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Holyrood Park | The Highland Vibes of Edinburgh (Perfect for a Photoshoot)
If you're dreaming of a photo session with wild Scottish backdrops—without leaving Edinburgh—Holyrood Park is your spot. With Arthur’s Seat, St Anthony’s Chapel, and lochs surrounded by dramatic cliffs, it’s like the Highlands in miniature.
If you're dreaming of a photo session with wild Scottish backdrops—without driving into the Highlands—Holyrood Park is your spot. With Arthur’s Seat, St Anthony’s Chapel and the Salisbury Crags, it gives you those epic landscapes with castle views, dramatic cliffs, ruins, and peaceful lochs, all just minutes from the city centre.
As a local photographer, I adore this place for portraits, elopements, proposals and family shoots. Whether you’re after sweeping views, hidden ruins or just a romantic walk with your partner, Holyrood Park has a bit of everything—plus the light here can be absolutely magical.
How to Get to Holyrood Park
📍 Location: At the foot of the Royal Mile, next to Holyrood Palace
🚶♀️ Walk from Waverley Station: Around 15 minutes
🚖 Taxi from city centre: About 4 minutes, roughly £8–11
🚊 Buses: Several Lothian buses stop nearby at Holyrood Road
You can’t really miss it—the park rises dramatically behind Holyrood Palace, with Arthur’s Seat towering in the distance.
Best Photo Spots In Holyrood Park
Here’s where I love to take clients for unforgettable images:-
Arthur’s Seat (for dramatic landscape lovers)
If you’re up for a short hike, this extinct volcano gives panoramic views over Edinburgh and out to the sea. It’s a great spot for couples who want windswept, romantic shots with epic Scottish skies. (Pro tip: golden hour is breathtaking here!)
Note: It’s a steep climb, so wear good footwear, and we’ll take our time if you're in a dress or smart shoes.
St Margaret’s Loch (for peaceful, scenic portraits)
At the base of the hill, this loch is perfect for more relaxed family or couple portraits. There are swans, grassy areas to sit on, and beautiful views of the loch and the chapel. There is a car park at the loch so it's also great for anyone who doesn’t want to walk far!
St Anthony’s Chapel Ruins (for that ancient, moody vibe)
Just a short (but steep!) walk from the loch, these medieval ruins are one of my favourite backdrops in the park. The stone archways, with Arthur’s Seat behind, give serious Outlander vibes.
It’s quiet here, so we can take our time getting natural, unposed moments. And if the weather turns misty? Even better—it just adds to the mood!
Salisbury Crags (for dramatic cliffs & rock textures)
If you love big, bold backdrops, the Crags are ideal. With their layered rock formations and sweeping city views, they’re amazing for wide shots that show off Edinburgh’s landscape. We’ll just need to pick a safe route—it’s not ideal for very young children.
Planning Notes
🚗 Driving/Parking:
There are a few small car parks, but road closures are in place at weekends to make the park more pedestrian-friendly. During the week, access is open Tues–Thurs from 9:30am–3pm via the High Road and Dunsapie Loch Car Park.
🚻 Toilets:
You’ll find public toilets near the Holyrood Park Education Centre.
Want to get plan, get in touch and I’ll help you plan perfect route or if you want to do more research, check other featured areas
Let’s Talk Weather & What to Wear
Scotland’s weather keeps us on our toes—but don’t stress. Overcast skies = soft flattering light, and even a bit of drizzle can look magical on camera. Think moody, romantic, windswept and real.
Bring layers, maybe a bright scarf or a stylish raincoat. A comfy pair of boots will go a long way too. If it’s too wet, we can reschedule or opt for one of the sheltered spots.
Why I Love Shooting Here
Holyrood Park feels like a slice of Scotland in miniature. You’ve got the drama of the Highlands, the serenity of the lochs, the ancient mystery of ruins—all without leaving the city. It’s ideal for:
City breaks: If you're visiting and want epic photos to remember your trip
Local families or couples: Wanting a nature-based shoot without the travel
Elopements & proposals: Want something romantic, a bit wild, and very Scottish
Every shoot here feels like an adventure—and I’d love to help you plan yours.
