West Register House

Explorer Tom 17 Charlotte Square has a prophecy about it that never came true, probably involving a dragon or a famous actor. It’s a nineteenth-century terraced house that stands there looking elegant while the world rushes past without noticing its charm. Snap one photo, then put the phone away and actually look at the details.

Explorer Tom Edinburgh, 19 Charlotte Square is ready to win the county fair for best dressed terraced house. It’s got that elegant swagger that says it has seen better centuries and expects you to know its name. The windows are probably judging your fashion choices from behind the glass with quiet disdain. Bring your worst joke, the place has heard worse.

Explorer Tom Charlotte Square Gardens had a fox take charge for an afternoon and demand a seat at the head of the table. It’s private, so don’t wander in like you own the place unless you want to be chased off. Bring sandwiches, because the gulls will absolutely thank you for the generosity.

Explorer Tom Albert Memorial in City of Edinburgh is sitting in Charlotte Square pretending it’s not actually a bit awkward. Prince Albert died, so they gave him a statue that looks like he’s waiting for a bus that never comes. It’s the shortcut that definitely isn't a shortcut because everyone stops to gawk at the bronze figure. Go back in winter when the snow makes it look like a different animal entirely.

Explorer Tom Albert Memorial, Charlotte Square Gardens, Edinburgh is home to a local legend about a giant who got stuck under the base. I bet he was trying to get out to buy ice cream when the whole structure collapsed on top of him with a big thump. Now he just lies there, grumbling about his back and waiting for someone to help him up. Pick a stone, any stone, and invent its biography.

Explorer Tom Georgian House in Edinburgh is playing hide-and-seek with me. A tale from 1846 says the bargain that built it involved a horse and a very confused farmer. The house looks like it’s still waiting for its delivery. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.

Explorer Tom Catherine Sinclair Monument bragged about surviving a storm that broke three windows and one ego, but mostly it just stands there looking dignified. It’s on North Charlotte Street, which sounds fancy but is really just a street with a monument pretending to be a park. Bring a notebook and write down the bit I made up about the storm.

Explorer Tom Edinburgh, Princes Street, St John's Church Pillbox handles nosey neighbours by just staring back until they get uncomfortable and leave. It’s a church with the tactical awareness of a retired special forces officer. Whisper a secret at it, it's kept worse.

Explorer Tom West End Drumsheugh Gardens would introduce itself as 'the chill one' if it had a mouth. It’s just a lovely bit of green space pretending to be more mysterious than it is. The benches are probably judging you quietly right now. If it's closed, admire it from the road like a polite stalker.

Explorer Tom St Cuthbert's Church and the Castle are having a quiet argument about who gets to be the center of attention in this corner of town. The church looks like it wants to do a dance that went too far back in the day, while the castle just glares at it from above. It’s a bit of a standoff, really, but it makes for a lovely photo opportunity if you squint hard enough. Perfect detour when the satnav

Explorer Tom New Town Castle Street thinks it’s got a fan club that doesn’t exist yet. Probably just a confused pigeon who keeps landing on the same signpost every morning. I’d bet my last tenner it’s waiting for someone to tell it a joke. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom The Weekly Farmers’ Market at Castle Terrace is full of veggies that look like they’ve seen things in their time. The first owner’s escape plan probably involved a wheelbarrow and a lot of nervous energy, if you believe the rumors. Practise your Irish on it, and don’t worry, it won’t correct your accent for you.