Arthur's Seat

Hill, Mountain in Midlothian

Scotland

Arthur's Seat

Arthur's Seat is an ancient volcanic hill located in the city of Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland. Standing at a height of 251 meters (823 feet), it dominates the city's skyline and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the capital and its surroundings. The hill is a prominent feature of Holyrood Park, a 260-acre expanse of green space located to the east of Edinburgh's city center.

Formed around 350 million years ago during the Carboniferous period, Arthur's Seat is the remains of an ancient volcano that has long since been extinct. The hill's unique geological features, including its rocky crags and steep slopes, make it a popular destination for hikers, joggers, and nature enthusiasts.

The name "Arthur's Seat" is believed to have originated from a combination of Celtic and English folklore. It is said to be derived from the legendary King Arthur, who was believed to rule over Britain, and the word "seat," which refers to a place of power or authority.

The hill is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several species of birds, such as peregrine falcons and kestrels. It also boasts a rich history, with evidence of human occupation dating back thousands of years. Archaeological discoveries have revealed ancient forts and settlements on the hill, providing insights into the lives of early inhabitants.

Arthur's Seat is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering not only stunning views but also a tranquil escape from the bustling city. It provides opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, picnicking, and even rock climbing. With its natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities, Arthur's Seat remains an iconic landmark of Edinburgh and an essential part of the city's cultural heritage.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Arthur's Seat Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.944026/-3.1618406 or Grid Reference NT2772. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Arthur's Seat behind Niddrie Mains Road

With the Showmen's site in front and a couple of ad boards.

Charlotte Lunn

Working sundial

It often does not get the opportunity in Edinburgh. The wall it is on is aligned almost N-S, so will only work for half a day anyway. It is high up on the wall, and very small, so a lot of folk probably do not see it anyway - see NT2573 : National Museum of Scotland from Forrest Road for its location - the small dark spot just above and to the right of the RH traffic light. This photo was taken at 11.21 BST, not long after it would have caught the sun. For another view, another time, with much shorter shadow see NT2573 : The sundial does work!.

M J Richardson

THIS IS NOT A POSTER - #MBGS

One of a great rash of 'faux crude' posters that has appeared in Edinburgh during the Fringe Festival, all with different and puzzling messages. This one on a phone box on Chambers Street. They are advertising a Fringe event, Miss Behave Game Show, which will go to London in September.

M J Richardson

Priestfield Road

Richard Webb

Bus lane, Priestfield Road

Motorised traffic other than buses is stopped from using Priestfield Road from Dalkieth Road to Peffermill. Everything has to go through the lights at Cameron Toll. There are cameras on the bus lane.

Richard Webb

South Clerk Street

One of the main routes south out of Edinburgh. There are lots of start up shops, food outlets and shops targetting the student market as it is the drag between George Square and Pollock as well as being full of flats. The spire is on the former church which is now the Queen's Hall.

Richard Webb

The Royal Dick

A bar in the former Dick Vet (University of Edinburgh Veterinary College) which is now an arts centre and distillery. Taken during the Fringe where this is a busy venue.

Richard Webb

Summerhall

Mural on the site of University of Edinburgh vet school, now out at Bush. Today as well as a gin distillery the site is used as an arts centre.

Richard Webb

The BBC tent, Potterrow Edinburgh

Venue for the BBC's coverage of the Edinburgh Festival.

Jim Barton

Off Greenside Row

The side of the Omni cinema and chain food outlet block at the top of Leith Walk.

Richard Webb

Thistle Hotel

Part of the generally loathed St James' Centre which has been due for demolition for years now.

Richard Webb

Hole in the road, Canongate

The site of a bus garage, long since demolished. There were plans for a housing development here which would have involved some demolition on the Royal Mile - that caused some bother. It went the way of many projects in the first decade of the 21st century and never happened.

Richard Webb

Dunsapie Loch and Arthur's Seat

Holyrood Park on a Summer evening.

Richard Webb

Upper road, Holyrood Park

Evening on the Queen's Drive which is a one way road around Arthur's Seat. The road is very good for views. Evening sun picks out the Pentland Hills and King's Buildings (University of Edinburgh).

Richard Webb

The Old Town and Perthshire Highlands

Very clear air brings Ben More and Stob Binnien in as a backdrop to Old College and St Giles. View from the Queen's Drive, Holyrood Park. The hills are over 100km away.

Richard Webb