Ready for an Adventure in Holyrood Park?
If you’re thinking about a shoot here (or just curious), drop me a message and let’s start planning. Whether it's a family walk, an engagement session or just a spontaneous photo adventure—I’ll help you choose the best time, best light and best spots.
Get in touch here
The Vennel Steps, Edinburgh | A Hidden Gem with Incredible Castle Views
Discover Edinburgh’s hidden gem: The Vennel. These quiet steps offer one of the best castle views and a perfect spot for relaxed, story-filled photo shoots.
Images speak louder than words—and The Vennel is proof of that. When it comes to jaw-dropping Edinburgh Castle views, this quiet little alleyway might just have the best in the city.
I’ve lived in and explored Edinburgh all my life, but it wasn’t until a visiting tourist booked a photoshoot with me five years ago and asked to visit The Vennel that I discovered it myself. It had popped up on her Instagram feed—and to this day, I’m amazed how few Edinburgh locals know it exists!
How to get to the Vennel Steps
Where Are the Vennel Steps?
The Vennel connects the Grassmarket to Keir Street and Lauriston Place. If you're heading from the Meadows or Marchmont towards the West End or Princes Street, it's a surprisingly handy (and photogenic) shortcut.
The easiest way to find it?
Head to the Grassmarket and look for Mary’s Milk Bar (a firm Instagram favourite thanks to it’s tasty ice cream). Just a few steps along from there, you’ll spot a narrow passage climbing steeply between two buildings. That’s The Vennel.
Go up the steps—and make sure you turn around as you climb. That’s when the magic happens.
The Gentler Route
If you’d prefer a gentler approach, you can come in from the top via Keir Street, which leads down into the Vennel without the workout.
Why The Vennel View Is So Special
You get a very different perspective of Edinburgh Castle from here. Rather than the classic Princes Street Gardens angle, The Vennel gives you a side view showing off the Great Hall, Half Moon Battery, and its iconic cannons peeking out.
The setting is a dream for photos: cobbled steps, old stone walls, iron railings, and traditional street lamps—especially magical when they’re lit at golden hour.
I’d love to do a shoot there when the street lamps come on and the city glows.
Food & Drink Near The Vennel
The Grassmarket is always buzzing with atmosphere—especially in the summer when the big pedestrianised area fills with people soaking up the sun.
Some of my favourite spots nearby:
Mary’s Milk Bar – Iconic ice cream and the perfect photo prop!
The Last Drop – A classic Edinburgh pub named after the last hanging (yep… grim but memorable).
Maison de Moggy – Edinburgh’s original cat café. It’s a quirky stop if you fancy a purrfect cuppa (sorry, couldn’t help myself).
Oink or Castle Rock Fish & Chips – Both great if you fancy a quick bite on nearby Victoria Street.
A Little Vennel Fame
The Vennel might be a hidden gem, but it’s starting to get the spotlight.
It featured in the recent TV adaptation of Ian Rankin’s Rebus, with Rebus’s fictional home being one of the doors along the wall at the top of the Vennel. If you're a fan of Edinburgh-based crime fiction, Rebus is a must-read.
Fun fact: I once spotted Ian Rankin himself walking through the Vennel mid-shoot, congratulating one of my couples and snapping a pic of me at work!
You’ll also find a bit of real history here—the Flodden Wall, Edinburgh’s old city wall built after the 1513 Battle of Flodden. Halfway up the Vennel, look out for the tower, wall, and plaque explaining its story.
Why Choose The Vennel for a Photoshoot?
The Vennel ticks all the boxes:
✨ Castle views with limited crowds
✨ Beautiful light, dramatic angles, and romantic textures
✨ Tucked-away charm perfect for couples or family shoots
✨ Just minutes from other top locations like Victoria Street and the Grassmarket
Whether you're visiting the city or just fancy capturing some everyday magic, The Vennel is one of those rare spots where Edinburgh feels timeless.
If you’re keen to include it in your shoot—or go full treasure-hunt mode exploring Edinburgh’s secret corners—let’s plan something relaxed and fun. You bring the smiles, I’ll bring the camera.
