How much does Arthur's Seat cost?

Nothing. Arthur's Seat is free to visit.

Viewpoint

Arthur's Seat

The summit of the hill in Holyrood Park, the highest point in the park and a standard walk for views over the city and the Forth.

Cost Free

Time needed 1 to 2 hours

Best time Early morning

Free Early morning

What the guides say about Arthur's Seat

Start with Edinburgh Castle, walk the Royal Mile down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, then climb Arthur's Seat or Calton Hill for the view.

From Things to Do in Edinburgh: What the Guides Agree On for a First Visit

Tap to open the interactive map

View on the interactive map Google Maps directions

What's on near Arthur's Seat

Upcoming events within a ten-minute walk of Arthur's Seat, from the weekly Edinburgh events calendar.

Sports

Edinburgh Marathon Festival 2027

29 May to 30 May 2027 Holyrood Park and Potterrow to Musselburgh, Southside

10k, 5k and junior races on Saturday 29 May 2027 in Holyrood Park, then the Half Marathon (8:00) and Marathon (10:00) on Sunday 30 May from Potterrow to Musselburgh.

See on the map Event listing

Stay nearby Hotels near Holyrood Park and Potterrow to Musselburgh, 29 to 31 May

Salisbury Crags and Edinburgh Castle seen across the grassland of Holyrood Park

Magnus Hagdorn, CC BY-SA 2.0

Smaller local events nearby

Arthur’s Secrets Activities
On now, until 30 Mar 2027 · Holyrood Park, Edinburgh
Event at Holyrood Park.
Free · Map · Source: Forever Edinburgh
Trees in Winter - Holyrood Park Activities
21 Nov 2026 to 16 Feb 2027 · Holyrood Park
Ranger-led walk on identifying trees from bark and buds, on selected dates from 21 November 2026 to 16 February 2027.
Map · Source: Historic Environment Scotland

See every upcoming event in Edinburgh

Nearby

Holyrood Park Park · 3 min walk A royal park of crags, lochs and hills beside the palace, run by Historic Environment Scotland. Dunsapie Loch Viewpoint · 7 min walk A small loch below Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park. St Margaret's Loch and St Anthony's Chapel Landmark · 10 min walk A ruined chapel above St Margaret's Loch in Holyrood Park, reached by a short climb from the loch side. Salisbury Crags Viewpoint · 10 min walk The cliff line on the western side of Holyrood Park, walked along its upper edge for views over the Old Town. Duddingston Loch Landmark · 11 min walk The loch on the south side of Holyrood Park beside Duddingston village. Sheep Heid Inn Pub · 11 min walk A country pub and restaurant in Duddingston village.

Around Holyrood

Palace, Parliament and the park

Holyrood sits at the bottom of the Royal Mile. The palace, the abbey ruins, the Scottish Parliament and Dynamic Earth are all within a few minutes of each other, and the park starts behind them.

Holyrood has 9 places on the Roam Edinburgh map: 4 landmarks, 3 viewpoints, 1 park or garden and 1 museum. Read the Holyrood guide.

Palace of Holyroodhouse Landmark · 14 min walk
Dynamic Earth Museum · 14 min walk
Holyrood Abbey Landmark · 15 min walk
Scottish Parliament Landmark · 16 min walk

Good to know

How much does Arthur's Seat cost?: Nothing. Arthur's Seat is free to visit.
How long do you need at Arthur's Seat?: Plan for 1 to 2 hours.
When is the best time to visit Arthur's Seat?: Early morning.

Stay near Arthur's Seat

Browse live availability and compare prices around Holyrood.

See hotels near Arthur's Seat on Booking.comPrices are for the night of Saturday 14 November. You can change the dates on Booking.com. If you book, Roam Edinburgh earns a small commission from Stay22 at no extra cost to you.