

During the hour long National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication at St Giles Cathedral, the King will be presented with the Honours of Scotland which are the oldest crown jewels in Britain along with the Stone of Destiny.

These are made up of the new Elizabeth sword in honour of Her Majesty, the sceptre and the priceless crown of Scotland which have been present at many of the major royal ceremonial events over the past five centuries.

Road closures and public transport warnings

Royal Week is set to be a very busy period for the city with Edinburgh Council warning locals not to drive in the City Centre on Wednesday.

A number of road closures and traffic restrictions will be put in place around the Royal Mile on the day of the event.

These closures will begin from Tuesday July 4 including ones around the Palace of Holyroodhouse – Holyrood Gait, Holyrood Road, Horse Wynd.

On Wednesday a more extensive list of closures will include: Abbeyhill, Calton Road, Canongate, High Street, Jeffrey Street, St Mary’s Street, North Bridge, South Bridge, Cockburn Street, Victoria Street, George IV Bridge, Lawnmarket and Johnston Terrace.

All roads closed for royal events will be reopened by 6pm on July 6 with the exception of areas around the Castle Concerts, as well as St Giles Street and St John Street.

Public transport warnings have also been issued as royal fans and spectators are being advised to leave within plenty of time to make the event on time and check route schedules before leaving.

Royals latest news

Further information is available from Traffic Scotland and updates will be posted by Edinburgh Council.

More information on each part of the day can be found here.

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King and Queen visit to Edinburgh July 2023: events

Details of events taking place on 5 July to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla, including timings and viewing opportunities.

Scotland will mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla on Wednesday 5 July, during Royal Week in Edinburgh.

The King, accompanied by The Queen, will be presented with the Honours of Scotland at a National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication at St Giles’ Cathedral. This will follow a people’s procession on the Royal Mile.

Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay will also attend events.

How to watch the events

You can watch the events on television. You can also listen to the National Service of Dedication and Thanksgiving on BBC Radio 3

If you want to watch the people’s procession in person, there will be viewing opportunities along the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

If you are planning to attend:

public transport will be very busy so plan your journey in advance – more information below
allow plenty of time to get there as there will be limited space on pavements along the Royal Mile (access to key areas may be restricted for safety reasons)
be prepared to stand for a number of hours in changeable weather

1315: People’s Procession leaves Edinburgh Castle Esplanade

1330: People’s Procession arrives at West Parliament Square

1340: The Honours of Scotland (Crown Jewels) leave the Castle Esplanade under military and police escort

1340: Military bands and Household Cavalry Mounted Regiments depart from Palace of Holyroodhouse to West Parliament Square

1350: The Honours arrive at West Parliament Square

1405: Royal Procession leaves the Palace of Holyroodhouse

1410: Royal Procession arrives at St Giles’ Cathedral

1415: National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication begins - order of service attached

1515: Service ends

1520: King and Queen exit St Giles. Royal Gun Salute from Edinburgh Castle

1540: RAF flypast

Travel

Public transport in areas where ceremonial events are taking place will be very busy. As a result, journeys may take longer than usual.

People are encouraged to plan journeys in advance and check routes before travelling. Information is available from Traffic Scotland

In the interests of public safety and to increase public access to ceremonial events there will be road closures around the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Further information is available from the City of Edinburgh Council .

People’s Procession

A People’s Procession of around 100 people representing aspects of Scottish life including charities and public services , will process from Edinburgh Castle to St Giles’ Cathedral.

The People’s Procession will be escorted by The Royal Regiment of Scotland, their mascot Corporal Cruachan IV (a Shetland pony) and supported by cadet musicians from the Combined Cadet Force Pipes and Drums, 51 Brigade Cadet Military Band.

A wide range of organisations in Scotland will take part in the Procession.

