Royal Mile
55°57′02″N 3°11′08″W / 55.95056°N 3.18556°W
View looking east down the Royal Mile past the Tron Kirk | |
Interactive map of Royal Mile | |
| Type | Commercial |
|---|---|
| Length | 0.98 mi (1.58 km) |
| Location | Edinburgh |
| Postal code | EH1 |
| Nearest metro station | Waverley |
The Royal Mile (Scottish Gaelic: Am Mìle Rìoghail) is a series of streets forming the main thoroughfare of the Old Town of Edinburgh, Scotland. The term originated in the early 20th century and has since entered popular usage.
The Royal Mile runs between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, two significant locations in the royal history of Scotland, and is almost exactly one mile long. From west to east, and running downhill, it comprises the Castle Esplanade, Castlehill, the Lawnmarket, the High Street, the Canongate and Abbey Strand. It is the busiest tourist street in the Old Town.
The Royal Mile contains shops, restaurants, public houses, and visitor attractions. During the annual Edinburgh Fringe, the High Street becomes crowded with tourists, entertainers, and buskers. Parliament Square is at the heart of Scotland's legal system, being the home of both the High Court of Justiciary and the Court of Session.