Edinburgh Calton Hill Photography and History Tour

Calton Hill is a 'must-see' when you visit Edinburgh and the ideal introduction to Edinburgh for its amazing views.
Local photographer, David, a resident of 50 years, will show you the best photography spots & views of the city, whilst guiding you around all its beautiful monuments, buildings, galleries & historic graveyards.

Along the way, you'll learn about some of Edinburgh's most interesting citizens, see some amazing classical buildings, and even visit an old watchtower which was used to look out for grave-robbers!

Built on an extinct volcano, to the east of Edinburgh's New Town, Calton Hill has been a public park since 1724. Countless generations of citizens have enjoyed its panoramic views and classical buildings, which gave Edinburgh its nickname the "Athens of The North".

David will show you all its highlights, including the National Monument, the Nelson Monument and the old Observatory, plus lots, lots more.

It's the ideal way to start your holiday in Edinburgh!

Meeting Point

29 Waterloo Pl

29 Waterloo Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3BQ, UK

The meeting point is directly outside the 'HOWIES RESTAURANT' at 29 WATERLOO PLACE, Edinburgh. The approximate postcode is EH1 3BQ. I will be wearing a BLUE BLAZER, a BLUE CAP and have a BLUE RUCKSACK. I will provide a telephone number in case you need to contact me.

What's included:

• 100 Page Edinburgh City Guide
• Free guide to Smartphone photography

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours

Old Calton Burial Ground

29 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3BQ

Before visiting Calton Hill, David will show you one of Edinburgh's most atmospheric & historic cemeteries - Old Calton Burial Ground. The final resting place of many famous Scots, David will show you some fascinating graves, including an Edinburgh Perfumer and a lady who's leg was buried 20 years before her! We'll also see the striking Martyrs' Monument, The statue of Abraham Lincoln and the Old Governors House of Old Calton Jail. David will show you some of his favourite views of Old Calton Hill, including Rock House, the old photographic studio of 'Hill & Adamson', the early Edinburgh photographers who pioneered the art of photography. Before leaving, we'll visit a secret part of the cemetery, very rarely visited by locals or visitors.

20 minutes

Nelson Monument

Calton Hill, , Edinburgh, EH7 5AA

Completed in 1815, this intriguing tower (that looks like a telescope) was designed by Robert Burn to commemorate the Napoleonic Wars. We'll learn about the connections it has with the firing of the 1 O'clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle, and its original purpose, to provide a home for disabled seamen. David will also show you some spectacular views (& photography spots) of Princes Street and The Edinburgh Old Town, all the way to the Pentland Hills, with lots of helpful tips.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

National Monument of Scotland

Calton Hill, Edinburgh EH7 5BN, UK

Started in 1826 and modelled on the Parthenon in Athens, the National Monument is one of Edinburgh's most striking monuments, built to commemorate Scots who died in the Napoleonic Wars. David will explain why it's often referred to as 'Edinburgh's Disgrace' and show you all the best angles for taking photos.

10 minutes

Dugald Stewart Monument

Calton Hill, Edinburgh

Built in 1832 by architect William Playfair, this grand Doric temple celebrates Dugald Stewart, who was a much admired Professor of Moral Philosophy at Edinburgh University. David will show you great views of the city and give you some top tips on getting the best possible photos.

10 minutes

Observatory House

40 Calton Hill, Calton Hill, Edinburgh, EH7 5AA

David will tell you about the history of Old Observatory House and help you to take photos of some of the best views of the city, all the way to the Forth Estuary and Fife. David will give you lots of tips on exposure & composition.

10 minutes

Collective

City Observatory, 38 Calton Hill, Edinburgh EH7 5AA, UK

We'll visit the Collective contemporary art space located in the old observatory building and admire its lovely garden and incredible views.

10 minutes

Playfair Monument

Calton Hill, , Edinburgh

David will give you lots of tips on photographing architecture at this classical monument, built in memory of the esteemed mathematician, John Playfair.

5 minutes

Cañon portugués de Calton Hill

Nelson Monument, 32 Calton Hill, Edinburgh EH7 5AA, UK

David will tell you all about the interesting history of the Portuguese Cannon, located on top of the hill, and show you one of the city's best photos using the cannon.

5 minutes

Monument to the Scottish Parliament

Regent Rd, Edinburgh EH7 5BL, UK

A small cairn built by the keepers of the Vigil for the Scottish Parliament. David will explain a little about the Scottish Referendum for establishing a new Scottish Parliament and its history since. We'll also take some great photos of Arthur's Seat.

5 minutes