Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Hermiston

"The eye-catching Camera Obscura building stands at the top of the Royal Mile and contains an amazing range of optical experiences across five floors. The 'camera' itself is a giant Victorian periscope offering an interesting 360° perspective on…"

"Calton Hill is best known for its monuments and incredible vantage points, popular with locals for viewing the fireworks during the Hogamanay celebrations. It is also the site of many Edinburgh festivals, including the Beltane Fire Festival at the end of April, the Edinburgh Science Festival in June, the Edinburgh International Festival each August, and the Samhuinn Fire Festival each Halloween. The best place for visitors to enjoy views from is the Nelson Monument, which was built in 1816."

"The unfinished acropolis is completely unmistakable - referred to historically as “Edinburgh’s shame”, but any notion of that is wholly absent should you take the journey up the stairs and experience the joy to be found at the summit. Panoramic views of the city, the undulating buildings contoured to the cities foundations. Rugged and beautiful, and uniquely Edinburgh."

"Calton Hill is one of the most recognisable hills in Edinburgh, located close to Princes Street, and offers one of the best views of the city."

"It extends for almost a mile and is lined with colorful gardens and elegant shops, including the tradition-conscious Jenners of Edinburgh, founded in 1838 and one of the world's oldest department stores. Also good for shopping is the Princes Mall, popular with its small shops set among fountains and cafés and plenty of places to browse. As well as these temples to consumerism, you'll find restaurants, from fast food to gourmet bistros."

"While you're in Edinburgh, be sure to take a walk through the pretty Princes Street Gardens in the centre of town. From here, you’ll see Scotts Monument, a Victorian Gothic building dedicated to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. It is the largest monument to a writer in the world."

"The Edinburgh's park that lies nestled between the Old and New Towns is Princes Street Gardens, where you should definitely stop by to roam its grounds."

"Transport yourself to the Outlander set at Callendar Park & House. Callendar Park & House was used for one of the most well-known Outlander scenes as the Duke of Sandringham’s home."

"Address: 7 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, EH2 4DRWebsite: The Georgian House. To the west end of George Street you’ll find Charlotte Square, a large area of private gardens that mirror St. Andrews Square to the east, and it’s within the surrounding buildings where you’ll find the Georgian House. This 18th-century townhouse was built to accommodate the wealthy Edinburgh residents who could afford to escape the dilapidated Old Town, and over the course of 170 years, 5 families called 7 Charlotte Square their home."

"Take your kids back in the Georgian era and learn about the architecture and fashion of the time. Learn what kind of life the servants lived, visit the kitchen and see what people used to cook and what ate. Take the special Living History Tours and go back to Hogmanay 1815, when King George III was still on the throne and Mr and Mrs Lamont were preparing to celebrate the New Year in the same Georgian House."

"This stunning townhouse was designed by the supremely talented architect, Robert Adam, in 1791. Charlotte Square was an exclusive New Town address and it has been carefully restored by Scotland's National Trust. The home combines Greek and Roman influences in architecture, as was the trend at the time, and all the home furnishings mirror the Georgian period."

"Address: Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2EP, Scotland, UK Tel: +44 (0)131 229 1142 St. Cuthbert's stands alongside the West Princes Street Gardens and just up from the Royal Lyceum Theatre, where it was built on the remains of six previous historic churches. Visitors will be able to admire a stunning marble pulpit, colourful stained-glass windows, war memorials and an Italian Renaissance-style interior."

"I suggest a late lunch after you explore the charming, cobbled streets of this historic area and experience some street performers, Canongate Kirkyard (Adam Smith is buried here), Dunbar Close, St. Giles Cathedral, and eventually Edinburgh Castle itself, all the way at the top of the Royal Mile (Be sure to book your Edinburgh Castle skip the line tickets in advance). The charm and beauty of Edinburgh, Scotland never cease to amaze me."

"A wee neighborhood bistro located on Albert Place, at the top of Edinburgh’s Leith Walk, The Little Chartroom is run by husband-and-wife team Shaun McCarron and Roberta Hall-McCarron (formerly the head chef at Castle Terrace). Small and welcoming, with navy fabrics and handsome art, the restaurant has been garnering rave reviews and buzz since it opened n 2018. The food, French-British cuisine, is highly seasonal."