People's Procession: organisations taking part

Angus and Dundee Battalion ACF
Assembly of the Feudal Baronage
Boys Brigade
Bonnet Makers & Dyers
British Veterinary Association Scottish Branch
Cairngorms National Park Authority
Candlemakers
City of Edinburgh Council School Crossing Patrol
College of Master Kilt Tailors
Clydeview Academy
Duke of Edinburgh's Award
Girls' Brigade in Scotland
Glasgow Life – Museums
Heraldry Society of Scotland
National Museums Scotland
National Piping Centre
National Trust for Scotland
National Services Scotland,
Northern Lighthouse Board
Police Roll of Honour Trust
Princes’ Foundation
Princes Trust
Representation for the Refugee Community
Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews
Royal British Legion Scotland
Royal College of Nursing Scotland
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Royal Company of Merchants of The City of Edinburgh
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Royal Mail Group
Royal Pharmaceutical Society
Royal Scottish Highland Games Association
Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dance
Royal Yacht Brittannia Edinburgh
Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
Scottish Ambulance Service
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
Scottish Fishermen's Organisation
Scottish Parliament
Scottish Tartans Authority
Scottish Youth Parliament
Scouts Scotland
Skinners & Glovers
St Andrew's First Aid
Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs
Trades Houses of Scotland

Honours of Scotland

The Honours of Scotland are the oldest Crown Jewels in Britain which have been present at many of the major royal ceremonial events over the past five centuries.

The Honours will be brought by vehicle from Crown Square to the Castle Esplanade and down the Royal Mile to St Giles Cathedral by the Lyon King of Arms, Marchmont Herald and Carrick Pursuivant.

They will be escorted by The King’s Body Guard for Scotland, the Royal Company of Archers and a Guard of Honour formed by contingents of the Navy, Army and Royal Air Force.

Royal Procession

The King and Queen and Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay will travel from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles Cathedral in a Royal Procession.

The Royal Procession will be preceded by musical accompaniment from the Royal Marine Band (Scotland), the Pipes, Drums and Bugles of the 2 nd Battalion and mounted troops from the 1st Division of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.

National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication

The National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication will take place at St Giles’ Cathedral.

The Stone of Destiny will be in the Cathedral for the service.

Three pipers from His Majesty The King’s former school Gordonstoun will play for The King at St Giles’ Cathedral.

The Congregation will be made up of people from various walks of life in Scotland including the First Minister, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, Scottish Political Party Leaders, the People’s Procession, Church and Faith Communities and the charity and voluntary sectors.

See order of service attached.

Gun Salute and RAF Flypast

A 21-Gun Salute will fire from Edinburgh Castle at the end of the St Giles’ Service, before the Royal Procession travels back to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The 21 Gun Saluting troop will be 12 Regiment Royal Artillery.

There will also be a fly past by the Red Arrows following the event.

St Giles’ Cathedral service - order of service added.

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Royal Week in Edinburgh 2023

There will be ceremonial events taking place in Edinburgh on Wednesday 5 July to mark the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

The King will be presented with the Honours of Scotland (Scottish Crown Jewels) at a national service of thanksgiving at St Giles' Cathedral following processions on the Royal Mile.

We will keep these pages updated with changes to roads, services and event information.

Road closures, parking, loading and deliveries

Resident and trade waste collections, changes to other council services, plan ahead if visiting the city centre, public transport information.

Scottish Government information about 5 July event

Scotland will mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla

A photo of the front of the Palace of Holyrood House.

What happens in Royal Week (Holyrood Week)

Read more about the various events that take place during Holyrood Week.

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King to undertake series of engagements in annual Scottish visit

Charles will hold an investiture and host guests at a garden party in Edinburgh on July 2 and 3 as part of Holyrood Week.

The King will attend a series of engagements over two days during an annual visit to Scotland, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.

The King, joined by the Queen, will also attend a celebration for the 900th anniversary of the city at Edinburgh Castle.

The King and Queen arrive by carriage on day three of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire

Each year, the monarch traditionally spends a week based at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, known as Holyrood Week or Royal Week in Scotland.

Charles’s visit last year was his first public engagement in Scotland since his coronation.