📍 Want more location inspiration? Check out my other guides to Calton Hill, the Royal Mile, and Edinburgh’s best photo spots.
Calton Hill Edinburgh | 5 Reasons it’s Perfect for a Photoshoot!
Discover Calton Hill, Edinburgh’s best viewpoint! From stunning cityscapes to historic monuments, find out if it’s worth visiting, how to get there, and why it’s perfect for a photoshoot.
If you’re visiting Edinburgh, be ready to climb, Edinburgh is very hilly whether you are walking around the city centre or exploring the hills around the edges. Along with Castle Rock and Arthurs Seat, Calton Hill is one of the most important hills to visit. It is the best place to go to watch the sunrise or sunset – although please note that seeing the sun in Scotland is never guaranteed and it can be crazy windy at the top! Also, if it is wet, don’t bother with an umbrella, they are generally useless in Scotland and end up inside out! I recommend just embracing the crazy Scottish weather and wearing something warm, perhaps a woollen shawl if you want historic Scottish vibes for photographs.
Calton Hill has some of the best photo spots in Scotland due to it’s outstanding views but it also has some interesting history. Whether you’re a tourist exploring the capital or a local looking for the best photoshoot location, here’s everything you need to know about why Calton Hill is worth a visit.
What is the significance of Calton Hill Edinburgh?
Calton Hill isn’t just a pretty viewpoint—it’s part of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site with it’s mix of Greek inspired historic landmarks, and even a few old cannons (which kids love to clamber over).:-
The National Monument (1829) – The grand, unfinished structure inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. It was built after the Napoleonic Wars to remember the Scottish soldiers and sailors who has died but was never finished so was nicknamed ‘Scotland’s Folly’ or ‘the Pride and Poverty of Scotland’
The Dugald Stewart Monument (1831) – Probably the most Instagram-famous viewpoint in Edinburgh alongside the Vennel. It was also based on Greek architecture and built to celebrate Dugald Stewart, a mathematician and philosopher, one of the most important figures during the Scottish Enlightenment (a period in Scotland when there was an immense amount of intellectual and scientific accomplishments)
The Nelson Monument (1816) – Built as a tribute to Admiral Nelson after the battle of Trafalgar. It has a mechanised time ball – synchronised to the castles’ 1 o’clock gun - which was to signal to the ships in Leith
The City Observatory (1736) – Is an enclosed area which holds the old city observatory which includes the Playfair building (designed like a Greek temple), a gothic tower house and multiple domes. The area was reopened as a the Collective Art Space in 2018 (the area is open Wed-Sunday 1-4pm, from March-December)
Calton Hill has always been a hub for artists, thinkers, and dreamers, and today it remains a place where history meets breathtaking scenery. It is also the site of the Beltane Fire Festival, a reinterpretation of the modernisation of an ancient Iron Age Celtic Ritual involving a drummed procession around Calton Hill and the lighting of a giant bonfire.
From the top of the hill, you’re not just looking across Edinburgh’s city centre but the 360o views also take in Forth Estury with views across to Fife, the Pentland Hills and it' has an fantastic view of Arthurs Seat.
Is it free to visit Calton Hill?
Yes! Edinburgh is such a compact city and it’s the perfect city to just walk around and explore – as long as you don’t mind the hill climbs. Head up at Calton Hill any time of the day. It will be busiest at sunset, but, that’s not for good reason as it’s perfect for a golden-hour photoshoot or if you’re a morning person, let’s pop up at sunrise for a quieter photo shoot. For more ideas of places to explore, read my guide ‘Best Photo Spots Edinburgh’
Is Calton Hill worth visiting?
100% yes. Here are 5 reason’s you’ll love Calton Hill, especially for a photoshoot:
Stunning views of Edinburgh
Unique, historical monuments
A peaceful spot for sunset watching
Iconic photo opportunities
Staying close to the city centre
…then Calton Hill is an absolute must-visit.
Unlike Arthur’s Seat, which is a good walk from the city centre and takes at least 45 minutes to climb, Calton Hill is a reasonably easy, quick walk that most people can manage—making it one of the best viewpoints in the city. Whether you’re visiting for the history, the views, or just a bit of fresh air, you won’t regret making the trip.
