Royal Mile

Approx. Time: 1 hours
Activity Level: Easy to Moderate

On leaving the Castle Esplanade one immediately enters the Royal Mile. This is the popular name given to the fascinating string of historic streets which, linking the two royal residences of castle and Holyrood Palace, was the thoroughfare of medieval Edinburgh. The Royal Mile was where one would find street stalls, taverns, royal processions, thieves, street entertainers, beggars, public hangings, riots, the unpopular Town Guard, soldiers from the castle, merchants, foreigners, fine town houses of the nobility, and the law courts. Today the Royal Mile retains its distinctive character, thanks to a durable architectural profile and a policy of careful conservation. The rehabilitation of many of the area's historic buildings as residences during the past 60 years has provided a firm foundation for a thriving modern community.

Courtesy of the British Tourist Authority

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