Camilla will host a reception to celebrate those promoting Scottish literacy before the pair host guests at a garden party, alongside the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

Charles and Camilla will round off the trip by joining a celebration with various performers, guests and organisations at Edinburgh Castle to mark the city’s anniversary.

This year’s events will be reduced in size due to the General Election called for July 4.

Confirmation of the King’s visit comes after Buckingham Palace separately announced on Monday that the Princess Royal, who attended Holyrood Week last year, was in hospital after suffering minor injuries to her head and concussion, following an incident on the Gatcombe Park estate.

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See the Best Photos of the Royals at the Japan State Banquet

King Charles and Queen Camilla welcomed Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako to Buckingham Palace in glamorous fashion.

This week marks the third state visit King Charles has hosted during his reign. The first, in honor of South Africa's President Ramaphosa , took place in November 2022, and the second, in honor of South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol , was in November 2023. On the first evening of a state visit, a state banquet traditionally takes place in the Buckingham Palace Ballroom.

Also in attendance tonight were Prince William and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. Kate Middleton, though she appeared at Trooping the Colour earlier this month, is still undergoing cancer treatment and is not back to work, so she was not among the royals at the banquet this evening. Princess Anne, who was hospitalized with a head injury, also missed the banquet.

Here, see all the best photos of the royals (and their guests) at the Japan state banquet:

Queen Camilla, Empress Masako, Emperor Naruhito, and King Charles pose for a formal portrait.

The royals seemed to be in good spirits.

Queen Camilla wears the Burmese Ruby Tiara (made by Garrard) and a dress by Fiona Clare. She also wore a new honor from King Charles for the first time.

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Duchess of Edinburgh: Sophie becomes first member of Royal Family to visit Ukraine since Russia's invasion

The visit, at the request of the Foreign Office, is to demonstrate solidarity with the women, men and children impacted by the war and also is a continuation of her work to champion survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.

Monday 29 April 2024 23:40, UK

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The Duchess of Edinburgh has become the first member of the Royal Family to visit Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

Sophie's trip was to "demonstrate solidarity with the women, men and children impacted by the war", said Buckingham Palace.

The palace also said it was a continuation of her work to champion survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.

The duchess, 59, met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the first lady Olena Zelenska.

The Duchess of Edinburgh visited a memorial in Bucha

Sophie, who is a full-time working member of the Royal Family , also delivered a private message to them in a letter from the King.

The royal visited the site of a mass grave in Bucha where victims of the Russian occupation were buried.

The duchess laid flowers at a memorial that contains the names of the victims.

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The Complete Guide to Walking the Royal Mile in Edinburgh

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: June 22, 2024

Discover what not to miss while walking the Royal Mile in Edinburgh in our complete tour of this iconic route.

If you want to see the highlights of Edinburgh while immersing yourself in history, there’s no better way than to walk the Royal Mile. This route stretches between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and is actually a little over a mile long.

This guide will lead the way when you want to take a self-guided walking tour in Edinburgh. Covered here is what to see and do en route, including what to look out for. Of all the best walks in Edinburgh, this has to be number one!

When walking this route, we recommend you start at the castle and work your way down towards Holyrood. This means you get to take a downhill walk, instead of an upward slog. As the route ends close to Holyrood Park, you could also take a post-walk break there while enjoying the scenic views.

If you do want to visit the castle, you can also do that before it gets too busy. But you can of course take the walk in any direction you like!

From the ultimate Edinburgh self-guided walking tour to where to stay and eat, plus our top tips and FAQs, read on. Here’s where to go and what to see on the famous Edinburgh Royal Mile.

