Edinburgh Quiz: Castle, Royal Mile and Festivals of Scotland
This Edinburgh quiz explores Scotland's capital, with questions on the Royal Mile, Arthur's Seat, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the old nickname Auld Reekie, the One O'Clock Gun, the Scott Monument, Greyfriars Bobby, the unfinished monument on Calton Hill, Hogmanay and the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith. Ten questions.
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π― Daily Trivia Challenge β’ π§ 10 Questions β’ β±οΈ 90 Seconds
Streets
The Royal Mile runs between Edinburgh Castle and which royal palace?
Hills
Arthur's Seat, the hill that rises above Edinburgh, is the remains of what?
Festivals
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, held every August, holds which record?
Nicknames
Edinburgh's old nickname Auld Reekie means what?
Traditions
What happens every day except Sundays at Edinburgh Castle at 1 p.m.?
Monuments
The Gothic Scott Monument on Princes Street honors which writer?
Dogs
Greyfriars Bobby, honored with a statue in Edinburgh, is famous for what?
Monuments
The unfinished National Monument on Calton Hill was modeled on which building?
Celebrations
What is the Scottish name for New Year's Eve, celebrated in Edinburgh with a huge street party?
Ships
Which former royal ship is docked in Edinburgh's port of Leith as a museum?
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Scroll down to see the explanation for each question.
Explanations: answer key for all 10 questions
- Q1: The Royal Mile runs between Edinburgh Castle and which royal palace?
Answer: The Palace of Holyroodhouse
Holyroodhouse is the King's official residence in Scotland. The Royal Mile is actually slightly longer than an ordinary mile.
- Q2: Arthur's Seat, the hill that rises above Edinburgh, is the remains of what?
Answer: An ancient volcano
The extinct volcano erupted about 350 million years ago. The climb to its summit takes less than an hour and offers views over the city and sea.
- Q3: The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, held every August, holds which record?
Answer: The world's largest arts festival
Anyone can perform, so thousands of shows fill theaters, pubs and streets. It began in 1947 when groups not invited to the official festival performed anyway.
- Q4: Edinburgh's old nickname Auld Reekie means what?
Answer: Old Smoky
The name comes from the smoke of coal and wood fires that hung over the crowded Old Town. Today the air is much cleaner.
- Q5: What happens every day except Sundays at Edinburgh Castle at 1 p.m.?
Answer: A gun is fired
The One O'Clock Gun was first fired in 1861 so ships in the Firth of Forth could set their clocks. A time ball on Calton Hill drops at the same moment.
- Q6: The Gothic Scott Monument on Princes Street honors which writer?
Answer: Sir Walter Scott
It is one of the largest monuments to a writer in the world. Visitors can climb its 287 steps for views of the city.
- Q7: Greyfriars Bobby, honored with a statue in Edinburgh, is famous for what?
Answer: Guarding his master's grave for 14 years
The Skye terrier is said to have stayed near his owner's grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard. Visitors rub the statue's nose for luck.
- Q8: The unfinished National Monument on Calton Hill was modeled on which building?
Answer: The Parthenon
Building began in 1826, but money ran out after 12 columns were raised. It was nicknamed Edinburgh's Disgrace.
- Q9: What is the Scottish name for New Year's Eve, celebrated in Edinburgh with a huge street party?
Answer: Hogmanay
Celebrations include a torchlight procession, concerts and fireworks over the castle. Crowds sing Auld Lang Syne at midnight.
- Q10: Which former royal ship is docked in Edinburgh's port of Leith as a museum?
Answer: The Royal Yacht Britannia
Britannia sailed more than a million miles on royal and official voyages. It was retired in 1997 and opened to visitors in 1998.
Edinburgh Quiz β Scotland's Historic Capital
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Built on hills and old volcanoes, it is famous for its castle, medieval streets, elegant Georgian squares and world-famous festivals. Its Old Town and New Town together have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.
The Old Town grew along a ridge leading down from Edinburgh Castle, which sits on Castle Rock. The Royal Mile links the castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and narrow alleys called closes lead off it. Crowded and smoky, the Old Town earned the nickname Auld Reekie. In the 18th century, the city built the New Town, a planned district of wide streets, squares and gardens.
Edinburgh has a rich literary history. Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson and Arthur Conan Doyle all have links to the city, and J.K. Rowling wrote parts of the Harry Potter books in Edinburgh cafΓ©s. The Scott Monument is one of the largest monuments to a writer. Edinburgh was the world's first UNESCO City of Literature.
Every August, the city fills with performers for the Edinburgh International Festival, the Fringe and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. At Hogmanay, huge crowds celebrate New Year with fireworks over the castle.
Visitors climb Arthur's Seat, visit Calton Hill and explore Leith, where the Royal Yacht Britannia is docked. Greyfriars Bobby's statue recalls a loyal dog.
Scottish food is part of the experience. Haggis, neeps and tatties, cullen skink soup and shortbread are local favorites, and whisky bars and tasting rooms line the Royal Mile. The Scottish Parliament, opened in 2004, stands next to Holyrood Park.
This quiz covers the history, landmarks, festivals and traditions of Edinburgh.
What This Quiz Teaches
This quiz is perfect for travelers, history fans and book lovers.
- The Royal Mile and Holyroodhouse
- Arthur's Seat and Calton Hill
- The Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Hogmanay
- The nickname Auld Reekie and the One O'Clock Gun
- The Scott Monument and Greyfriars Bobby
- The Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith
Quick Facts About Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Castle is one of the most visited attractions in Scotland.
- Princes Street Gardens were once a polluted loch.
- Mary King's Close is a hidden street beneath the Royal Mile.
- The Forth Bridge, a red railway bridge, is a UNESCO site nearby.
- Edinburgh Zoo is home to many penguins.
- The Water of Leith walkway follows a river through the city.
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