📌 New Town, City of Edinburgh
★★
🛠️ Site closed since Covid-19 pandemic – exterior view still possible (checked April 2024)
This 100-foot monument at the top of Calton Hill, Edinburgh, was built in memory of Admiral Lord Nelson, commemorating his victory (and death) at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Since 1853 a time ball on top of the tower has dropped at 1pm daily: originally to help ships in the Firth of Forth set their clocks, but now more as a tourist attraction. Paying customers are treated to the very best views of the capital after climbing 143 spiral steps, while the small exhibition below is (at the time of writing) free to visit.
🌍 Location
📌 On the summit of Calton Hill, 15-min walk northeast of Edinburgh Waverley station
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NT 263741
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 55.954381,-3.182604
🚆 Edinburgh Waverley | 🚋 Picardy Place | 🚌 Numerous local buses
🚗 Street parking nearby (charge)
📝 Key info
⌚ Daily
🎫 £6 to climb the tower; exhibition is free