Best tours and tickets along the Royal Mile

Edinburgh castle, the scotch whisky experience, camera obscura and world of illusions, alleyways along the royal mile, gladstone’s land, heart of midlothian mosaic, st giles cathedral, the real mary king’s close, john knox house and moubray house, the museum of childhood, the chocolatarium, the people’s story museum, canongate kirk, scottish parliament building, palace of holyroodhouse, holyrood park, makars gourmet mash bar, cheval old town chambers, the inn on the mile, radisson blu hotel, wear comfortable shoes, dress in layers, carry a rain jacket and/or umbrella, bring a water bottle, pack a picnic, what is the royal mile in edinburgh, where is the royal mile in edinburgh, how long is the royal mile in edinburgh, when will you be walking the royal mile in edinburgh.

⭐️ Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket to Edinburgh Castle

⭐️ Dark History Royal Mile Walking Tour

⭐️ The Scotch Whisky Experience Tour and Tasting

⭐️ Real Mary King’s Close Guided Tour

⭐️ Royal Attractions with Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

⭐️ Palace of Holyroodhouse Entry Ticket

⭐️ Late-Night Underground Vaults Terror Tour

The Ultimate Edinburgh Royal Mile Walking Tour

Edinburgh Castle is incredibly rich in history, and in the past, has been home to a succession of Scottish monarchs. Tour it today and you can see the ancient buildings, the Crown Jewels, and of course the sweeping city views from the top.

Standing proudly on an elevated site above the cobbled streets of the Old Town, Edinburgh Castle is the perfect starting point for your Royal Mile walk.

Click here to book tickets for Edinburgh Castle

After leaving the castle, one of the first sites you’ll pass on the Royal Mile is the Scotch Whisky Experience. This popular visitor attraction shares the story of Scotch whisky . You can take tours, shop, dine, or attend tastings here.

Tickets including tastings and a tour are very popular, and cover five Scottish whisky-making regions.

Click here to book tickets for the Scotch Whisky Experience

Close to the Scotch Whisky Experience is Camera Obscura and World of Illusions . This appeals to people of all ages, featuring five floors of illusions, scientific wonders, and interactive experiences.

Don’t miss the alleyways that you will see along the Royal Mile! Look out for Advocates Close (for that great view of Scott’s Monument) and other wonderfully named passageways.

I did a fabulous tour a few years ago to learn all about the dark history of the Royal Mile which included exploring more of these fascinating alleys.

Gladstone’s Land is one of the Royal Mile’s oldest buildings. You can go inside to discover what life was like centuries ago, and view original costumes and other exhibits. Don’t forget to look up, so you can see the stunning ceiling frescoes dating from 1620.

There’s also a cafe and ice cream parlour on the ground floor.

The Heart of Midlothian Mosaic on the Royal Mile is in front of St Giles Cathedral. This spot was once the entrance to the city’s Old Tolbooth. It’s said to be good luck to spit on the heart, so don’t be surprised if you see football fans doing just that!

One of the key sights along the Royal Mile, the Cathedral of St Giles is the Scottish answer to London’s Westminster Abbey. Look out for the stained glass window featuring John Knox, an influential preacher who spread the word for Protestantism and the Church of Scotland.

The church is open to everyone, has been a working house of worship for around nine centuries, and is the venue for important services, including those involving the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, and the Kirking of the Parliament.

Free walking tours are offered daily, at 10.30 am or 2.30 pm.

Just past St Giles’ is the real Mary King’s Close. It’s beneath the Edinburgh City Chambers building. It’s the only 17th century street in the city, and you can tour it to imagine what life for Mary King, and other residents, must have been like.

The close allows you to immerse yourself in four centuries of history, and has been named as Scotland’s Best Heritage Tourism Experience.

Click here to book tickets for the real Mary King’s Close

Moubray House and John Knox House are conjoined, and dating from 1470, together form the Royal Mile’s oldest mediaeval building. Knox didn’t actually stay here for long, but it’s his association with it that means it’s still standing.

If you go in, look up at the The Oak Room ceiling to find the hidden devil. John Knox House forms part of the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

Whether you’re travelling with kids or want to please your inner child, the Museum of Childhood on the Royal Mile is a must. It’s free to enter, too, with a suggested donation of £3 per person.

Exhibits span the period from the 1800s to today, and include toys, games, books, dolls, and even clothes.

