Astronomy has been studied here since the opening of the town’s college in 1583. The observatory became royal during the visit of George IV to Scotland in 1822. Famous astronomers and discoveries here include Henderson who was the first astronomer to measure parallax and determine the distance to the stars.
Today there is a visitor centre and regular talks and viewings.

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Details

Informations

Elevation 120 m

Weather

Today

Friday 12 December

9°C

4°C

0 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See hikes here

Take Me There

Location: Grange/Prestonfield, Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland, United Kingdom

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Arthur's Seat

St Giles' Cathedral

View of Edinburgh from Blackford Hill

Dean Village and Water of Leith

View of Salisbury Crags from Queen's Drive

Water of Leith Walkway

Greyfriars Bobby Statue

Union Canal Towpath, Fountainbridge

Innocent Railway Tunnel

Blackford Hill Stream and Woodland Path

Dean Village Footbridge on the Water of Leith

The Royal Mile, Edinburgh

Royal Observatory, Edinburgh

1. The Royal Observatory, Blackford Hill & the Hermitage of Braid loop — Edinburgh

2. Arthur's Seat – Nelson Monument, Calton Hill loop from West End

3. Hermitage of Braid House – Royal Observatory, Edinburgh loop from Buckstone

Other Popular Places to Check Out

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️