Undoubtedly, Edinburgh is the most iconic place to visit in Scotland. Seeping in history and boasting stunning architecture, Edinburgh Castle is one of the most visited tourist sites in the country and something that must be on your Edinburgh itinerary
Beautifully sitting on Castle Hill, Edinburgh Castle traces its history from the 11th century and has served as the home to the royals for many centuries. Apart from being used as the Royal Residence, Edinburgh Castle has also been a military base, much of which can be seen through exhibits displayed in rooms and outdoor areas.
Edinburgh Castle is perfect for people of all ages. If you are planning a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland, then a guided tour is a must to experience the real charm of this beautiful fortress.
In this guide, we are going to fill you up with all the information, including the history, facts, and what to expect before visiting Edinburgh Castle.
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A Complete Guide to Visiting Edinburgh Castle
Table of Contents
Planning Your Trip
We use the below booking platforms to plan our trips. We hope you find them useful too!
Where to Stay in Edinburgh
There is a wide range of accommodations available in Edinburgh, so you will not be short on options. Here are our top suggestions for the best places to stay in Edinburgh for any budget.
Luxury – Sitting less than 500m from one of Edinburgh’s main stations, Edinburgh Haymarket, the Leonardo Royal hotel is a fantastic choice if you would like a bit of luxury. The spacious and comfortable rooms at this city-centre hotel are complete with a large TV, tea and coffee facilities and work away.
Book your stay at the Leonardo Royal Haymarket here.
Mid-Range – For a more reasonably priced stay in the city of Edinburgh, without crimping on comfort, the Haymarket Hub Hotel is the best choice for you. This comfortable and central hotel is just a 15-minute walk from sights such as the Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.
Book your stay at the Haymarket Hub Hotel here.
Budget – For those wishing to make the most of their time out in Edinburgh and don’t plan on staying long inside the accommodation itself, the High Street Hostel is your best choice. The building that hosts this hostel dates back to 1564 and sits right on a high street just off the Royal Mile.
An Insight Into the History of Edinburgh Castle
Being one of the oldest fortified castles in Europe, Edinburgh Castle has a rich and interesting history. Along with being a popular tourist site, this castle is also a prominent place used by the military today.
Talking about architecture, well, history says that it was first built during the Iron Age. Throughout the years, the construction has witnessed the thick and thin of time and has served as the realm of Scottish monarchs.
Not only this, the building in itself has also changed from what it was in the beginning, with key elements being included over the years.
The medieval cannon, Mon Meg, is a prominent highlight at Edinburgh Castle. It was given by King James II in 1457 and today serves amongst the key highlights at Edinburgh Castle.
History has it that it was the first king of Scotland, Malcolm III Canmore, who built this castle.
Between the years 1296 and 1341, Edinburgh Castle was captured by English invaders and later twice taken back by Scots. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the castle was also besieged repeatedly. It was also captured by Covenanters twice during the was of Bishops between 1629 and 1640. It also went into the hands of Oliver Cromwell’s New Model Army during the Civil Wars in 1650.
Where to Buy a Ticket to Edinburgh Castle?
There are different ways through which you book a ticket to Edinburgh Castle. The highly recommended one is online, as it will save you time. Along with that, you will save some money, about £2 per ticket. Using online as a mode to purchase a ticket will also ensure a specific slot to visit the castle.
Besides, you can also go for an explorer pass, either a 5-day one or a 14-day one. It gives access to all Scottish historic sites. This is indeed a highly recommended option if you are planning to explore a majority or all of the historic sites on your Scotland tour.
Lastly, you can also go for a guided tour which will definitely save you from being in those long queues.
We would recommend booking your ticket to Edinburgh Castle with Fast track entry here.
What Are the Ticket Prices to Edinburgh Castle?
Visiting Edinburgh Castle is one of the things to do that has to be on your Scotland bucketlist. The ticket cost of Edinburgh Castle entirely depends on the factor if you’re buying it online or offline.
If you choose to purchase an online ticket, you can expect to pay between £11 – £18.00, depending on the age category you fall in. However, if you are thinking of buying the ticket at the gate, the ticket price would cost between £12.5 – £21.
As a crucial tip, let us also tell you that you can visit Edinburgh Castle for free as well. There is a time in the year (on the weekend) when visitors can get free entry to Edinburgh Castle. The free tickets are given as a part of St Andrews weekend celebrations in late November. Though the process of getting a free ticket is time-consuming, you can still go for it if you are in the city around that time.
Prices up to date at time of writing but please check online for accurate up to date prices.
The Great Hall
Established in the year 1511, the Great Hall was built for King James IV shortly before his death. Until 1640, the hall was used to host state ceremonies and also as the meeting place for the Scottish Parliament.
