Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Union Canal

We've collected top 10 mentioned free attractions in Union Canal from other articles such as whichmuseum.co.uk, Ready Set Jet Set, 10Best.

Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Union Canal

Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
4.6 (64082 ratings)4.5 (44933 ratings)
An 11th-century castle and barracks housing the Crown Jewels and National War Museum of Scotland.
Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG, United Kingdom
CastleSights & LandmarksHistorical landmark
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
4.6 (8857 ratings)4.5 (12230 ratings)
Long-standing tower with five floors showcasing hands-on exhibits of whimsical optical illusions.
Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2ND, United Kingdom
Sights & LandmarksScience MuseumsObservation Decks & Towers
Mentioned by Voyage Tips
20 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh | Attractions + Tips | Visit Scotland 2021
"Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is one of Edinburgh’s most popular and oldest tourist attractions. Located at the top of the Royal Mile, close to the castle, this museum of optical illusions is really fun and well done. It’s a great visit if you’re visiting Edinburgh with your family!"
St Giles' Cathedral
St Giles' Cathedral
4.6 (7230 ratings)4.5 (5872 ratings)
Grand, Gothic medieval building and Presbyterian place of worship where John Knox used to preach.
High St, Edinburgh, EH1 1RE, United Kingdom
CathedralSights & LandmarksChurches & Cathedrals
Calton Hill
Calton Hill
4.7 (2428 ratings)4.5 (8262 ratings)
Prominent hill with neoclassical monuments & sweeping views of the city skyline & Edinburgh Castle.
Edinburgh, EH7 5AA, United Kingdom
Mountain peakSights & LandmarksLighthousesGeologic FormationsPoints of Interest & LandmarksLookouts
Mentioned by Scotland Bucket List
30+ Top Things To Do with Kids in Edinburgh: The Complete Guide
"Calton Hill is another fantastic place for kids to let off steam and as a bonus you’ll get some of the ultimate best views of the city!. When you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views to the Firth of Forth, Arthurs Seat, the port of Leith, the Pentland hills and of course right down Princes street towards the castle. Calton Hill is also home to several unusual monuments including the national monument which looks like it was built by the Romans."
Mentioned by Edinburgh 2 days itinerary
Edinburgh Itinerary 2 days: How to Make the Most of Your Time in Scotland
"***If you’re a morning person, grab a blanket, a thermos of hot chocolate, tea, or coffee, and enjoy the sunrise from Calton Hill. One of the most enchanting and TOTALLY free things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland. Obviously, if you hate mornings, you can watch the sunset instead, (just make sure you have clear skies, which are something of a rarity) but you’ll just have a bit more company."
Mentioned by st-christophers.co.uk
20 Most Instagrammable Places in Edinburgh
"Calton Hill is one of Edinburgh's main hills, set right above the heart of the city. You can walk there easily from the city centre, and in return you’ll get an incredible panoramic view once you’re there. It’s part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage sight, with an Athenian acropolis that  makes photos even more Insta-worthy."
Princes Street Gardens
Princes Street Gardens
4.6 (21567 ratings)4.5 (6817 ratings)
Green Flag park of geological/botanical interest, home to several public monuments and memorials.
Princes St, Edinburgh, EH2 2HG, United Kingdom
ParkNature & ParksGardens
Mentioned by mummytravels
16 things to do in Edinburgh with kids
"If you don’t want to venture too far out of the city, kids can also play in Prince’s Street Gardens in the shadow of the Scott monument – which you can climb, although at 287 often narrow and twisty steps, you might want to stick to the views from the Camera Obscura instead. At Christmas, the gardens turn into a Winter Wonderland including Christmas market, ice rink and ferris wheel, dubbed the Edinburgh Eye."
Mentioned by The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog
21 Best Things to do in Edinburgh Scotland (That You Should Not Miss)
"Princes Street Gardens is located in the middle of Edinburgh, right beneath the castle. They used to be the site of the Nor Loch – the North Loch which was drained when the New Town was built in the 1760s. The gardens have a wonderful view of the castle, and it is a great place to stroll or stop for a picnic."
Mentioned by st-christophers.co.uk
20 Most Instagrammable Places in Edinburgh
"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."
Blackness Castle
Blackness Castle
4.6 (2094 ratings)4.5 (675 ratings)
15th-century fortress noted for its shiplike form & rampart views over the Firth of Forth.
Blackness, Linlithgow, EH49 7NH, United Kingdom
CastleSights & LandmarksHistoric Sites
Cowane's Hospital
Cowane's Hospital
5 (2 ratings)4 (50 ratings)
49 St John St, Stirling, FK8 1ED, United Kingdom
Historical landmarkSights & LandmarksPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Mentioned by heart200.scot
Stirling | Heart 200 - 200 miles around the Heart of Scotland
"A 17thcentury almshouse in the city’s Old Town, Cowane’s Hospital was founded in 1637 by prominent Stirling merchant John Cowane. The building was later converted into the Guildhall of the Merchant Guildry. With substantial gardens, Cowane’s Hospital has become an arts venue which is currently available to be hired for private events."
Dean Village
Dean Village
4.6 (7651 ratings)4.5 (1254 ratings)
Bucolic village abutting a tranquil stream, with gardens, 19th-century buildings & a museum.
Dean Path, Edinburgh, EH4 3AY, United Kingdom
Sights & LandmarksHistoric Sites
Mentioned by Dickins
8 of Edinburgh's Most Romantic Places
"This beautifully preserved 19th-century village is one of Edinburgh’s favourite hidden gems. Despite being the subject of countless Instagram photos over the years, it remains a tranquil haven in the city. As if frozen in time, this romantic gem is filled with little alleyways, storybook bridges and charming architecture, all set alongside the Water of Leith River."
The Real Mary King's Close
The Real Mary King's Close
4.4 (6134 ratings)4.5 (15076 ratings)
Hidden streets from the 1600s below the Royal Mile, accompanied by tales from costumed guides.
Warriston's Close, 2, High St, Edinburgh EH1 1PG, United Kingdom
Sights & LandmarksHistoric SitesPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Mentioned by Lonely Planet Top Choices
Top things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland
"Edinburgh's 18th-century City Chambers were built over the sealed-off remains of Mary King's Close, and the lower levels of this medieval Old Town alley have survived almost unchanged amid the foundations for 250 years. Now open to the public, this spooky, subterranean labyrinth gives a fascinating insight into the everyday life of 17th-century Edinburgh. Costumed characters lead tours through a 16th-century town house and the plague-stricken home of a 17th-century gravedigger. Advance booking recommended."
Mentioned by Edinburgh 2 days itinerary
2 Days in Edinburgh: The Perfect Itinerary for Your First Visit
"Real Mary King’s Close This is the perfect tour to learn about medieval life in Edinburgh. Journey back in time to 1645 Edinburgh, down Mary King’s Close, a real alleyway in the city. This was the year of the Black Death, when one-third of Edinburgh’s population succumbed to this terrible illness."
The Helix: Home of The Kelpies
The Helix: Home of The Kelpies
4.7 (6330 ratings)
Pet-friendly green space with walking paths, cycleways, watersports and huge horse head sculptures.
The Helix, Falkirk, Grangemouth, FK2 7ZT, United Kingdom
Park

