Our address
City Observatory, 38 Calton Hill, Edinburgh, EH7 5AA
There are multiple approaches to Collective:
- Access road from Regent Road (step-free but up a steep hill)
- Hume Walk path via steps at Regent Road
- Greenside Path via slope and steps at Royal Terrace/Blenheim Place
There are two entrances to the site:
- South Gate – As you approach our site from Waterloo Steps, you will see a double-doored gate in the wall, which will bring you to the front of our City Observatory.
- East Gate – As you approach our site from the Royal Terrace or Regent Road sides, you will see a very large gate which brings you to our coffee Kiosk.
Calton Hill disabled access
A gated access road leading from Regent Road, next to the Royal High School entrance, is available for use by blue badge holders during opening hours. Parking is available on top of Calton Hill during opening hours for blue badge holders only.
Taxis
Taxi drop-off and pick-up is available using the access road. Parking is not permitted for taxis.
Buggies
The easiest approach to Collective on foot if bringing a buggy up is via the access road leading from Regent Road, next to the Royal High School entrance.
Visiting After dark
While we change the opening times of Collective each October and March to align with British Summer Time, there will sometimes be events that fall outwith hours of daylight.
If visiting Collective on foot after dark, especially in winter months, we suggest using the path up from Waterloo Place and entering our site through the smaller South Gate, as there are areas of the hill with limited lighting – and therefore limited visibility.
If you are arriving via car/taxi to our accessible main East Gate entrance after dark, please do feel free to call us and we can assist with additional torchlight.
- If visiting for a Collective event: 0131 556 1264
- If visiting for a Cafe Calton event: 0131 322 1246
Visiting in ice and snow
While we aim to ensure our Observatory site is gritted and as safe as possible for visitors during icy and snowy conditions, the wider Calton Hill is a large, expansive space and there can be slip hazards on the main areas and pathways.
We ask visitors to take extra care when exploring the hill in winter, and suggest using the gentler slope up from Waterloo Place in adverse weather conditions.
Please do feel free to call us within opening times if you need further assistance.
- If visiting for a Collective event: 0131 556 1264
- If visiting for a Cafe Calton event: 0131 322 1246