Mound of the Union of Lublin
A historic ridge connecting Edinburgh's Old and New Towns, offering iconic views and housing major cultural institutions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Mound of the Union of Lublin
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic ridge connecting Edinburgh's Old and New Towns, offering iconic views and housing major cultural institutions.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore The Mound and its surroundings. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
The Mound offers fantastic photo opportunities of Edinburgh Castle and the city skyline. :camerawithflash:
Quick Facts
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Mound
Central Edinburgh
A historic ridge connecting the Old and New Towns, offering stunning city views and architectural marvels.
Scottish National Gallery
On The Mound
Home to Scotland's national art collection, featuring masterpieces from Scottish and European artists.
New College, University of Edinburgh
On The Mound
A magnificent Gothic Revival building with impressive architecture and a serene atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Comfortable Footwear is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore The Mound and its surroundings. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
The Mound offers fantastic photo opportunities of Edinburgh Castle and the city skyline. :camerawithflash:
🏛️ Explore the Galleries
Don't miss the Scottish National Gallery for a dose of art and culture. :museum:
📚 Visit New College
Admire the stunning architecture of the University of Edinburgh's New College. :university:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore The Mound and its surroundings. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
The Mound offers fantastic photo opportunities of Edinburgh Castle and the city skyline. :camerawithflash:
🏛️ Explore the Galleries
Don't miss the Scottish National Gallery for a dose of art and culture. :museum:
📚 Visit New College
Admire the stunning architecture of the University of Edinburgh's New College. :university:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Mound for its stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and its central location connecting the Old and New Towns. The architectural beauty of the surrounding buildings, particularly New College, is also a highlight. Some find the slope a bit steep, but most agree it's a worthwhile walk for the scenery and access to cultural institutions.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mound is centrally located in Edinburgh, easily accessible on foot from both the Old and New Towns. Numerous bus routes stop nearby, and it's a short walk from Waverley Train Station. 🚌 🚂
Parking directly on The Mound is limited. The closest car parks include Waverley Car Park and St James Quarter Car Park, though they can be pricey. 🚗
Yes, it's a pleasant downhill walk from Edinburgh Castle to The Mound, offering scenic views along the way. 🚶
Buses are a convenient option, with many routes serving the city center. Lothian Buses are the primary provider. 🚌
While The Mound itself is a slope, there are ramps and accessible routes available. The National Galleries of Scotland have accessible entrances. ♿
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Mound itself is a public space and free to access. Entry to the Scottish National Gallery and New College may have specific visiting hours or require booking for certain exhibitions. 🎟️
The Mound is accessible at all times as it's an outdoor public space. However, the attractions on it, like the National Gallery, have their own operating hours. 🕐
General admission to the Scottish National Gallery is free, though special exhibitions may have a charge. :moneywithwings:
You can often walk around the exterior and some public areas of New College. For specific access or tours, it's best to check the University of Edinburgh's visitor information. :university:
For special exhibitions at the National Gallery, advance booking is often recommended, especially during peak times. 💻
📸 📸 Photography
The top of The Mound offers iconic views of Edinburgh Castle. The steps leading down towards Princes Street also provide great perspectives. :camerawithflash:
Generally, casual photography is permitted. For professional photoshoots, it's advisable to check with the relevant authorities or institutions on The Mound. 📷
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) offers beautiful light. Midday can be harsh but still provides clear views. 🌅 🌇
Drone usage is heavily restricted in urban areas like Edinburgh due to flight regulations and privacy concerns. Always check current regulations before flying. :noentrysign:
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the cityscape and architecture. A zoom lens can be useful for details of the castle. :dslr:
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy the panoramic views, admire the architecture of New College, and explore the surrounding areas of the Old and New Towns. :cityscape:
You can spend anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on whether you're just passing through or visiting the National Gallery. :stopwatch:
While The Mound itself has limited dining options, numerous cafes and restaurants are located at the bottom and top of The Mound in the Old and New Towns. ☕
The Mound was created in the late 18th century by filling in a valley to connect the Old and New Towns, a significant feat of engineering at the time. :history:
Yes, finding a bench to sit and take in the views can be a relaxing experience, especially on a pleasant day. :relax:




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