Calton Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site at Edinburgh’s Princes Street east end, offers a unique blend of panoramic city views and striking classical monuments.
Acquired by Edinburgh Town Council in 1724, largely due to philosopher David Hume’s support for public green spaces, the hill became one of Scotland’s first public parks.
In Hume’s words it was designed “for the health and amusement of the inhabitants.”
While there is no David Hume monument on Calton Hill—his statue graces the Royal Mile, close to St Giles’ Cathedral.
David Hume Walk encircles the site, honouring his significant role in the Scottish Enlightenment.
His tomb lies in the nearby Old Calton Cemetery.
Calton Hill also hosts several cultural events, including the Beltane Fire Festival on April 30th and Edinburgh Festival fireworks in August, adding to its attraction as an important Edinburgh cultural landmark.
What can you see from the top of Calton Hill?
From the top, visitors can see some of Edinburgh’s best-known landmarks.
That includes Arthur’s Seat, the Scottish Parliament building, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Dynamic Earth science building and Edinburgh Castle.
Further afield, on a clear day, you can see North Berwick and the Bass Rock.
Robert Louis Stevenson loved what he saw from the top, commenting…
Robert Louis Stevenson
“Of all places for a view, this Calton Hill is perhaps the best.”
Calton Hill monuments
Calton Hill’s array of classical monuments, reminiscent of ancient Athens, contributed significantly to Edinburgh’s enduring nickname, ‘Athens of the North.’
For architectural sleuths, the New Town does provide other examples of the Greek capital’s influence on the city’s design.
The Nelson Monument
The Nelson Monument is a memorial to Admiral Lord Nelson who died at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
Building began in 1807 and was finally completed in 1816. Appropriately it resembles the shape of an upturned telescope.
In 1852, authorities, following a suggestion from Scotland’s Astronomer Royal, installed a time ball to the top to enable ships moored in the Firth of Forth to set their time-pieces.
The ball is dropped as the one o’clock gun is fired from Edinburgh Castle each day.
If you can manage the climb up its 145 spiral stairs the view from the top offers due reward – it’s the best in Edinburgh.
- Entry information from Edinburgh Museums and Galleries.
Dugald Stewart Monument
The Dugald Stewart Monument, designed by Sir Henry Playfair, is a fitting tribute to Dugald Stewart 1753-1828, one of Scotland’s greatest philosophers.
Often described as one of the great Scottish Enlightenment thinkers, Stewart was a Professor of Moral Philosophy at Edinburgh University.
Calton Hill Cannon
Close to the Dugald Stewart monuments is the Calton Hill Cannon, once kept by a Burmese king.
It was taken by the British during the invasion of Burma in 1885. It was later presented to the city of Edinburgh.
National Monument
The National Monument was intended to be a replica of the Parthenon in Athens. Fundraising began in 1822.
It was constructed as a memorial to the dead of the Napoleonic Wars but was never completed because the money ran out.
With work grinding to a halt in 1829, it became, in the eyes of some locals, Edinburgh’s disgrace.
Over the years various suggestions were made as to how the monument could be completed. In 1908 for example, some Edinburgh worthies discussed using the site to build a new Scottish Parliament.
Old Observatory House
Old Observatory House was designed and once lived in by James Craig the architect responsible for the building of the New Town.
The house, now split into several associated apartments is now available as self-catering rental accommodation.
Robert Burns Monument
The Robert Burns Monument, a monument, built in the Greek Revival style dedicated to Scotland’s national poet stands on the southern edge of Calton Hill.
City Observatory (now Collective art centre)
The neo-classical City Observatory was designed by William Henry Playfair in 1818. It provided the main focus for Edinburgh’s astronomers until 1896 when it moved to another part of the city.
Today, the observatory has been restored and repurposed. It now operates as “Collective” a dynamic contemporary art centre, free to enter.
Visitors can explore thought-provoking artworks within these unique spaces, where the legacy of scientific discovery meets modern artistic expression. The site’s elevated location also provides unparalleled panoramic views of Edinburgh, enhancing the visitor experience.
Collective, now established as a key cultural destination in Edinburgh, offers a unique blend of heritage and contemporary creativity.
It’s best to check the official Collective website for current exhibition schedules and visitor information. Click the button below to go to the official Collective website.
Frequently asked questions about Calton Hill
Calton Hill offers panoramic views of Edinburgh, including Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, the Firth of Forth, and the city skyline. The entire summit provides excellent vantage points, but the areas near the Nelson Monument and the National Monument are particularly popular for photography.
Yes, Calton Hill is free to access. The hill itself and its surrounding walkways are public spaces. However, there may be charges to climb the Nelson Monument’s tower.
he key monuments include the National Monument, the Nelson Monument, the City Observatory (Collective), and the Dugald Stewart Monument. Each offers unique architectural and historical significance.
While the paved path from Regent Road offers relatively easy access, some areas of Calton Hill involve steps and uneven ground. The summit itself is generally accessible, but certain monuments, like the Nelson Monument tower, involve climbing stairs.
There are no public restrooms or cafes directly on Calton Hill. However, you’ll find these facilities in the surrounding areas, particularly along Princes Street and near the bottom of the hill. The Collective, located at the City Observatory, may have facilities when open, but it is best to check their website.
How to get to Calton Hill
Access to Calton Hill, on its south side, is from Regent Road, only a few minutes walk from the Balmoral Hotel.
There is a short staircase and sloping path but the handrail does help if mobility is an issue. It only takes a few minutes to get to the top.
You can also access the site from Royal Terrace on the north side. It’s also possible to drive up. A local taxi driver will know the route.
Suggestions for further research & reading
- Weems, C., 1908. The Modern Ruin on Calton Hill-Edinburgh, Scotland.
- Anderson, A.M., 1922. Edinburgh in the latter half of the eighteenth century. Jurid. Rev., 34, p.136.
- Hall, T., 1896. EDINBURGH. The Ludgate, 2, pp.186-192.
- McKee, K.C., 2015. The Genius Loci of the Athens of the North: the cultural significance of Edinburgh’s Calton Hill. Garden History, 43, pp.64-69.
- Withers, C.W., 2002. The social nature of map making in the Scottish Enlightenment c. 1682‐c. 1832. Imago Mundi, 54(1), pp.46-66.
- McKee, K.C., 2015. The Genius Loci of the Athens of the North: the cultural significance of Edinburgh’s Calton Hill. Garden History, 43, pp.64-69.