How long does it take to walk up Calton Hill?
Not long at all! It takes around 5-10 minutes to walk up Calton Hill from Waterloo Place. The path is paved, and while there is a slight incline, it’s nothing too strenuous.
➡️ Stay left for a gentler, longer climb.
➡️ Go right for a quicker, steeper ascent up the stone steps.
It’s proximity to the city centre makes it perfect for a spontaneous sunset walk or a relaxed city centre photoshoot.
Where is Calton Hill Edinburgh?
Calton Hill is located just a short walk from Edinburgh’s city centre, sitting at the end of Princes Street, it is just a few minutes from Waverly Station and the St. James Quarter:
📍 Princes Street (East End) – The main entrance, a short walk from Waverley Station.
📍 Regent Road – An alternative route with a gentler incline.
📍 Royal Terrace – another gentle climb up, from the top of Leith Walk
You can see Carlton Hill from everywhere in Edinburgh, just look for a mini Athens, standing tall above the skyline and walk that way!
Why choose Calton Hill for a photoshoot?
If you’re looking for an Edinburgh photoshoot location, Calton Hill is a a great choice if you like:-
Unbeatable City Views – A mix of skyline, historic architecture, and open landscapes.
Stunning Light at Sunrise & Sunset – The golden-hour glow - when the sun is out - is breath-taking.
Dramatic, Timeless Backdrops – Think grand monuments, rugged stone, and sweeping city views.
Easy Access – If you’re exploring the city centre, it’s not far out your way for the views you get.
It’s perfect for couples, families, solo travellers, or anyone wanting magical Edinburgh memories captured on camera.
If you’re considering a Calton Hill photoshoot, you need someone who knows the best angles, the best timing, and how to make you feel relaxed and natural in front of the camera. That’s where I come in!
✨ Laid-Back & Fun Approach – No awkward poses, just natural, joyful photos.
🌍 Local Knowledge – I know exactly where to go for the best light & views.
📷 Photos That Feel Like You – Whether it’s a romantic couple’s shoot or a fun solo session, I tailor the experience to your vibe.
Get in touch today and let’s capture your Edinburgh adventure in one of the city’s most iconic locations!
Final thoughts – Should you visit Calton Hill?
If you’re in Edinburgh, Calton Hill is a must. It’s got history, views, and the perfect mix of city and nature—and it’s completely free. You are best to visit on a calmer day as the wind can knock you over during high winds.
And if you want to make your visit even more special? Book a Calton Hill photoshoot and get stunning, natural, joy-filled images to remember your time in Edinburgh forever.
📩 Let’s chat! Click here to book your session
Guide Photo Spots Edinburgh
Find out more about where to explore in Edinburgh for the best photographs
15 Of The Best Photo Spots Edinburgh
Where are the best photo spots in Edinburgh for your city centre wedding? This handy little photo location guide to the top 15 photo spots in Edinburgh is here to help with photographs from real weddings as inspiration for your city centre adventure.
Where are the best photo spots in Edinburgh for your city centre wedding?
This handy little photo location guide is here to help with photographs from real weddings and a handy little map of city centre highlights. They are all close to the city centre & perfect to easily explore on your wedding day
Please let me know if you have a favourite place that you think should be added.
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City Centre Map
1. St. Giles Cathedral
2. Edinburgh City Chambers
3. The Royal Mile
4. The Edinburgh Festival
5. Writer’s Museum
6. Riddles Court
7. John Knox’s House
8. Edinburgh Castle
9. Victoria Street
10. The Vennel
11. The Mound
12. Prince’s Street Gardens
13. Carlton Hill
14. Holyrood Park
15. St. Anthony’s Chapel
Useful Links
Let’s start at the heart…
St. Giles Cathedral
St. Giles is literally in the heart of Edinburgh, the Heart of Midlothian is a mosaic on the ground outside St. Giles. Although this sounds like a romantic place to stand, beware, it is thought to be good luck to spit on it (apologies for spoiling the romance with a rather yucky start to this guide).