The Great Hall was also used as a military hospital and as a barracks during Cromwell’s occupation. However, by the end of the 19th century, the building was restored, keeping the original ceiling intact.
Today, the Great Hall hosts a comprehensive collection of armor and arms, along with stained glass panels to commemorate Scotland’s monarchs.
The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace was the official residence of Stuart Monarchs, including Mary Queen of Scots, King James VI, and Queen Mary of Guise. The palace is known for its intricate interiors and beautiful decorations.
The key highlight here is the entrance to the Royal Apartments, where you will see the gold letters MAH, which represents the initials of the Queen and her consort Henry Stewart, Lord Darnley.
St. Margaret’s Chapel
This is another must-visit attraction that you must include in your Edinburgh castle guide. It was built in 1130 and is the oldest building in Scotland. The chapel was built to commemorate St Margaret by King David I.
St. Margaret’s Chapel also serves as a perfect example of Norman architecture. It was until the reign of Mary Stuart the chapel was also used as Royal Chapel. However, later in 1845, it was restored at the request of Queen Victoria.
Prisoners of War Museum
Edinburgh Castle is all about history and war. So, it is a bit evident that Edinburgh Castle must cover an attraction. The museum is an interesting one and also a must-visit.
It was during the Napoleonic Wars that French prisoners and child soldiers were interned under the Great Hall. However, they were reasonably tolerable and hence, were even allowed to spend some time making jewelry boxes and toys.
Later, the place also holds prisoners from America, Spane, Poland as well as other parts of the world. Today, there are living quarters of these prisoners that are indeed intriguing to explore.
For that, the authorities restored the quarters to their original form and also included signage and background information.
One O’Clock Gun
The name itself makes this attraction a fascinating one, isn’t it? As it says, it is a cannon installed near the Half Moon Battery. This idea of One O’Clock was introduced by a renowned businessman, John Hewitt.
This “time cannon” is fired at 1 pm every weekday. At the same time, a time ball also drops at the Nelson Monument. This is a tradition that used to be followed back in the days when ships on the Firth of Forth checked their chronometers. Talking about the history of this 18-pound cannon, it was made in 1810 for the Napoleonic War.
Mons Meg
Now that we are talking about the cannons, Mons Meg also deserves a mention. The colossal cannon stands right in front of St. Margaret’s Chapel. Today, it serves as one of the must-visit sites in Edinburgh Castle. While exploring this iconic cannon, you can be a little silly and try to put your head inside the huge barrel. Relax, it won’t stuck!
The cannon dates back to 1449 and was constructed in Mons, Flanders, with the modern military technology of that time. Later, it was presented by the Duke of Burgundy to James II in 1457.
Such was the power of this cannon that it could launch a 550-pound cannonball for two miles with the gunpowder of 110 pounds. The cannon was also used several times, including the Roxburgh Castle siege in 1460. Not only this, it was also used to commemorate the wedding of Mary Queen of Scots.
The National War Museum of Scotland
Located within the premises of Edinburgh Castle, the National War Museum once served as a storehouse. The history of the castle itself talks about the strong military presence which can be experienced at the National War Museum of Scotland.
Founded in 1933, the museum displays a rich collection of artifacts related to war and the military. On display, there are weapons and uniforms, along with other memorabilia from the Scottish regiments. Apart from that, there are also crucial paintings, including Thin Red Line by Robert Gibb.
Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Density
Scottish Crown Jewels date back to the 15th century and are known as the oldest in Britain. They include a beautiful gold crown adorned with gemstones and pears. The attraction also includes the scepter and the sword, which were made in Italy and gifted by the pope.
The crown jewels were built by melting King James V’s crown along with the Scottish gold. In case you’re wondering about the reason, well, they didn’t have enough Scottish gold, as it is a rare metal.
On the other hand, the Stone of Density is referred to as a sacred object which was used for Kings’ coronations. Also known as the Stone of Scone, symbolizes the power of the Scottish monarchy.
Such is the significance of this prestigious stone that many of Scotland’s kings have celebrated their coronation day in front of it.
Scottish National War Memorial
Scottish National War Memorial is located on the north end of Crown Square. The memorial was built to commemorate the Scots who died in World War I. It displays detailed carvings and sculptures, along with paintings that reflect on the events from WWI.
Apart from being a memorial, this tourist site also stands as an architectural marvel that beautifully boasts the artistry of local artists. Since its inception in 1945, the memorial has been serving as an integral part of Scotland’s tourism.
Regimental Museums
Edinburgh Castle houses two Regimental Museums that are dedicated to the guards, known as the Royal Scots Dragon Guards, of King Charles II. The museums are known as the Royal Scots Dragon Guard Museum and the Royal Scots Museum.
