Royal Mile (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Royal Mile?
What makes it 81% Kids-Friendly: Children up to 12 enjoy Camera Obscura, Museum of Childhood and street acts, but parents must manage dense festival crowds, uneven cobbles and fast descents near the castle.
Positives:
- Pushchair-friendly stroll: Wide pavements between Castlehill and Canongate allow easy pushchair movement.
- Free kids’ entry: Kids under 5 enter Camera Obscura and Museum of Childhood for free.
- Compact layout: All main sights lie along the cobbled Royal Mile within short walking distance.
Challenges:
- Uneven cobbles: Cobblestones can be slippery when wet and bumpy for strollers.
- Crowded during festivals: Festival season can make sidewalks busy and hard to navigate with young children.
- Limited seating: Few benches along the Mile; bring a small foldable stool or plan snack breaks.
What is Royal Mile?
- A historic cobbled thoroughfare in Edinburgh’s Old Town stretching just over a Scots mile between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse
- A sequence of four medieval street segments—Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street and Canongate—that form the city’s original urban spine
- An architectural ensemble of towering tenements, narrow closes and landmark sites such as St Giles’ Cathedral and the Scottish Parliament building
What is so special about Royal Mile for with kids?
- Family-friendly free and paid attractions all along one accessible route
- Interactive toy museum and mind-bending illusions keep kids engaged
- Live bagpipers and street performers offer a taste of Scottish culture
- Free family cathedral tours add fun history and unicorn stories
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 2–3 hour stroll gives enough time to explore shops, see performers, and visit kid-friendly sites without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Royal Mile
Royal Mile Stroll:
Walk from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace along the cobbles, spotting street musicians and historic landmarks.
Tip: Stop at the Heart of Midlothian mosaic for photos and let kids listen to bagpipers near St Giles’.
Museum of Childhood:
Explore interactive displays of dolls, trains and teddy bears spanning three centuries.
Tip: Enter for free via High Street and use pram-friendly Galleries 1–3; fold strollers for upper levels.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions:
Climb five floors of optical illusions, mirror mazes and the original 1835 city projection.
Tip: Book online to access the “Kids for a Quid” deal before 11 AM or after 6 PM; leave pushchairs at reception.
St Giles’ Cathedral Family Tour:
Join a free 45-minute guided tour that shares unicorn tales and cathedral history.
Tip: Tours run weekdays at 10:30 AM; kids under 15 join free with a suggested family donation of £6.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Royal Mile
- Pre-book attractions: Reserve Camera Obscura tickets online to get ScotRail’s kids-for-a-quid deal and skip lines.
- Start early: Begin your walk around 9 AM to enjoy quieter streets and take photos at the Heart of Midlothian.
- Pack snacks: Carry light snacks and water to refuel between stops since seating is limited.
Reviews of Royal Mile
Fay Mullins
Our trip was the culmination of the discovery of our heritage; it was such an overwhelming feeling finding out that we are direct descendants of King James V and Mary Queen of Scots. And touring the castle and the town was like walking in their footsteps. We finally feel like "we belong"!
Firasat Khan
Central Edinburgh. You cannot avoid it. What a place... Enjoy the videos. Full of history and architecture. Lively, lovely, amazing, historic, royal, can't be described in words. That's why Enjoy the videos and have the feel.
Deborah Drake
The Royal Mile has wonderful old buildings & sites but is mostly souvenir shops & cafes. You can shop to you hearts delight. Most cafes are pretty good. August is Fringe festival so it's very crowded.
Zann Loo
The Royal Mile in Edinburgh is a must-visit for any traveler, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and lively atmosphere. Stretching through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, it connects the majestic Edinburgh Castle at the top with the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse at the bottom. I am enjoying walking along the cobbled streets, you’ll find historic landmarks, beautiful medieval archit...
Sundaresan Viswanathan
The Royal Mile – Edinburgh’s Historic Heart Walking the Royal Mile is like stepping back in time. Stretching from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, this iconic cobbled street is the cultural and historical backbone of the city. I explored it in July 2025, and every corner revealed something new—street performers, centuries-old closes, cozy pubs, and stunning architecture. The vibe changes as ...
When is the best time to visit Royal Mile (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)?
In August, arrive by 9 AM to beat Fringe crowds; in winter, enjoy the Christmas market stalls and carousel near St Giles’ Cathedral.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Camera Obscura tickets (2 adults) | GBP 47.9 |
| Camera Obscura ticket (1 child) | GBP 17.95 |
| St Giles’ Cathedral donation | GBP 6 |
| Snacks and treats | GBP 8 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 79.85 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Royal Mile
Address: Edinburgh EH1 1QS, UK
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