Edinburgh’s most famous street, the Royal Mile is a cobbled stretch that runs through the heart of the Old Town. In length it is a Scots Mile, around 1.81 kilometres (slightly longer than an English Mile) and is top and tailed by two of the city’s most important historic sites, Edinburgh Castle, home to a riveting history and Scotland’s Crown Jewels, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the 17th century official residence of Scottish kings and queens.
In between the way is lined with towering tenement buildings with many cobbled closes, passageways and courts leading off the main thoroughfare, many of which give a fascinating glimpse of Edinburgh’s medieval architecture. Besides the castle and palace, there are numerous places of interested along the Royal Mile, including the modern architecture of the Scottish Parliament, St Giles’ Cathedral and the Royal Mile Market.