Just off Cranston Street on the Royal Mile is the Chocolatarium, where you can make and taste all kinds of chocolate treats. A must for chocoholics!

Click here to book tickets for the Chocolatarium

Like the Museum of Childhood, the People’s Story Museum is also free to enter, again with a suggested £3 donation. Objects, images, and stories are used here to tell the tale of the city’s working class residents, between the 18th and 20th centuries.

The building is interesting too, as it’s a tollbooth dating from the 16th century.

Canongate Kirk can be found right by the People’s Story Museum. A number of prominent Scots are buried here, and the Presbyterian church dates from the 17th century. See if you can spot the graves of the poet Robert Fergusson and the economist Adam Smith.

As well as the Kirk, the Parish of Canongate includes the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish Parliament. It’s used by the Royal Family when they’re visiting Edinburgh.

The Scottish Parliament Building is at the end of the Royal Mile. It’s a modern structure, and construction commenced in 1999. Talks and guided tours take place here, and the public can also watch meetings, debates, and First Minister’s Questions. It’s always free to visit.

Whether you enter or not, this bright, contemporary building with lots of curves, windows, wood, and local stone is well worth seeing.

This royal palace dates from the 16th century, and is also at the end of the Royal Mile, by Holyrood Park. Today this is King Charles III’s official residence, and was also once home to Mary, Queen of Scots.

The State Apartments, the Throne Room, and the Great Gallery are among the highlights. There’s also a cafe for refreshments. Entry to the palace is ticketed.

Click here to book tickets for the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Whether you want to climb up to Arthur’s Seat or simply unwind with a picnic, picturesque Holyrood Park makes the perfect stop at the end of your Royal Mile walking tour. You can even find a lake, St Margaret’s Loch, in this sprawling park.

Where to Eat on the Royal Mile

There are lots of restaurants, cafes, and pubs on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, so there’s no shortage of places to eat! You can simply pick one and wander on in, or we do have one recommendation.

This Edinburgh eatery is rated fourth among all the city’s restaurants, which number over 1,600. It’s the place to sample hearty Scottish fare crafted from local ingredients. While meaty options of course feature, plant-based alternatives are available.

Mashed potatoes are of course the speciality, served with a huge variety of flavourings and toppings. Makars Gourmet Mash Bar is situated on Bank Street, close to Lawnmarket.

Where to Stay on the Royal Mile

Here are some suggestions if you want to find hotels on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. We also have a guide to where to stay in Edinburgh if you would prefer an alternative location.

These deluxe apartments are only five minutes’ walk from Edinburgh Castle. There are studios, or apartments with up to three bedrooms, some with balconies. They’re luxuriously appointed and offer superb Royal Mile views. Breakfast is available daily, and there’s a gym and 24-hour reception desk.

Click here to book Cheval Old Town Chambers

This is a four star, landmark property offering three floors of accommodation. Luxury rooms come with large flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and even GHD hair stylers. There’s a bar serving pub food and drinks, and you can also order room service. The castle is just five minutes away on foot.

Click here to book the Inn on the Mile

The Royal Mile’s Radisson Blu Hotel comes from a trusted name in hospitality and offers a range of room types. A real perk here is the indoor pool, sauna and gym.

You can also find Itchycoo Bar and Kitchen here, overlooking the Royal Mile. The concierge here is particularly helpful, too.

Click to book the Radisson Blu

Tips for Walking in Edinburgh

If you’ll be walking in Edinburgh, comfortable footwear is a must! It’s easy to get heels caught in the cobbles, so avoid those. Sneakers for spring, summer and autumn, or walking boots for winter, are good choices to keep you comfortable all day long.

It can get very chilly in Edinburgh in winter – and surprisingly hot in summer! Dressing in layers is the best way to cope with this, so you’re prepared for whatever conditions the Scottish weather brings.

As in the rest of the UK, rain is a feature of Edinburgh life. So be prepared by bringing along a packable rain jacket and/or a compact travel umbrella.

a person walking the Royal Mile in Edinburgh in the rain.

