The Majestic Nelson Monument: A Tribute to Scotland's Maritime Heritage
Discover the Nelson Monument on Calton Hill, a stunning tribute to Admiral Lord Nelson with panoramic views and rich maritime history in Edinburgh.
The Nelson Monument stands proudly atop Calton Hill, offering breathtaking views of Edinburgh and a rich history honoring Admiral Lord Nelson. This iconic structure is a must-visit for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in Scotland's maritime legacy while enjoying panoramic vistas of the city.
A brief summary to Nelson Monument
- 32 Calton Hill, Edinburgh, EH7 5AA, GB
- +441315562716
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-1 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-1 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-1 pm
- Thursday 10 am-1 pm
- Friday 10 am-1 pm
- Saturday 10 am-1 pm
- Sunday 10 am-1 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best light for photography.
- Check the weather beforehand; clear days offer the best views from the top.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the climb to the top involves many steps.
- Combine your visit with other nearby attractions on Calton Hill for a full day of sightseeing.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy at the nearby park after your visit to the monument.
Getting There
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Car
To reach the Nelson Monument by car from central Midlothian, head towards Edinburgh. Take the A701 road and follow signs for the city center. After approximately 7 miles, you will enter Edinburgh. Continue straight onto the South Bridge, and follow signs for Calton Hill. Once you reach the junction with Calton Road, take a left turn and then follow the road uphill to Calton Hill. Look for parking spaces nearby; there are limited parking options available on the street. The monument is a short walk from the parking area.
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Public Transport
To reach the Nelson Monument using public transport, start by taking a bus from your location in Midlothian to Edinburgh city center. For example, you can catch the Lothian Bus 33 from Dalkeith to Edinburgh, which takes about 30 minutes. Once you arrive at the main bus station (St Andrew Square), exit the station and walk towards North Bridge. From there, you can catch bus number 36 or 49 that heads towards Calton Hill. Get off at the 'Calton Hill' stop. The Nelson Monument is a short walk from the bus stop; simply head up the path leading to the hill where the monument is located.
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Walking
If you are already in the vicinity of Calton Hill and prefer to walk, the Nelson Monument is easily accessible. From the nearest bus stop, follow the signs leading to Calton Hill. As you walk, take the path that leads upwards towards the monument. The walk is steep but offers beautiful views of Edinburgh. It should take you about 10 minutes to reach the top where the Nelson Monument is situated.
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