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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Gayfield St. Apartment, Edinburgh - Sleeps 2
This lovely Georgian apartment is very centrally situated less than ten minutes\' walk from the East End of Princes Street. On the 1st floor of a traditional tenement, the well-proportioned interior .. -
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... -
Comely Bank Cottage, nr Peebles - Sleeps 6
This cosy, detached stone house combines the charm of a traditional holiday cottage with contemporary design and is set in the village of Innerleithen. Surrounded by the Tweedale Hills at the junction of t... -
Angus Vale, Edinburgh, sleeps 4
Conveniently located for both city centre and for access to the golf courses and beaches of East Lothian, this traditional, stone built holiday cottage is in a quiet residential area with easy access to th... -
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... -
The Cooperage Apartment, Leith Shore - Sleeps 2/4
The Cooperage is a late 18th Century building, situated on the banks of the Water of Leith. The building was converted into flats in 1985 and this charming ground floor apartment retains many of the .... -
Edinburgh New Town Apartment - Sleeps 2
In an excellent location in the heart of the New Town, this lovely apartment is part of a single row of Victorian tenements, tucked away in a quiet street. The attractive interior is well presented .. -
Princes Street Apartment, Edinburgh - Sleeps 6
This superbly located Princes Street apartment has spectacular unrestricted views to Edinburgh Castle and offers visitors a rare opportunity to enjoy a city break at a prestigious address. Situated .... -
Parkside Terrace Apartment, Edinburgh - Sleeps 4+2
This simply furnished 3rd floor flat is part of a modern residential development with shared grounds and residents parking. The property is situated in the Newington area of Edinburgh and enjoys .... -
Leith Waterfront Apartment, Edinburgh - Sleeps 5
Set in the city\'s fashionable waterfront area, this luxurious apartment enjoys spectacular panoramic views across the Firth of Forth to the Forth Bridges, over the city skyline to Edinburgh Castle ....