Attractions and Places To See around Grange/Prestonfield - Top 20

For commanding views across the Edinburgh region and the Firth of Forth, head to Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano. Another excellent spot is Corstorphine Hill Tower, which offers incredible city panoramas when it's open to the public. You can also ascend the Scott Monument for a unique perspective of the city.

Yes, there are several easy walking options. The ascent to Arthur's Seat has routes suitable for various fitness levels, including those good for 'little legs'. For other easy walks, consider routes like 'The Royal Observatory, Blackford Hill & the Hermitage of Braid loop' or 'Meadow Walk, The Meadows – The Meadows loop from Southside'. You can find more details on these and other hiking routes on the Hiking around Grange/Prestonfield guide.

The area is rich in history. Arthur's Seat is an ancient volcanic formation with historical significance. Scott Monument is a grand Victorian monument dedicated to Sir Walter Scott. St Giles' Cathedral, founded in 1124, is a breathtaking building and a focal point of Scottish history. Additionally, Victoria Street is a historic thoroughfare in Edinburgh's Old Town with buildings dating back to the 16th century.

Many attractions are suitable for families. The climb up Arthur's Seat offers routes for all ages. Scott Monument and St Giles' Cathedral are also listed as family-friendly. Exploring the colorful shops and unique architecture of Victoria Street can also be an enjoyable experience for families.

Beyond exploring the attractions, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. Hiking is popular, with routes like 'Arthur's Seat – View of Edinburgh loop' and 'St Giles' Cathedral – Scott Monument loop'. Cycling is also an option, with routes such as 'Greyfriars Bobby Statue – The Meadows loop'. For more adventurous riders, there are gravel biking trails like 'Gravel Track Through Woodlands – Singletrack on The Braids Hill loop'. Find detailed routes on the Hiking, Cycling, and Gravel Biking around Grange/Prestonfield guides.

Edinburgh has an extensive public transport network, including buses and trams, making it easy to reach many attractions. For example, St Giles' Cathedral and Victoria Street are centrally located on the Royal Mile, easily accessible by public transport. Arthur's Seat is within Holyrood Park, which is also well-served by bus routes.

The Scott Monument is listed as wheelchair accessible, though ascending its 287 steps to the viewing platform is not. While many of Edinburgh's historic streets, like Victoria Street, have cobblestones and inclines, the main thoroughfares and modern areas offer better accessibility. It's advisable to check specific accessibility details for each location prior to your visit.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning panoramic views from summits like Arthur's Seat and Corstorphine Hill Tower. The historical significance and architectural beauty of sites like St Giles' Cathedral and the unique charm of Victoria Street are also highly appreciated. The komoot community has collectively given over 1200 upvotes and shared more than 800 photos, highlighting the area's appeal.

While the main attractions are well-known, exploring the surrounding areas can reveal hidden gems. Corstorphine Hill Tower, though a memorial, is situated within a designated Local Nature Reserve, offering a quieter natural escape with great views. Wandering off the main tourist paths in the Old Town can also lead to charming closes and courtyards not immediately obvious.

While hiking is possible year-round, spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be good, but trails can be busier. Winter walks are possible, but it can be windy and cold, especially at higher elevations like Arthur's Seat, so appropriate clothing and footwear are essential.

Many of the natural areas and parks around Prestonfield are dog-friendly. Holyrood Park, home to Arthur's Seat, is a popular spot for dog walking, though dogs should be kept on a lead in certain areas, especially near wildlife. Corstorphine Hill, where Corstorphine Hill Tower is located, is also a Local Nature Reserve suitable for walks with dogs, provided owners respect the natural environment and local regulations.