Best castles around Longstone, a district of Edinburgh, Scotland, offer a blend of historical sites and natural landmarks. This area provides access to significant cultural heritage within the Scottish capital. The surrounding landscape features diverse attractions, from ancient royal residences to ruined estates.
Last updated: August 23, 2026
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Holyrood is located at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and has been Scotland's principal royal residence since the 16th century. The palace serves as a venue for state occasions and official entertaining. The palace adjoins Holyrood Abbey and the gardens lie within Holyrood Park. The King's Gallery was created from existing buildings near the west entrance to the palace and opened in 2002 to display works of art from the Royal Collection. An adult admission ticket costs £26.00 (£22.00 if booked online in advance).
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Some lovely, quiet gravel trails around the edge of the estate.
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"Great drinks, great food, great vibes. Fun on all 3 floors – not just the iconic Roof Terrace." - see https://coldtownhouse.co.uk
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"Nowhere is Scottish identity as well-kept as in Edinburgh. Tartan, kilts and bagpipes are omnipresent. Edinburgh's old town is Scotland's number one tourist attraction. The classicist New Town, Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood House and numerous historic buildings have been declared cultural monuments." This is what it says on the ARD media library's website for the series "Treasures of the World - Heritage of Humanity". The film contribution (in German) corresponding to the highlight can be found at the following link: https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/schaetze-der-welt/edinburgh-grossbritannien-folge-139/swr/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS83MTY0MjEy
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Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the King in Scotland. Today King 🤴 and Queen 👸 were present for a week. Of course you can't visit there.
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The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the Monarchy in Scotland. Founded as a monastery in 1128 at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, the Palace of Holyroodhouse has a close association with the History of Scotland. Today, the Palace is a close focus for national celebrations and events in Scotland, most notably The Queen's ‘Holyrood Week’, which usually runs from the end of June to the beginning of July every year. (https://www.royal.uk/royal-residences-palace-holyroodhouse)
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A pizza, prosecco and craft beer paradise, featuring a regularly changing roster of beers from it's on-site brewery.
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The most popular sites include Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano offering commanding views, and Holyrood Palace, the official British royal residence in Scotland. Visitors also appreciate the Bronze Horse Statue at Dalmeny House for its historical context and Gothic Architecture.
Yes, Holyrood Palace is categorized as family-friendly, offering an engaging historical experience. Additionally, the area around the Bronze Horse Statue at Dalmeny House is also considered family-friendly, providing a fascinating day out.
Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano, is a prominent natural landmark offering extensive views across Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth. It's part of Holyrood Park, providing ample opportunities for outdoor exploration.
The Longstone area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as the 'Meadows Running Loop' or 'Lochrin Basin loop'. For cycling enthusiasts, there are gravel biking routes like 'Colinton Tunnel Murals – Glencorse Reservoir Overflow loop' and road cycling routes like 'Path Along the Union Canal – Slateford Aqueduct loop'. You can find more details on these routes in the respective guides for running, gravel biking, and road cycling around Longstone.
Yes, you can visit the Cammo House Ruins and Tower. This former estate, built in 1693, was largely destroyed by vandals in 1977 and is now maintained as a Wilderness Park by the City of Edinburgh Council.
Arthur's Seat provides commanding panoramic views across the entire Edinburgh region and the Firth of Forth. It's an excellent spot for scenic photography and appreciating the city's landscape.
Yes, Cold Town House is a popular spot. It's a restaurant and pub known for its pizza, prosecco, and craft beer, offering great views with Edinburgh Castle in the background. It's also considered family-friendly.
Redhall Castle, also known as Reidhall Castle, is situated on the border between Longstone and Craiglockhart, adjacent to the Water of Leith. It was owned by Adam Otterburn, a prominent Scottish lawyer, in the 16th century, highlighting its historical value within the local landscape of Edinburgh.
Visitors particularly enjoy the commanding views from Arthur's Seat, the historical depth of Holyrood Palace, and the unique blend of history and nature found at places like Cammo House Ruins. The area's rich heritage and scenic beauty are frequently praised.
While specific public transport details for each site are not provided, Longstone is a suburb of Edinburgh, which has an extensive public transport network. It is generally well-connected, making it feasible to reach many of these attractions via local buses or other services.
The best time to visit often depends on personal preference. Spring and summer offer milder weather and longer daylight hours, ideal for exploring outdoor sites like Arthur's Seat. However, indoor attractions like Holyrood Palace are accessible year-round, offering a rich experience even during cooler months.
While not a traditional 'hidden gem' in terms of being obscure, the Cammo House Ruins and Tower offers a unique experience as a 'Wilderness Park' with historical ruins, providing a different kind of exploration compared to more prominent attractions.


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