The Royal Scots Dragon Guard Museum talks about the history of the regiment, which was founded by King Charles II. In contrast, the Royal Scots Museum is known to portray the story of the regiment since its formation in the castle back in 1633.
Shopping
There are gift shops located within the premise of Edinburgh castle. You can pick souvenirs to take back home and shop to your heart’s content. There are also cafes and tea rooms that offer an exceptional range of products to buy from.
Edinburgh is also a great city for shopping along Prices street so if you don’t find anything that you fancy at the castle, you will be spoilt for choice in the city.
Concerts and Events
If you happen to be in Scotland around the time when the castle is hosting an event, show, or concert, make sure to be a part of it. In August the Edinburgh Tattoo is held on the grounds of Edinburgh Castle and it is an event not to be missed! This is one of the best times to enjoy Edinburgh Castle at night.
Along with that, the castle also serves as a preferred venue for private ceremonies and weddings. However, make sure to visit the official website of the castle to know which show, event, or concert you can be a part of according to your time of visit in Scotland.
Private Dining
Private Dining is another not-to-miss experience on your Edinburgh Castle tour. If you are with your partner, this iconic landmark can be your perfect romantic escape for an ultimate dining experience.
Amidst the contemporary setup for a banquet, the castle also offers some good options to indulge in a fine dining experience at the Queen Anne Room and Jacobite Room.
Before You Leave for Edinburgh
Before you set off on your way to Edinburgh, there are a number of things you will need to get organised to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. These include what to pack, where to stay and what is the best insurance for your trip to Scotland. All of this is discussed in detail below.
How to Get to Edinburgh
When you arrive in Edinburgh, you will most likely arrive at one of the two main train stations, the bus station or the airport. If you are wanting to explore the city centre sights, such as the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and the Princes Street shops, then Waverley is the best train station for you. The Edinburgh Bus station also sits just behind Princes St, so it is perfect for arriving into the city.
Haymarket Station sits slightly further from the city centre, and the airport itself even further out of the city, however, there is a very simple and reliable tram system that runs around the city. You can catch a tram from Edinburgh Airport directly into the city centre, passing through Haymarket, in just 35-minutes.
For this itinerary, any of these options will be fine for getting you into the city centre, however, most of the sights are based around the castle so Edinburgh Waverly or the bus station are the closest stations.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh
There is a wide range of accommodations available in Edinburgh, so you will not be short on options. Here are our top suggestions for the best places to stay in Edinburgh for any budget.
Luxury – Sitting less than 500m from one of Edinburgh’s main stations, Edinburgh Haymarket, the Leonardo Royal hotel is a fantastic choice if you would like a bit of luxury. The spacious and comfortable rooms at this city-centre hotel are complete with a large TV, tea and coffee facilities and work away.
Book your stay at the Leonardo Royal Haymarket here.
Mid-Range – For a more reasonably priced stay in the city of Edinburgh, without crimping on comfort, the Haymarket Hub Hotel is the best choice for you. This comfortable and central hotel is just a 15-minute walk from sights such as the Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.
Book your stay at the Haymarket Hub Hotel here.
Budget – For those wishing to make the most of their time out in Edinburgh and don’t plan on staying long inside the accommodation itself, the High Street Hostel is your best choice. The building that hosts this hostel dates back to 1564 and sits right on a high street just off the Royal Mile.
What to Pack for Your Trip to Scotland
When it comes to packing for a trip to Scotland there is one item of clothing that you are going to need all year round: a waterproof. It rains in Scotland on average 250 days a year, meaning that during your trip to the Isle of Skye, you can expect rain at some point. Due to this, the number one item on your packing list is a good waterproof jacket.
Second to that, another item to not leave home without is a good pair of warm and, if possible, waterproof boots. A lot of the best sights on Skye require a bit of walking to reach them and the conditions underfoot can become very muddy. You do not want to ruin a good pair of white trainers so pack some sturdy boots.
You will definitely need a hat and gloves during the winter months as the wind chill can be bitter.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you are no doubt going to see around the Edinburgh, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
You can read what else we keep in our camera bag over here.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Sony Mic ECM-B1M
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 11 and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3
Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socke
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Scotland
I know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.
To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing, a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.
Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!
So there you have it, your guide to visiting Edinburgh Castle. If you are visiting this incredible city and have any other questions on what to expect, leave us a comment down below. We love to chat about this stuff! If you have already been, let us know how it was!
Also, remember to share this with your friends and family that you are going to share this amazing experience with. Sharing is caring and we want to ensure that everyone is fully prepared to maximise their experience in Edinburgh.
If you are planning a Scotland trip soon then check out our other Scotland content right here. Come and find us on social media to see where we are currently exploring. Tag us in your photos from your stay and we will share them with the rest of our community of explorers and backpackers.
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