Exploring near Edinburgh’s Quartermile

Edinburgh’s landmark Quartermile development sits within a hub of history, entertainment and culture, with plenty of attractions to suit an array of interests.

Located at the heart of it is Residence Inn by Marriott, an ‘apart-hotel’ with spacious studios and one-bedroom suites that have all the amenities you could possibly need during your stay, including kitchenettes. Cafés, shops and modern apartment buildings line the charming walkway by the hotel, which also borders the University of Edinburgh's George Square campus.

Just a few minutes’ walk from Residence Inn at Quartermile you can find the National Museum of Scotland. After undergoing a major refurbishment two years ago, this popular attraction has gone from strength to strength, drawing in locals and tourists alike. The majestic building itself is a sight to behold, but what lies within is a captivating world of nature, science, history and art. Expect to discover a lot about the history of Scotland, as well as facts and exhibitions from around the globe – as an added bonus, entry is free.

Just across the road from the museum is the beautiful church, Greyfriars Kirk. With construction ending around 1620, it’s one of the oldest surviving buildings outside of Edinburgh’s Old Town. You will notice a statue of Greyfriars Bobby guarding the kirkyard, which surrounds the church. This statue represents the Skye terrier who, as legend dictates, guarded his owner’s grave for 14 years before dying himself in 1872, the same year that the statue was built in his memory. Many different tales surround this well-loved dog, and the statue is Edinburgh’s smallest listed ‘building’.

Just a short walk from here, you will find the world-famous Royal Mile – the main street of Edinburgh’s Old Town that stretches from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. Here you’ll find a great selection of shops, bars, cafés and restaurants, as well as plenty of nooks, crannies and alleyways that lead to hidden gems, such as beautiful courtyards and architectural relics of times gone by. Mary King’s Close is a particularly captivating tourist attraction that takes you on a tour of streets beneath the Royal Mile that have been frozen in time since the 17th century.

If you’re interested in the arts, you’ll find the Festival Theatre and the King’s Theatre near Quartermile. The Festival Theatre often has musicals on the bill, as well as ballets and operas. It’s situated on Nicolson Street, where you can expect to find plenty of restaurants offering pre-theatre dinner menus. There’s also the historic King’s Theatre, which opened to audiences back in 1906. It hosts a variety of shows, from comedy and pantomime to drama and plays from the West End.

However long your trip to the Scottish capital lasts, staying in in the exciting Quartermile area will ensure you’re never too far away from the highlights of this amazing city.

For more information on Residence Inn by Marriott or to book a room, visit the website or call 0131 229 7150.