National Wallace Monument
The National Wallace monument is one of Stirling’s most distinctive landmarks and overlooks the scene of Scotland’s victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Over the last 150 years the Wallace Monument has fascinated everyone who visits with its variety of exhibits and displays on offer. The monument also features a 246 step spiral staircase which visitors can climb to access three of the exhibition galleries within the Monument and the Crown at the top of the building. The monument also gives visitors the chance to see the Wallace Sword.
Open from 9.30am-5pm
Admission prices vary from £6.50-£10.50
Abbey Craig, Hillfoots Road, Causewayhead, Stirling, FK9 5LF
Scott Monument
After the death of Sir Walter Scott in 1832 it was agreed that a memorial would be created to honour the outstanding literary figure. Four years later an architectural competition was launched to collect designs for the memorial and in 1838 the design of George Meikle Kemp was approved and construction of the memorial began in 1840. Although the design is celebrated across the globe, George Meikle Kemp never lived to see it completed. There a guided tours of the monument which run every half hour from 10am until 4.30pm. From the Museum Room visitors can view the four stained-glass windows before embarking on the climb to the top of the monument.
Open daily from 10am-4pm
Admission prices vary from £6-£8
Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, EH2 2EJ
McLennan Arch
Termed Glasgow’s Arc de Triomphe the McLennan Arch was initially part of a building which became the Atheneum club in 1847 before being knocked down in 1892 to enable the building of the General Post Office. The central arch which we see today was preserved and moved initially to Greendyke Street and then to Glasgow Green and finally being erected at the Saltmarket entrance in 1991.
Free
Glasgow Green, Saltmarket, Glasgow, G1 5JZ
Burns Monument
Although the foundation stone of the monument was laid in 1831, the Burns monument was re-opened in 2009 after extensive restorations which attracted donations of over £200,000 from individuals, businesses and charitable trusts. Sitting on the slopes of Calton Hill, the monument is surrounded by the Burns Poetry garden containing flowers mentioned in his poetry. As you enter the monument you are greeted by a circular room which is home to a bust of Robert Burns. The stairs in the monument lead to a walkway around to top of the main body of the monument offering great views of the garden and the River Doon.
Free
1759 Regent Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8DR
Nelson Monument
Sitting atop Calton Hill, the Nelson Monument provides, arguably, the best vantage point to view the city of Edinburgh and beyond. The monument has a rich history having had a variety of visitors including a visitor from Lapland who took his herd of reindeer to the top as a publicity stunt in 1822. In 1852 a time ball was installed at the top of the tower which was used to help ships navigate at sea. In 2009 both the time ball and the monument were restored and the time ball still drops at one o’clock most days and although no loner needed for navigation, it has become an Edinburgh tradition. If you’re able to climb the 147 steps to the top of the monument you will be able to enjoy some of the best views Edinburgh has to offer.
Open every day from 10am – 5pm
Entry to climb the tower is £6 but entry to the museum on the ground floor is free
32 Calton Hill, Edinburgh, EH7 5AA
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