Must See Sights and Landmarks in Hermiston Area

"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."

"Built on Clydeside, the former Royal Yacht Britannia was the British Royal Family's floating holiday home during their foreign travels from the time of her launch in 1953 until her decommissioning in 1997, and is now permanently moored in front of Ocean Terminal. The tour, which you take at your own pace with an audio guide (available in 30 languages), lifts the curtain on the everyday lives of the royals, and gives an intriguing insight into the Queen's private tastes."

"Step aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh which was used by the Queen for over 40 years as her floating palace!. It’s currently docked in Edinburgh and invites visitors to come follow in the footsteps of royalty as you learn more about royal life on the ship. The ship was actually the first Royal Yacht built that could tame the open ocean and was used to entertain guests from around the world."

"The Royal Yacht Britannia is one of Britain's most popular attractions associated with the monarchy. Over the years, the Queen has welcomed heads of state and famous people from around the world to this luxurious vessel. After more than 40 years serving the Royal Family, the 60-year-old yacht was sent to Leith, Edinburgh's port area, as the centerpiece of the Britannia Visitor Centre."

"Calton Hill provides a panoramic view of the city, with Princes Street, the castle, and the Old Town silhouetted against Arthur's Seat. To the east and north you can see the Firth of Forth and the docks at Leith. At the foot of the hill stands the 13th-century Royal High School, where Sir Walter Scott was once a pupil."

"As early as 1816, the Highland Society of Scotland called for the construction of a national monument to commemorate the fallen in the Napoleonic wars. In January 1822, a proposal was put forward to ‘erect a facsimile of the Parthenon’."

"The Palace of Holyroodhouse — usually simply referred to as Holyrood Palace — is the Queen's official Edinburgh residence and has frequently been at the center of Scottish history. Built in 1678, it was where James II and James IV were each married, where James V and Charles I were crowned, and where "Bonnie Prince Charlie" held court in 1745. When the Queen is away (which is typically 51 weeks of the year, as she's only here for "Royal Week" each summer), public access is permitted to the stunning Historic Apartments (former home of Mary Queen of Scots) and the State Apartments, famous for their fine furnishings, tapestries, and plasterwork."

"Often referred to as Holyrood Palace, this is the official residence of the Queen of England when she comes to visit Scotland. The ruins of the Holyrood Abbey are connected to the Palace on one corner. Despite its city-center location, the Palace of Holyroodhouse – set in beautiful parkland and overlooking Arthur’s Seat – feels a million miles away from Edinburgh’s hustle and bustle."

"Adjacent to Holyrood Palace are the ruins of Holyrood Abbey which are an important part of the Edinburgh landmarks list. The history of this church dates back to the 12th century. You gain access to the abbey with your Holyrood Palace ticket."

"I’d also suggest you make the time to head out to an icon of the Edinburgh surrounds – the Firth of Forth bridges, and in particular, the UNSECO World Heritage Listed Firth of Forth Rail Bridge. This is a mighty red cantilevered bridge construction spanning the Firth of Forth, opened in 1890, and still operational today. At it’s time of construction it was the longest single cantilever bridge in the world, and despite now being the second longest, is still might impressive."

"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."

"Lush have made a name for themselves with unique, handmade, ethically sourced health and beauty products. Now they have taken the next step an offer spa treatments from their Edinburgh store. Like their products, the treatments are unconventional and fresh and more specifically tailored to the individual than is the norm."

"If you love Lush or want to experience something different from your usual spa experience, Lush Spa is a must-try!. Each treatment therapist is highly knowledgeable and professional from the moment you meet them and will have a consultation with you before selecting the products for your treatment!"

"Around a 15-minute drive from our luxury student accommodation buildings in Edinburgh is Bread Meets Bread, a super popular eatery perfect for a takeaway. They have four delicious vegan burger options, as well as plenty of vegan sides if you’re wanting that little bit extra. If you like a bit of spice, the vegan Caribbean burger is definitely worth a try!"

"Bread Meets Bread is a great place to go for lunch when you need some much needed catch up time with your bestie. With a large menu, including a specialty glazed doughnut burger; this is the best place in Edinburgh for a good old catch up and great food."

"If you hadn’t guessed by the ruddy great Eiffel Tower adorning the wall of the café space, there’s a French influence at large here – though the flaky brekkie croissants and pains au chocolat are as popular as the traditional breakfast fry-up or black pudding butty. All day ‘snacks’ range from the likes of croque monsieur to grilled paninis and salad. It’s the menu du jour though, available at lunch and dinner, that offers the tastiest scran, and best reason to loiter here."

"Cafe Marlayne in Thistle Street has a charming artsy decor, which is inspired by typical Parisian restaurants. Located near the Princes Street shopping area, this restaurant serves classic French dishes made with local produce. The menu comprises a wide selection of soups, seafood and meats."

"Out of the Blue operates out of a former army drill hall that has been transformed into a full-blown cultural hub, playing host to a range of public events and artists’ studios. Their monthly flea market (last Saturday of the month from 10am to 3pm) is an all-ages event with a cornucopia of handcrafted goodies from local artists: bric-a-brac, vintage vinyl, fashion, musical instruments, antiques, furniture and indescribable one-off gems. The in-house social enterprise café keeps shoppers fuelled with seasonal snacks and organic baking."