The Nelson Monument

Built as a tribute to Admiral Lord Nelson, this upturned telescope was built to commemorate his death in 1805. It replaced an old mast which previously stood as a navigational marker for ships sailing into Edinburgh, making the most of the elevation of Calton Hill, where it is built. The Dropping Ball on top of the tower serves as a time indicator for ships at sea. You can still climb the tower, which affords amazing views of all Edinburgh, especially down the length of Princes Street.

Calton Hill itself is home to more than the Nelson tower: ‘Edinburgh’s disgrace’ is a part-finished project to build a greek style temple up there, and it is also home to the observatory.

Beltane

The end of Winter and the start of Summer is a very important time in the Calendar, and has bneen celebrated for thousands of years. The Beltane Fire Festival is an amazing spectacle where the white ladies and spirits of winter are chased out by the red devilish men of summer in this ancient pagan festival. It happens at night on the 8th of May each year, and counts as one of the biggest party nights in the Edinburgh calendar.

The Newsroom

Looking at Calton Hill from Princes Street, you will see Leith Street going left down the hill, and just there you will find the Newsroom: a new bar with a crisp contemporary, slick feel. There’s an outstanding menu, and it is a good bet to escape the main crowds of the centre of town.

Breakfast is on from 9am during the week, and from 10am at the weekends. There are serious drinks promotions, always changing.

www.inthenewsroom.co.uk