Green thistle

Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. This is actually four streets (Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street and Canongate) joined together to form one Scot’s mile, between two royal buildings (Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyrood House). Hence the name “Royal Mile”. This ancient thoroughfare dates from the 12th century. Walking down its cobbled streets, surrounded by medieval architecture, you may feel like you’re in bygone era. Today, the Royal Mile is the place to come for traditional Scottish souvenir and gift shops, old-fashioned pubs and historic attractions.