Best Diners in Union Canal

Bells Diner
Bells Diner
4.7 (165 ratings)
Serving gourmet burgers, steaks and shakes for decades in warm red diner with wooden tables.
7 St Stephen St, Stockbridge, Edinburgh EH3 5AN, United Kingdom
Hamburger restaurantAmerican restaurantDiner
Mentioned by Culture Trip
The Best Lunch Spots in Edinburgh
"The lunch menu at Bell’s Diner has barely changed in 40 years, but why change a winning formula?. This cute little diner on the corner of St Stephen Street has been serving up gourmet burgers long before the likes of Byron got in on the act. Its steaks are also excellent and come with a choice of five sauces (go for the garlic butter), while the large hot fudge sundae pancakes are legendary in these parts."
Paradise Palms
Paradise Palms
4.5 (1466 ratings)
Funky destination for imaginative vegetarian dining with an on-site record store, bar & hangout.
41 Lothian St, Edinburgh, EH1 1HB, United Kingdom
Vegetarian restaurantDinerEvent venue
Mums Great Comfort Food
Mums Great Comfort Food
4.5 (2008 ratings)
Traditional, hearty British fare with gourmet sausages, served up in a bright, retro-style diner.
4A Forrest Rd, Edinburgh, EH1 2QN, United Kingdom
British restaurantBreakfast restaurantBrunch restaurantCafeDinerEnglish restaurantEuropean restaurantFamily restaurantRestaurant

