The south side of Edinburgh stretches from the Old Town to the Pentland Hills and includes both posh (Morningside) and the traffic overwhelmed like Clark Street. It is home to the University and many small hotels and guesthouses.
SightSeeing in South Edinburgh
The city also developed south from the Old Town, creating a district which became known as Southside and which today forms the heart of the University quarter. Beyond this area, and the open parkland of the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links, are the residential suburbs of Merchiston, Marchmont, Newington and Morningside. The latter has traditionally been the home of Edinburgh's elite, or 'crème de la crème', as Miss Jean Brodie might have put it in her Morningside accent, renowned for its "rifained zenzitivity".
To the south of Marchmont are the Braid Hills, which are mostly occupied by two golf courses, part of a great ring of golf courses that almost completely encircle the city. The hills are ideal for a Sunday walk. Beyond Morningside, Comiston Road leads south past Blackford Hill (539 ft), at the top of which stands the city's Royal Observatory. Visitors can find out all about the mysteries of the solar system, play with various hands-on exhibits and enjoy the panoramic views of the city. Mon-Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1200-1700. £3.50, £2 .50child, £2 concession. Tel: 6688405. Take buses 40 or 41 from The Mound and get off at Blackford Av, or walk from Comiston Rd.
At the foot of Blackford Hill, on Blackford Glen Road, is the starting point for the Hermitage of Braid nature trail, a lovely gentle walk along the Braid Burn. The track is easy to follow and although the hill is within the city, there's a real sense of being out in the countryside. The path takes you to Hermitage House, an 18th-century mansion which now serves as an information centre. Mon-Fri 1000-1600, Sun (Apr-Sep only) 1100-1800.
Regions
EdinburghEdinburgh South Side Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
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The Bothy Cottage, nr Edinburgh - Sleeps 2
This 18th century former gardeners cottage is quietly situated on the edge of the ruined William Adam designed Mavisbank Estate. It forms a wing of the owners house, their large attractive walled garden ca... -
Dowies Mill Cottage, Cramond - Sleeps 2/3
This riverside, mid-terraced holiday cottage, built around 1690 is now a lovely bright and comfortable studio with the charm and convenience of a historic village setting and the bonus of easy access into... -
Cavalry Park, Edinburgh, sleeps 6/7
Within the grounds of historic Duddingston Manor, this bright, spacious and stylish second floor penthouse holiday apartment overlooks the golf course, and is 5 minutes’ walk from the Sheeps Heid pub... -
Queenshill, Edinburgh - Sleeps 4
With wonderful views of Edinburgh Castle and the city skyline from the living room, this spacious third floor holiday apartment with parking is in a quiet location, 5 minutes’ bus ride from the west ... -
The Georgian Retreat, Portobello, Edinburgh - Sleeps 4
Dating from 1875, the \'Georgian Retreat\' is a holiday cottage of unique character and charm. It is delightfully situated on the ground floor of the owners\' detached \'B\' listed Georgian villa in the .. -
The Cooperage Apartment, Edinburgh - Sleeps 2/4
This fabulous apartment is beautifully situated in the sought after \'Leith Shore\', backing onto the Water of Leith and part of a unique, late 18th Century converted cooperage. It is very smartly .... -
Kings Stables nr Edinburgh Castle - Sleeps 2
A unique house in a fabulous historic setting at the foot of Edinburgh Castle, this unusual wedge shaped house is built onto the wall around St Cuthbert’s church, moments walk from Princes Street gar... -
Edinburgh Holiday Apartment - Sleeps 5
This impressive, well-presented first floor flat is conveniently situated in the heart of Newington with very easy access into Edinburgh city centre. -
Manse Cottage, Edinburgh, sleeps 4
Conveniently situated in the west of the city in the quiet residential area of Corstorphine, an ideal spot from which to sample both the buzz and variety of the city centre and also enjoy extremely easy ac... -
York Lane Apartment, Edinburgh - Sleeps 3
In an enviable central location, this smart townhouse offers the ultimate in city chic and the added benefit of private parking for one car. York Lane is conveniently situated only yards from York ....