Let’s skip past that part… St. Giles is one of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings with it’s crown top a prominent part of Edinburgh’s skyline. I love exploring the pretty steps & doorways and I use it as a screen to take you away from the Royal Mile crowds into some of the quieter spaces behind.
2. Edinburgh City Chambers
Edinburgh’s City Chambers is a fantastically placed Registry Office, placed right outside St. Giles the chambers building is beautiful with its courtyard and sheltered arches (which have sheltered many weddings from Scotland’s weather over the years).
3. The Royal Mile
Talking about weather, around the city centre there are plenty more sheltered spots to explore around the royal mile, if the weather isn’t optimal. I have photographed in rain and fog around the city and it often just adds to the beauty.
When it rains the sandstone on the buildings darkens and the cobbled streets glisten and colours pop.
In the fog, everything looks old world-y and the diffuse light is beautifully flattering for portraits.
The Royal Mile links Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace and has the majority of the best photo spots in Edinburgh, especially as there are many popular wedding venues on the mile or within walking distance.
St. Giles and the Chambers are on the high street part of the mile which is the most photographed part but boogle down some of the Close’s and you’ll find hidden gem’s such as Advocate’s Close with it’s brilliant views of the Scott’s Monument or Riddles Court’s with is beautiful courtyard.
4. The Edinburgh Festival
In the festival Edinburgh fills up and the Royal Mile is packed with crowds, buskers & entertainers. The atmosphere is electric. Walking down the Royal Mile in a wedding dress will always get cheers of friendly congratulations but in the festival, you will be hidden amongst the many crazy outfits of the performers vying for your attention.
Jemma and Alasdair got married during the busiest week of the festival and loved getting amongst the crowds for their photos.
5. The Writer’s Museum
Continuing up the Royal Mile from the High Street you reach the Lawnmarket which leads up the final stretch to the castle.
Just off the Lawnmarket you find Lady Stair’s House. The 17th century Lady Stair’s House is home to the writer’s museum, I love exploring the peaceful courtyard and the cute lamposts.
6. Riddles Court
Riddles Court is one of my favourite Edinburgh buildings. I love the orange façade & pentice stair. I can imagine the king holding his banquet’s there in the 16th century. It’s tucked away off the lawn market. It’s so hidden, few tourist’s find it so it’s the perfect place for some quiet photos with some stunning unique architecture.
7. John Knox’s House
Further down the High Street, just before you enter the Cannongate part of the Royal Mile you get to John Knox’s House. Parts of the building date back to the 15th century building and it now houses the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
It’s a little off route and on a busy part of road on the Royal Mile but it is one the oldest buildings in Edinburgh and very picturesque.
8. Edinburgh Castle
The temptation is to go the castle for wedding photos but unfortunately if you have a wedding dress on, they won’t let you onto the castle esplanade (unless you are getting married there) but really the best spots are a wee walk away, venture to the Vennel or the Ross Fountain for the perfect castle pic.
9. Victoria Street
Victoria Street is famous as the inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. This cute little street has some brilliant little shops and links the Royal Mile to the historic Grassmarket where you can get a brilliant view of Edinburgh Castle.
10. The Vennel
Just off the Grassmarket you can climb up the Vennel Steps and get one of the best views of Edinburgh Castle. If you’re really lucky you might get a congratulations from the author Ian Rankin who was passing by during Maria & Rhys’s wedding, we’re waiting to see if they appear as characters in a Rebus novel.
11. The Mound
If you walk down from the Lawnmarket you will get to the Mound and enter into Edinburgh’s New Town.
The architecture completely changes as you enter the straight streets and Georgian architecture of the New Town and see the statement pillars of the galleries.
You’ll be surrounded by the hustle and bustle of shoppers on Princes’ Street. From here you can also explore Prince’s Street gardens and get some great views of Edinburgh Castle.
12. Prince’s Street Gardens & Ross’s Fountain
Prince’s Street gardens run along the whole length of Prince’s Street and have some amazing views of the city & the castle. At the east end of the garden’s, you’ll find the Ross Fountain area which is a great place for a pic with Edinburgh Castle.
