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The Royal Mile is the thoroughfare that links Edinburgh Castle with Holyrood palace. The street is full of history dating back to the origins of Edinburgh and forward to the present day.

The origins of Edinburgh are represented by Edinburgh Castle and the present by the new Scottish Parliament building. Edinburgh castle is built on the location of the first centre of population, the new Scottish Parliament is currently under construction and is expected to open in 2002.

Starting at the top of the Royal Mile you have Edinburgh Castle, the structure that dominates the Edinburgh skyline. Visit the castle and look out over Edinburgh and see the same view that the ancient defenders of Edinburgh saw.

Leaving the Castle, and walking downhill towards Holyrood Palace, one of the first attractions you will come across is the Scottish whisky heritage centre. The centre tells you all about Scotland's national drink, the origins, the history, the present, the recipes, spend some time here and savour both the taste and the aroma.

Leaving the centre you will next come across the Camara Obscura and Outlook Tower, a photographic exhibition of Edinburgh past and present, the next attraction is the Assembly Hall, the temporary site of the Scottish Parliament.

Further on down is the Museum of Childhood, the name says it all, come out of the museum and across the road is John Knox house, a permanent exhibition devoted to the life of the religious reformer.

Just before reaching Holyrood Palace is the new Scottish parliament, expected to be occupied in 2002 and the Dynamic Earth exhibition - Edinburgh's newest large museum and display centre.

The above narration only mentions a few of the attractions of the Royal Mile, walk down it and see if you can discover the rest; Tollbooth Kirk, the Heart of Midlothian, Lady Stair's house are just a few of the sites left for you to discover.