Best Spas in Union Canal

One Spa
One Spa
4.7 (207 ratings)
Upscale hotel offering a chic restaurant/bar, plus a spa with an indoor/outdoor rooftop pool.
8 Conference Square, Edinburgh, EH3 8AN, United Kingdom
Spa and health clubGymMassage spaMassage therapistResortSwimming pool
Mentioned by 10Best
Indulge Yourself with a Trip to One of Edinburgh's Best Spas
"One Spa is part of the luxurious Sheraton Grand Hotel located just off Lothian Road in the center of Edinburgh. As well as a delightful rooftop hydro pool, nineteen meter infinity swimming pool, rainforest showers, and rock and bio saunas, the Spa includes a unique thermal suite which features treatments inspired by the ancient Celts and Romans – such as the Laconium (dry heat treatment room) and Tepidarium (warm room) and the deliciously scented Aroma Grotto. They have a well-equipped gym with a selection of classes including Yoga, Zumba, Boxing, LiveStrong Cycling and high intensity circuit training."
Mentioned by Prestige Student Living
Self-Care For Students: The Top 5 Edinburgh Spas
"One Spa is part of the luxurious Sheraton Grand Hotel located just off Lothian Road on Festival Square. Escape the busy city life, throw your worries and cares aside for the day to contrate purely on yourself, and enjoy Scotland’s most renowned urban thermal spa experience. Their facilities are second to none and have everything you need to re-energise your body and soul."
Mentioned by edinburgh.org
Pamper yourself at these top spas in Edinburgh | Forever Edinburgh
"Unwind in a stylish and modern setting with the Sheraton Hotel’s One Spa. There are 5 different steam rooms, a 19m swimming pool as well as the Ultimate hydro rooftop pool offering the most luxurious hotel spa experience in the heart of Edinburgh. There's also an amazing selection of sauna and thermal rooms, all stimulating the senses with scent, sight, heat and steam."
Pure Spa & Beauty (Lothian Road)
Pure Spa & Beauty (Lothian Road)
4.7 (184 ratings)
138 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh, EH3 9BG, United Kingdom
Spa
Mentioned by Prestige Student Living
Self-Care For Students: The Top 5 Edinburgh Spas
"If you are a fan of Elemis spa treatments, PURE Spa is the one for you!. The contemporary design of the spa is sophisticated and relaxing, with a brilliant relaxation room where you can completely unwind after your treatment and enjoy some complimentary fruit juice. Here in Edinburgh, we are lucky to have 3 amazing locations where you can experience a PURE Spa; Lothian Road, Rose Street & Newhaven."
Village Hotel Edinburgh
Village Hotel Edinburgh
4.2 (1480 ratings)
Steel-&-glass hotel offering contemporary rooms, a relaxed bistro, a fitness centre & a day spa.
Village Hotel, 140 Crewe Rd S, Edinburgh EH4 2NY, United Kingdom
HotelSpaWedding venue
Mentioned by laterooms.com
The Best 4 & 5 star Luxury & Boutique Hotels in Edinburgh – LateRooms.com
"Village Hotel Edinburgh is located just 8 miles and 15 minutes drive time from Edinburgh Airport. It is just 2 miles from Edinburgh city centre and Haymarket railway and 3 miles from Edinburgh Waverley train station. Nearby attractions include Edinburgh Castle - Royal Yacht Britannia and Princes Street - a shopaholics dream location."

Best Lunch Restaurants in Union Canal

Sainsbury's Café
Sainsbury's Café
4 (50 ratings)
Drip Rd, Stirling, FK8 1RA, United Kingdom
CafeBreakfast restaurantCoffee shopLunch restaurantRestaurant
Loudons New Waverley
Loudons New Waverley
4.4 (113 ratings)
2 Sibbald Walk, Edinburgh, EH8 8FT, United Kingdom
Brunch restaurantBakeryBreakfast restaurantCafeCake shopCoffee shopLunch restaurantRestaurantTea house
Mentioned by Watch Me See
My Favourite Vegan Restaurants in Edinburgh
"Disclaimer: My meal at Loudons New Waverley was a gifted experience. All opinions are my own. Loudons runs two cafes in Edinburgh – the original on Fountainbridge, and a new spacious location at New Waverley, a development project with living space, hotels, shops and restaurants just off the Royal Mile."
French Crêperie Le Petit Café
French Crêperie Le Petit Café
5 (123 ratings)
Cozy establishment specialising in crepes & galettes, plus breakfasts & ice cream sundaes.
32 Morrison St, Edinburgh, EH3 8BJ, United Kingdom
French restaurantCafeCoffee standCrêperieLunch restaurantTakeout Restaurant

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Union Canal

4.3 (1096 reviews)
Richmond Park Hotel
hotel
$49.09 /night
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4.2 (1125 reviews)
Richmond Park Hotel
hotel
$42.75 /night
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3.5 (4 reviews)
Beautiful Apartment near Edinburgh
apartment
$84.49 /night
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