Nelson Monument is on the top of an Edinburgh Spotlight favourite, Calton Hill which we have reviewed here and here. The monument is in honour of Admiral Lord Nelson’s victory and death at the battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805.
Nelson Monument
It was erected in 1807 and stands 30 metres high. There are 143 steps to reach the top of the public access and a further 27 that are private. The viewing platform is small, but offers unrivaled views of Edinburgh.
The monument’s up-ended telescope design is topped with a mechanised time-ball sycronised with the one o’ clock gun fired from Edinburgh Castle. The time ball dropped daily allows ships in Leith Harbour to set their chronometers by it.
Every year on 21st October, the anniversary of Nelson’s death, naval flags are flown from the monument signalling his famous words: ’England expects every man to do his duty”.
If you are visiting Edinburgh, then try to pick a clear a day as possible to get the best views and if you are a resident, then choose a good weather day. In summer, the sun does not pose too many problems when taking photos as it’s so high in the sky. In winter, the sun can be low and early in the morning it can spoil the views over to Arthur’s Seat and around lunch time, it’s above the Castle. You can never taken sunset shots from here as it’s only open till 6pm in summer and closes at 3pm in winter.
Looking down on the Athenian acropolis
Admission is £3 (December 2009) and is pretty reasonable for the rewarding views when climbing to the top. The stairwell up to the outside viewing area is not cramped like the Scott Monument but has a VERY narrow exit. I actually measured it today and it’s only 18 inches / 46cm in width. I think it would be impossible to fit through it front ways for any adult, so make sure you will be able to squeeze through sideways. I had to take my back pack off to manage through.
I love looking down on the Athenian acropolis and over to the Firth of Forth. It’s fantastic looking over the roof tops of Edinburgh’s New Town and working out which buildings are which. It’s easy to spot the Botanics from the top and Easter Road, the home of Hibernian Football Club.
Easter Road (green and white)
Looking west over towards Edinburgh Castle, it was fantastic to see the buses driving up and down Princes Street again. You could also see the big wheel as part of Edinburgh’s Christmas. It really is worth the exercise to get up to the top.
Looking down Princes Street
The view south to Arthur’s Seat is also fabulous and you can also spot many other landmarks such as the Scottish Parliament, Dynamic Earth and Holyrood Palace. Just make sure you bring your camera to the top and a pair of binoculars if you have them.
Thin doorway
Heading downwards through the very thin door is a whole lot easier.
There is information at the bottom about the monument and others that are on Calton Hill and you could read these for free as they are before the entrance turnstile.
At the bottom you can even get a certificate to commemorate your visit.
- Our certificate
Opening Times April to September: Monday 1pm–6pm, Tuesday to Saturday 10am–6pm Closed Sunday. October to March: Monday to Saturday 10am–3pm (so no sunset shots I’m afraid) Closed Sundays.
Suitable for disabled? Unfortunately not as there is only stair access. If you can manage to walk up to the entrance, it’s worth looking at the imformation displays (free of charge)
Map of this location
Tags: Calton Hill, Edinburgh, Nelson Monument, review