If you visit Edinburgh between late spring and early autumn, you could be surprised by how hot it can get! Even in winter you’ll need to drink water when doing lots of walking, anyway.

If it’s dry and warm enough, bring along a picnic to enjoy in Holyrood Park at the end of your walk. While there are plenty of shops on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, many are gift shops, so you might like to pick up supplies from supermarkets in the Princes Street area.

🎧 Listen to the UK Travel Planning Podcast Episode #58 which shares our tips for first-time visitors to Edinburgh

The Royal Mile FAQs

The Royal Mile is a series of streets leading between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood. The route through the city’s Old Town is actually a little over a mile. Along its length you can sample Scotch whisky, see ancient and modern buildings, and visit a range of museums and tourist attractions.

The Royal Mile is in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. It connects Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The streets making up the Royal Mile are Castle Hill, Lawnmarket, High Street, Canongate, and Abbey Strand.

The Royal Mile is actually slightly longer than a mile. So how long does it take to walk the Royal Mile? It really depends on the stops you make en route. If you walk briskly without stopping, you could make it in under half an hour.

But in reality, stops and crowds will slow you down! It’s best not to rush this quintessential Edinburgh experience, anyway.

Walking the Royal Mile in Edinburgh is an experience not to be missed! With so much to see and do along the way, it’s best to set out early to make the most of it. Allow at least a morning, but you could easily fill a full day with the sights there are to see.

Plan ahead if you want to visit popular sites such as Edinburgh Castle, the Scotch Whisky Experience, Camera Obscura, or the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Tickets for the former, in particular, are often sold out, so be sure to book early to avoid disappointment on the day.

📖 Read next

Edinburgh Travel Guide
14 Best day trips from Edinburgh by train
How to get from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye
9 Best Edinburgh Ghost Tours
20 Practical Tips for first-time visitors to Edinburgh
21 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh
27 Things to do in Edinburgh

🎧 Listen

Episode 88 – Exploring Edinburgh’s Greyfriars Kirkyard
Episode 87 – Scotland Adventures with Edinburgh Black Cab Tours
Episode 73 – Unforgettable day trips from Edinburgh by train
Episode 63 – 36-hour Edinburgh Itinerary
Episode 58 – Essential tips for first-time visitors to Edinburgh
Episode 26 – London to Edinburgh by train

Why Duchess Sophie missed royal banquet with Prince Edward

The duchess of edinburgh had been scheduled to appear with her husband during the japan state visit.

The Duchess of Edinburgh was absent from Wednesday night's banquet at Guildhall, sparking questions from royal fans on social media.

The Duke of Edinburgh made a solo appearance at the formal dinner with Emperor Naruhito as they continued their state visit in the UK.

Buckingham Palace previously shared in a press release that Sophie was scheduled to join her husband at the banquet, however, HELLO! understands that this was an error and it was only due to be the Duke of Edinburgh at the event.

HELLO! understands that the Duchess had a prior commitment which would have made the practicalities of attending the Guildhall banquet difficult.

State Banquet jewels

Queen Camilla wowed in an embellished white Fiona Clare gown with the Burmese Ruby and Diamond Tiara and the late Queen's diamond festoon necklace.

Queen Camilla with Empress Masako, Emperor Naruhito and King Charles

And in another royal first, the Queen debuted King Charles' Royal Family Order, a miniature portrait of the monarch traditionally worn by female members of the royal family with a silk ribbon.

Traditionally the orders were made from ivory, but in line with modern times and the King's views on conservation, his royal family order is made from polymin - a synthetic translucent treated plastic sheet.

A close-up of King Charles's family order

The portrait created by Elizabeth Meek shows the King dressed in military uniform and wearing his medals. The diamonds surrounding the portrait were already owned by the Royal Collection.

LISTEN: A Right Royal Ascot

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Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh
British Royals
Sophie, The Duchess of Edinburgh

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