Edinburgh Castle: One of Europe’s Greatest Castles

One of the most iconic images of Scotland’s beautiful capital rests atop an extinct volcano in the center of town. Edinburgh features a diverse choice of attractions, along with picturesque Arthur’s Seat. There’s a lot of history to experience and you can even drink whisky at Edinburgh Castle!

Edinburgh Castle

Despite the blue skies depicted in the photos here, on the morning we visited Edinburgh Castle we woke to the sound of intense wind and rain lashing on the bedroom window of our bed and breakfast.  But by the time we ate breakfast and got ready, the sun was precariously beginning to break through the heavy grey storm clouds. We were relieved we could go outside without taking an unwanted outdoor bath.

History of Edinburgh Castle

The history of Edinburgh Castle is actually a little complicated. It dates back to the 12th Century, when King David I erected a chapel and gathered an assembly of nobility and clergymen. Subsequent years saw additions to the castle and fortress as it changed hands back and forth through many wars and battles between the Scots and English (Cue Mel Gibson). The ‘Union of Crowns’ in 1603 saw the first Scottish King, James VI ascend to the throne of Britain following the death of Elizabeth I.

Edinburgh Castle is no longer an official residence of the British monarchy. King Charles II resides at the Palace of Holyrood during official visits to Edinburgh. The House of Windsor also has another official residence in Scotland, at Balmoral Palace in the Highlands, in Cairngorms National Park…Not a bad life!

Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle

Highlights of Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is one the most popular tourist sites in Scotland. Along with great views of town, highlights of the castle include the former Royal Palace (which still houses the Scottish crown jewels), War Museum and Scottish National War Memorial, among several key and interesting buildings. Also within the castle walls, tiny St. Margaret’s Chapel is the oldest building in Edinburgh still standing, dating back to the 12th century. Religious services continue to take place and you can even get married there! Though we would advise enquiring about this well ahead of time, and consider stocking up your parents with aspirin if they are footing the bill.

Chapel - Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Edinburgh Castle Whisky Shop

As previously mentioned, there are several opportunities to continue drinking whisky! Edinburgh Castle has its own whisky shop that is very well stocked and apparently sometimes gives free samples, though we missed that. We enjoyed a lot of whisky during our visit to the nearby Scotch Whisky Experience.

Edinburgh Castle Tea Room

There is also the tea room where we sat for a coffee and tea in quite an elegant atmosphere, for about the same as what you’d spend at Starbucks. While we took a break from whisky, you don’t have to! The Edinburgh Castle Tea Room has a nice selection from various distilleries around Scotland. There is also a cafeteria called the Red Coat cafe which offers seating with beautiful views of town. We only popped in to have a look, as we ate before arriving at the castle. Scotland was quite the haggis and whisky feast for us!

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

At 1pm each day a single cannon shot is fired. This used to signal the time for ships that arrived in the Harbour of Leith, now it’s just for show. While we missed this, it apparently draws a good sized crowd. We particularly found the history on “The American War of Independence” to be fascinating. Prisoners were housed at the castle and kept in good condition so that they could be traded for prisoners on their side. Touring the old prison quarters with a recreation of their bedding is definitely worthwhile to any American with an interesting in the founding of the United States.

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Castle Tours

The Edinburgh Castle tour guide was an absolute gem. Along with being informative and enthusiastic, she was funny and really added to the experience of being in Scotland. She loved bringing up how “frugal” Scots are and how some visitors ask if the land across the bay is Norway or other random countries… nope, still Edinburgh. When she pointed out the cemetery for regimental mascots and soldiers dogs, she told us when visiting as a child this was her favorite part of the castle. Living in Ireland we know the Irish are great story tellers, and we discovered that the Scots are also great in that arena too.

Dog cemetery - Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle Admission

In the summer it’s a good idea to purchase tickets online  rather then stand in a long queue. While regular admission doesn’t include the audio guide (additional £3.50), it does include a free 30 minute guided tour that runs frequently. Bell and I did not do the audio tour and instead opted for the free tour, included in the regular price of admission.

Admission to Edinburgh Castle is £19.50 online and £22.50 walk up for adults.

Concession for those over 60 years old online is £15.50 and £17.60 for walk up.

Children: £11.40 online or £13.40 walk up.

Edinburgh Castle

Opening Times:

  • Summer
  • 9:30am – 6pm
  • (1 Apr – 30 Sep)
  • Winter
  • 9:30am – 5pm
  • (1 Oct – 31 Mar)
  • Last entry is 1 hour before closing time
Edinburgh Castle

Where to Stay in Edinburgh?

Hotel prices in Edinburgh can vary wildly. Weekends in summer months and during holidays will be more expensive. Visit in the offseason to save money. It depends on your budget, but you’ll often find the best hotel deals on booking.com. Book a room in advance with free cancellation!

Disclosure: We received complimentary admission to Edinburgh Castle in collaboration with VisitScotland. All photos and opinions are solely ours. Also, this article contains some affiliate links, where we earn a small commission from bookings. 

Author

  • Alex&Bell

    Alex and Bell originally met while solo traveling after finishing university in 2002, in Brugge, Belgium. Alex grew up in the USA and Bell hails from Australia. During our nearly 20 year marriage we've lived around the world, including spending six years living in the Netherlands and Ireland. We have traveled to nearly 70 countries and enjoy giving readers authentic and quality travel tips. Alex is an award winning travel journalist and travel planner, who also freelances for other outlets. Bell is an award winning PhD scientist who currently works for a non-profit lung cancer advocacy research organization called Lungevity. Happy travels and if you have any questions leave a comment or drop an email!

7 thoughts on “Edinburgh Castle: One of Europe’s Greatest Castles

  1. fantastic and the castle will be on the bucket list. Not sure about the Scotland weather. We have a lot of Scots living in Aus and escaping that weather is the reason. I love their whiskey, we are happy to import that to Aus.

    1. Of all the castle tours we’ve done this may be my (Bell’s) favourite. There is so much to see and it is preserved so well. The views are amazing from up there and it is something not to miss if you are in Edinburgh! As for the weather, well living in Ireland a few years has taught us that you just have to get out there!!

    2. *Alex* chiming in on Scottish whisky exported to Australia. I already liked Scotch, Bell really didn’t. She gained an appreciation for the taste in Scotland. I gained an appreciation for learning about the different regions and styles at the Scotch Whisky Experience. I’d love to visit the Speyside region, in the north, on a future return visit to Scotland (this area is the most densely populated region for distilleries). Various regions are known for different styles, and it was really cool learning about this in Scotland!

    1. On behalf of Bell thanks for the hair compliment!…We’d love to get back for the fringe festival in Edinburgh. But it would be great to return and see the Highlands and maybe pop over to Glasgow too. I had a doctor’s appointment yesterday and the nurse was from Scotland. I told her we’d just been in Edinburgh and she said “Everyone goes there instead of Glasgow. The people in Glasgow are friendlier and we have pretty buildings too!” It certainly piqued my interest about Glasgow. We did think the people in Edinburgh were friendly though. We received good service in the pubs, and the establishments were unaware of this blog 🙂

  2. this makes me cry! hahah We had a trip booked for Europe at the end of the year but had to cancel! (for good reason).
    Ive saved this article for when we finally get around to going over (hopefully next year !)

    1. We’re so sorry to read that you’ve had to cancel your upcoming trip to Europe at the end of year. We hope you all will get re-schedule it asap. Glad you enjoyed the article and will re-visit it when you go. Best wishes, Traveling King!

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