WELCOME TO
The Blog
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
