Scotland's most famous fortress has towered above Edinburgh since the 13th century and is undoubtedly the country's most popular tourist attraction. Perched high atop a dramatic black basalt outcrop, Edinburgh's spectacular castle affords magnificent views of many of the city's landmarks, including the Royal Mile, Princes Street and the exquisite Palace of Holyroodhouse. Entrance to the castle is via a drawbridge over an old moat from the broad Esplanade where thefamous Edinburgh Military Tattoo is held every August. On the way, you'll pass bronze statues of legendary heroes William Wallace and Robert the Bruce.
Entrance to the castle is via the Portcullis Gate situated beneath the state prison, named the Argyle Tower after the Marquis of Argyle who was imprisoned here. One of the first attractions you'll see is St Margaret's Chapel, built in 1130 and the oldest building in Edinburgh. Despite its size - it's only 17 ft long and 11 ft wide - this interesting example of early Norman architecture was used as the Royal Chapel until the reign of Mary Stuart and was restored in 1853 at the request of Queen Victoria.
The One O'Clock Salute and the Scottish National War Memorial
A "time cannon" is situated near the Half Moon Battery - the distinctive curve-walled section of the castle - and is fired at 1pm every weekday. At the same time, a time ball drops at the Nelson Monument on Calton Hill, part of a tradition that dates back to the days when ships on the Firth of Forth checked their chronometers by training a telescope on the castle. The 18-pound cannons on the battery were all made in nearby Falkirk in 1810 for the Napoleonic War.
Few visitors are unimpressed by the Scottish National War Memorial situated on the north side of Crown Square and built in memory of Scots who died in WWI. Each regiment has its own memorial and even the animals that worked alongside the soldiers are remembered. A silver shrine holds the roll of honor with the names of 150,000 dead. Many well-known artists were invited to help with the final decorations of the memorial, which was consecrated in 1927.
The Royal Palace, the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny
For centuries the Royal Palace was the repository for state documents and the Crown Jewels, but they were removed on two occasions: in 1291 Edward I sent all papers and jewels to London; and 400 years later, just before Oliver Cromwell captured the castle, the regalia were taken to Dunnottar Castle for safekeeping. The regalia were returned to Edinburgh in 1707, but were locked away to ensure the Scottish public wouldn't be roused to anger by the sight of them. The oak chest they were stored in was finally opened in 1818 and the contents have been displayed in the Crown Chamber ever since: a scepter dating from 1494 given to James VI by Pope Alexander VI, a sword presented to James IV by Pope Julius II in 1501, and a 16th century crown made from Scottish-mined gold with 94 pearls and 40 jewels.
It's also where you can view the famous Stone of Destiny (aka, the Stone of Scone), famously taken by Edward I and stowed under the English throne in London and then returned to Scotland with great fanfare in 1996. Another must-see within the castle is the Great Hall at the south side of Crown Square. Built at the beginning of the 16th century, the Great Hall was the meeting place for the Scottish parliament until 1640. Later it was used as a barracks and a military hospital, before being restored at the end of the 19th century. It now houses a comprehensive collection of arms and armor.
Prisoners of War and Scotland's Biggest Cannon
During the Napoleonic wars, French prisoners were interned under the Great Hall. The captives' lives were reasonably tolerable as they were allowed to spend their time making toys and jewelry boxes. Others became so successful at making counterfeit money that in 1812 the banks put a notice in the Edinburgh Gazette offering a reward to anyone who could provide information about the forgers. Their living quarters are fascinating to explore.
Despite some pretty stiff competition, it's the mammoth Mons Meg cannon that attracts most attention in Edinburgh Castle. Manufactured in Mons, Flanders, in 1449, it was presented to James II by the Duke of Burgundy and was considered cutting edge technology at the time (110lb of gunpowder could propel a 550lb cannonball 2 mi). Mons Meg saw a great deal of action, including the siege of Roxburgh Castle in 1460.
The National War Museum of Scotland
On the west side of Crown Square, a military museum founded in 1933 displays uniforms, weapons and other memorabilia from the Scottish regiments, as well as a number of paintings, including Robert Gibb's Thin Red Line. Edinburgh Castle boasts two unique regimental museums. The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum portrays the history of the regiment from its founding in the 17th century by King Charles II to fight religious dissenters, and includes the Eagle and Standard of the 45th French Infantry captured during the charge of the Scots Greys at Waterloo in 1815. The Royal Scots Museum tells the story of the regiment since its formation in the castle in 1633, including its 149 battle honors.
Touring Edinburgh Castle
Free guided tours of the castle are available, and audio guides are available for purchase when you pick up your tickets (they can also be ordered online prior to your visit).
Tips and Tactics: How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Edinburgh Castle
The following Tips and Tactics will help ensure you get the most out of your visit to Edinburgh Castle:
- Tickets: Try to book your tickets online to avoid having to queue up on the day.
- Maps: An excellent map of the castle is available for download prior to your visit.
- Getting Around: Edinburgh Castle is old so be prepared for uneven pathways and steep narrow stairways, and wear appropriate footwear.
- What's On: Edinburgh Castle hosts numerous fun and educational events throughout the year. It's also home to concerts and the quick-to-sell-out Military Tattoo. Check here for further details.
- Shopping: The castle boasts three unique shops selling everything from souvenirs to arts and crafts.
- Food and Drink: A variety of great food and drink options are available, including traditional high teas (the tearoom has superb city views) and meals at the redcoat Café.
Getting to Edinburgh Castle
- By Air: Scotland is well served by international and domestic flights to both Edinburgh and Glasgow.
- By Train: Waverley is Edinburgh's main train station and is only a short walk from the castle. For details of links to London from across the country, visit www.nationalrail.co.uk.
- By Bus: An express bus service operates from Edinburgh Airport to the city center.
- By Road: Edinburgh is easily accessible by road from all points in Britain. As with most British cities, however, driving can be a little intimidating - if possible use the excellent and easily accessible public transit system.
- Parking: There is no parking at the castle, although a number of parking lots are available nearby.
Hours
- Daily, 9:30am-6pm
Admission
- Adults, £16; Children (5-15), £9.60
Edinburgh Castle is owned and operated by Historic Scotland, which offers special Explorer Passes to a variety of other attractions across the country.
Address
- Castle Hill, Edinburgh
- www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk
What's Nearby?
Edinburgh is one of the best places in the UK to lay down some temporary roots in order to properly explore the many attractions in and around this magnificent city. You'll need a few days to explore not just the castle, but the old city that surrounds it, including the Royal Mile with its many historic landmarks, great cafés and eateries, as well as unique shops. The Palace of Holyroodhouse with its spectacular views of the city, as well as the famous folly on Calton Hill, the Scottish National Monument, that wouldn't look out of place in ancient Athens. Those interested in arts and cultural activities could also spend weeks here. One particularly well-known event is the famous Edinburgh International Festival, a three-week-long extravaganza of theatre, music, opera and dance each August.
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