Exploring Edinburgh as a Family: The Best Viewing Spots You Can’t Miss

Monday 15 September 2025

Edinburgh is a city that feels like it was made for wandering—full of winding cobbled streets and striking architecture. If you’re planning a family trip to Edinburgh, here are four must-visit viewing spots that will leave everyone captivated.

1. The Vennel Steps: A Hidden Gem

Tucked away just a short walk from the Grassmarket, the Vennel Steps are a bit of a hidden secret in Edinburgh. As you climb this quiet set of steps, the reward at the top is one of the most breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle. Unlike the busy Royal Mile viewpoints, the Vennel offers a more peaceful moment to pause and soak it all in. It’s the perfect spot to take a family photo with the castle standing proudly in the background.

2. Dean Village: Step Back in Time

Just a ten-minute walk from the hustle and bustle of Princes Street, Dean Village feels like you’ve stepped into the countryside. Nestled along the Water of Leith, this former milling village is filled with quaint stone houses, leafy pathways, and charming bridges. Families love it because it’s both beautiful and calming—an ideal place to slow down after sightseeing. The view from the Dean Bridge, looking down into the valley, is especially stunning.

3. The Scott Monument: A Towering Adventure

Right in the heart of Edinburgh stands the Scott Monument, a Gothic spire dedicated to Sir Walter Scott. It’s one of the largest monuments to a writer anywhere in the world, and climbing it is an adventure in itself. Families with older children will enjoy the spiral staircase—there are 287 steps in total, but you can stop at viewing platforms along the way. The higher you go, the more rewarding the panorama, stretching out over Princes Street Gardens, the New Town, and Arthur’s Seat in the distance. For families with younger children, even admiring the monument from below is worthwhile—it looks like something from a fantasy novel.

4. Calton Hill: The Classic View

No trip to Edinburgh is complete without a visit to Calton Hill. It’s one of the city’s most famous viewpoints, offering sweeping vistas over the skyline, including Arthur’s Seat, the Old Town, and the Firth of Forth. The short climb to the top is manageable for children, and once there, the whole family can explore the National Monument and Nelson Monument, which add a touch of history to the outing. Calton Hill is especially magical at sunset, when the city is bathed in golden light—perfect for rounding off a family day of adventure.

Edinburgh makes for an ideal weekend trip with the family because it balances adventure, history, and charm. It’s compact enough that you can see a lot in just a couple of days, yet full of hidden corners that make each walk feel like an exploration. From castle views and cobbled steps to riverside strolls and sweeping hilltop panoramas, there’s plenty to keep children curious and adults inspired.