13. Calton Hill
Calton Hill is the best place in Edinburgh to get panoramic views across the city or to enjoy sunrise or sunset. It’s a bit further away from the Old Town so you will need transport to get to there. If you chose to walk, it’s about a 15 minute walk (with a some steep hills) from the High Street on the Royal Mile.
You can see from the River Forth to Arthur’s Seat to Edinburgh Castle. It’s an amazing place to go when the sun is low but it is a good hike to get up to it. Olivia and Tom got a car up the hill and enjoyed the golden evening light at the top of the hill.
14. Holyrood Park
At the bottom of the Royal Mile you’ll find Holyrood Palace which is the King’s home when he visits Edinburgh.
The palace is next to Holyrood Park, if you want a real adventure with an amazing view you can walk up Arthurs Seat and get some photographs at St. Anthony’s Chapel
15. St. Anthony’s Chapel
St. Anthony’s Chapel is a ruined chapel on the hillside with stunning views over the city.
It takes about 20mins to get up to it and it is rough ground so you need good footwear but it is stunning.
Shauna and Frazer went here to exchange their vows after their wedding in the City Chambers.
Taxi Adventure
Edinburgh is compact but if you have high heels on a vehicle to get your around is a plan.
You can hire an Edinburgh cab to take you around some of the sights. It’s also a cute vehicle to have in your photos.
Red Bus Tours
If you want your guest’s to enjoy the city while you have a more intimate adventure you can hire a Red Bus to take your guests around the city. Companies such as the Red Bus Bistro will do a tour with afternoon tea for your guests.
Are you planning an Edinburgh wedding?
If you’d like to chat about your plans, check availability or pricing, please get in touch :-)
Useful Links
Graduation Photography
Alternative graduation photography in Edinburgh and around Scotland, opt for something different, choose to have photographs that tell the story of where you lived whilst at university. Much more exciting than the traditional white background graduation photographs!
Graduation photos don’t have to be dull and lifeless, with everyone standing stiffly in front of a white screen. Those pictures don’t really capture the joy of your university experience or the stunning beauty of Edinburgh, where you’ve spent these amazing years. I want to give you photos that celebrate your graduation day and tell the story of your time in this beautiful city.
As standard, I suggest a 2-hour shoot to give us plenty of time to explore the city and the university, capturing all those meaningful spots. But if you want to venture further afield, we can always add extra time. You could even book a full day to cover your entire graduation day, from getting ready to celebrating after the ceremony and exploring the city. Edinburgh is a unique, ancient city, full of character and history—definitely worth recording in all its glory.
My graduation shoots are all about capturing the essence of your university life in Edinburgh. My graduation shoots are priced like my other portrait shoots so visit my vacations page to find out about my prices and what is included in my portrait packages. You can share the shoot with a few friends if you wish, or just get some lovely shots with your parents, just get in touch to find out more.
After your shoot, you’ll get a beautiful gallery with lots of storytelling images to download, share, and print. These aren’t just graduation photos—they’re a personal and meaningful record of this important part of your life. When they’re framed or in an album, your kids or grandkids will love hearing about your time in Scotland. You’ll be able to show them the castle, the mountains, your student accommodation, or even your favourite pub.
We’ll chat before your shoot to make sure it’s personalized and includes the spots in Edinburgh that mean the most to you. For example, Li, an Edinburgh University graduate from Hong Kong, couldn’t make his graduation ceremony, so we did a candid shoot around the architecture teaching areas on Minto Street and the Edinburgh College of Art. Karina and her friends, also from Hong Kong, booked me on their graduation day for some beautiful shots in their robes around the library, McEwan Hall, Old College, and the Meadows. Zuhri and Nisah wanted iconic Scottish scenery, so we spent a day in Glen Coe, capturing beauty spots like Loch Lomond, the Trossachs, Stirling Castle, and the Forth Rail Bridge.
For more info about pricing, check out my vacation portrait pages, or just get in touch at alijayphotography@gmail.com or 07885930579.
Let’s make your graduation photos a beautiful, personalised story of your time in Edinburgh and Scotland.