"Opened last year by husband-wife duo Roberta Hall-McCarron (formerly Castle Terrace and The Kitchin) and Shaun McCarron, The Little Chartroom is a lovely neighbourhood restaurant located in the up-and-coming area of Leith. Interiors are cosy, food is creative and flavoursome, and it’s perfectly located for Fringe events at the top of Edinburgh’s Leith Walk. Heading to Edinburgh for the weekend?"

"It might look like a cosy local, but with an ex-Castle Terrace chef in the kitchen, you can be sure the food here punches well above its location. Short seasonal menus guarantee freshness and thoughtfulness, while staff are friendly."

"Whatever you do, don’t touch the nose of Greyfriar’s Bobby! ***Before you leave, be sure to visit Greyfriar’s Bobby, a statue that commemorates the Skye Terrier that became famous for allegedly spending 14 years guarding the grave of his owner, until the dog died on 14 January 1872. Whatever you do though, do NOT rub Greyfriar’s Bobby’s nose. Shockingly enough, rubbing the statue’s nose will not inundate you with good luck and will piss off locals since you are inadvertently rubbing off the statue’s paint, an act that leads to the corrosion of the statue."

"If you don’t know the story of the best wee dug in Scotland, then ask while you’re getting your round in this traditional Celtic pub. It’s one of the most historic and best Edinburgh pubs and an excellent stop on any stag night. Greyfriars specialises in cask ales, gins, and whiskies, but also offers hearty pub food."

"Snap a photo of Greyfriars Bobby. This dog became known in the 19th century for spending 14 years guarding the grave of his owner until he passed away himself in 1872."

"Located off Edinburgh’s Grassmarket, The Last Drop’s macabre past is part of its draw: The name references the square outside, which was once Edinburgh’s hanging grounds. Don’t expect a gloomy vibe inside, though. The place retains its traditional character, with plenty of banter and great beers to try plus an excellent selection of British and craft gins."

"I loved my meal at Fiddlers Arms but the Last Drop also comes recommended. Dip your toes in Scotland’s mind-bogglingly long history at the National Museum of Scotland"

"For a tasty ‘create your own’ lunch, try Red-Box Noodle Bar and have your pick of whichever meat, vegetables, noodles, sauce and garnishes you like. Regardless of what you go for, the price per noodle box is always £5.80, and it’s more than enough to fuel you up for the rest of the day. If you’re more peckish in the evening, you can order a meal deal for one, adding any starter and any soft drink to your customised noodle box for a total price of £8.80."

"This noodle bar invites you to tailor your order based on a selection of ho fun, ramen, udon, egg or rice noodles, then add duck, vegetables, tofu, pork, chicken or beef. Throw in three bits of colour and roughage, customise things with options of chilli, spring onion or coriander, and finally pick from one of ten sauces. One of these paper Chinese takeaway boxes filled to the brim will set you back an overdraft-friendly £5.60."

"Red Box Noodle Bar is a lively diner and takeaway restaurant located a short walk from Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile. Known for its speedy service, consistent high quality and good value for money Red Box is popular with students, tourists, locals and Festival goers alike. They offer a wide range of snack boxes as starters, everything from spicy chicken wings to crispy won ton and succulent pork dumplings."

"63 The Shore, Edinburgh EH6 6RA277 St John’s Road, Edinburgh EH12 7XA250 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8AA1 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1DE. Yet another hugely successful bakery has recently started moving into the vegan cake arena – and we couldn’t be happier!. Mimi’s has been delighting omnivores for years with their seriously indulgent cakes and bakes, but after enjoying success with their animal product free range at last year’s Christmas market, they have decided to extend their offering."

"Walk along the Royal Mile and beeline it for Mimi’s Little Bakehouse. Here, start your day off right with what else, a lovely scone, or ten, since Mimi’s has some of the best scones in Edinburgh (not that I know much about scones as an American)."

"Disclaimer: My meal at Mimi’s Bakehouse was a gifted experience. All opinions are my own. Another vegan-friendly cafe in the Old Town of Edinburgh is Mimi’s Bakehouse."