Calton Hill Photography & History Tour, Edinburgh, Scotland

based on 2 reviews

Duration:3 hours (approx.)
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

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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!

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Old Calton Burial Ground
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.
2. Nelson Monument
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.
3.
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.
4. Dugald Stewart Monument
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.
5. Observatory House
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.
6.
We'll visit the Collective contemporary art space located in the old observatory building and admire its lovely garden and incredible views.
7. Playfair Monument
David will give you lots of tips on photographing architecture at this classical monument, built in memory of the esteemed mathematician, John Playfair.
8.
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.
9.
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.
10. The Burns Monument
We'll visit the impressive Burns Monument at the foot of Calton Hill next to the magnificent Old Royal High School. The monument is a circular, Neo-Greek style temple celebrating Scotland's national bard (poet), Robert Burns.
11. New Calton Burial Ground
A fascinating and beautiful burial ground, close to Calton Hill, David will show you the atmospheric Watch Tower, which was used by families to watch out for 'resurrectionists' and grave-robbing. We'll also visit some of the finer mausoleums & graves including that of the family of the Edinburgh writer, Robert Louis Stevenson. There are also wonderful views of Arthur's Seat and the Scottish Parliament from the burial ground. If time allows, we'll also visit the Physic Garden at Palace of Holyroodhouse.

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Posted By : ChristianPoulton
A really lovely tour with David who was a font of knowledge about Edinburgh and super enthusiastic about his city.

The weather wasn't great for our tour however this didn't dampen either Davids or our spirits and if anything the weather added to the atmosphere of the places that we visited, being hidden gardens, old graveyards or the top of Carlton Hill.

David was an excellent teacher giving helpful photographic advice as well as top tips for places to go things to see in Edinburgh. The trip was scheduled to last 2 hours but we ended up spending almost 3 hours which flew by quickly. David wasn't rushed and didn't rush us either giving us plenty of time to stop, take photos or simply admire the views.

I would definitely recommend one of David's tours in the future and wouldn't hesitate booking another one myself the next time that we visit Edinburgh.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-10-11 15:36:22

Posted By : Carolyn_E
David was an amazing guide for this tour. A perfect mixture of history, photography, and the art of photography. David knows his way around the area and was awesome at showing us cute little cutaways that a normal tour would never cover. We liked his tour and accommodating personality so much we are trying to book a second tour with him to see even more of Edinburgh!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-10-05 16:23:36

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Tickets

Calton Hill Photography & History Tour, Edinburgh, Scotland

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Old Calton Burial Ground

2. Nelson Monument

3.

4. Dugald Stewart Monument

5. Observatory House

6.

7. Playfair Monument

8.

9.

10. The Burns Monument

11. New Calton Burial Ground

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY

Partner Resources

How it works

Travel

Insurance

Adventure

Contact

Retrieving available

Tickets

Calton Hill Photography & History Tour, Edinburgh, Scotland

WHAT'S INCLUDED ⟱

WHAT TO EXPECT ⟱

1. Old Calton Burial Ground

2. Nelson Monument

3.

4. Dugald Stewart Monument

5. Observatory House

6.

7. Playfair Monument

8.

9.

10. The Burns Monument

11. New Calton Burial Ground

ADDITIONAL INFO ⟱

CANCELLATION POLICY ⟱

Partner Resources

How it works

Travel

Insurance

Adventure

Contact

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY