Discover Edinburgh Castle, part of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the most well-known historic sites in Scotland. You could spend more than a full day here, but it is still worth a visit if you only have an hour or two.
The famous castle sits high on Castle Rock in Old Town, at the top of The Royal Mile. Its location provides the most incredible views of Edinburgh below. Palace Holyroodhouse sits at the opposite end of The Royal Mile.
Leading up to the castle is a number of shops selling tartans, wonderful scarves and other souvenirs, along with a variety of places to eat.
Discover things to do in medieval Edinburgh. Explore Old Town and New Town along with the many museums, monument, memorials and galleries of this historic city. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr
Complimentary guided tours and audio tours are available or you can follow the blue shields on the map provided with your entrance ticket to do your own self-guided tour.
Consider buying an Explorer Pass that will get you into Scotland’s top attractions, including many sites in Edinburgh. You can also buy a ‘skip the line’ ticket for Edinburgh Castle from a Hop-On Hop-Off tour bus. We bought our tickets on the bus.
Discover Edinburgh Castle Highlights
Stone of Destiny
St. Margaret’s Chapel
St. Margaret’s Chapel built by David I about 1130 is Edinburgh’s oldest building. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
The Crown Jewels of Scotland
Discover things to do in medieval Edinburgh. Explore Old Town and New Town along with the many museums, monument, memorials and galleries of this historic city. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr
National War Museum
The War Museum at Edinburgh Castle. Discover Edinburgh Castle highlights and things to do in medieval Edinburgh. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr
Panoramic views from Edinburgh Castle
Panoramic views from Edinburgh Castle. Discover things to do in medieval Edinburgh. Explore Old Town and New Town along with the many museums, monument, memorials and galleries of this historic city. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr@
The one o’clock gun
The One o’clock gun at Edinburgh Castle. Discover Edinburgh Castle highlights and things to do in medieval Edinburgh. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr
Discover things to do in medieval Edinburgh. Explore Old Town and New Town along with the many museums, monument, memorials and galleries of this historic city.
Explore Edinburgh Castle. Discover things to do in medieval Edinburgh. Explore Old Town and New Town along with the many museums, monument, memorials and galleries of this historic city. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr
Fast Facts:
- The Royal Palace has been home to many of the Scottish monarchs. Also Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to her son James Vl here in 1566.
- The Stone of Destiny will go to Westminster Abbey when there is a coronation ceremony for a new monarch.
- The Crown Jewels of Scotland consist of three items: a crown, a sceptre and sword.
- The castle has been used as a military base since the 1600s.
- The last king to live here was Charles I. He left the castle in 1633.
- Edinburgh Castle was built by David l in the 12th century.
- Castle Rock was formed after a volcanic eruption.
- St. Margaret’s Chapel is Edinburgh’s oldest building, built by David I about 1130.
Have you been here? Want to go or have other tips or comments. We'd love to hear from you.