Edinburgh Castle

“Edinburgh Castle is the most visited attraction in Scotland, welcoming over 1.3 million visitors each year who come in search of views, royal history, and a glimpse at the ‘Honours of Scotland’ – Britain’s oldest crown jewels. Edinburgh Castle is not only the dominant feature of the city’s skyline, visible from miles around, it’s also the feature which gives the city its name — the old Gaelic name translates roughly as ‘the fort on the hill’. trust me, you might underestimate this castle, and even i have kept 2 hrs for this, but it needs more time. With several museums, a large war memorial, a royal palace, a Great Hall & several other little stops/activities, if you want to actually see all of Edinburgh Castle’s sights and attractions, you’ll need much more than two hours… especially considering the line to see the Honours of Scotland (AKA the Crown Jewels) can last 20+ minutes. * Three regimental military museums * The National War Museum * The Scottish National War Memorial * The Honours of Scotland, featuring the Scottish crown jewels and Stone of Destiny * St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh * Optional 30-minute introductory tours available throughout the day * Prisons of War exhibition * The Great Hall where banquets were held * The One O'Clock Gun, fired every day (except Sunday) at 1pm * Visit the small antechamber where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to her son, James VI of Scotland * Three gift shops and two cafes The oldest surviving structure at the castle (and the oldest in the city) dates back to the 12th century. It is of course St Margaret’s Chapel, built by King David I in honour of his mother. This same king is the one credited with turning Edinburgh Castle into a royal residence. As the years rolled on, royals came and went, with new additions being made to the castle, creating the complex we see today. The Renaissance of the 1400s for instance brought us the Royal Palace that now houses various royal paintings and displays (including THE closet where Mary, Queen of Scots gave birth to King James VI of Scotland, AKA King James I of England). The 1500s brought us the Great Hall, which was needed of course for fancy banquets. The 1600s brought new defences and barracks as the castle eased into its role of a military outpost more than swanky royal digs Tickets to Edinburgh Castle should be booked online before you arrive. Tip: these spots across the city offers great view of the castle- Calton Hill, The Grassmarket, Salisbury Crags, Castle Esplanade, Ross Fountain, St Cuthbert’s Churchyard, The Vennel”

“A really worth while visit in Edinburgh. Lots to see and explore. Panoramic views from all the points inside, steeped in history and stories. Great coffee shop, gift shop and the castle leads straight out onto the Royal Mile. Be prepared to walk uphill as well as downhill.”

“Great experience and views from the castle. We arrived around 12pm, plenty of time to make our way through the castle to the 1 o'clock gun and watch the ceremony. Historic place with plenty to see. Well worth a visit and the views are amazing.”

“A beautiful and unforgettable place to experience the rich and elegant history of Scotland. Edinburgh Castle offers stunning views over the city, but be sure to check the weather, as clear skies make the experience truly special. It can get quite busy on weekends, so arriving early helps. Even for children, it’s a fascinating visit, and I’d say it’s a must see for anyone coming to Edinburgh.”