No trip to Scotland would be complete without a visit to Edinburgh and its imposing castle. I love Edinburgh Castle, and no matter how many times I’ve been, I never get tired of going. When friends and family visit, it’s always the first place they want to see and I’m more than happy to take them there!
Edinburgh Castle provides some of the best views of the city.
Where is Edinburgh Castle, Scotland?
Edinburgh Castle sits majestically above the city of Edinburgh on an ancient volcanic rock at the top of the Royal Mile – named so because it connects the castle to another royal residence, Holyroodhouse.
From its commanding position, the castle provides some of the best views of Edinburgh, making it worth the long, steep walk up there. Strategically located on Castle Hill, the only entrance is from the east, as the steep cliffs on the other sides make it inaccessible.
Where to get the best view of Edinburgh Castle
For the best views and where to take photos of Edinburgh Castle, you could go to The Vennel Viewpoint, Grassmarket or Ross Fountain. Or, for a real sightseeing experience, take a double-decker bus around the city and admire the view on the move.
A brief history of Edinburgh Castle
Dating back to the 12th century, Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe. Along with the old and new towns, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. The castle has witnessed a tumultuous history, with centuries of sieges and battles between Scotland and England.
Over the years, it’s been destroyed and rebuilt several times, serving as a royal palace, military stronghold, prison and fortress. The most famous royal resident was Mary, Queen of Scots.
But Mary didn’t spend long at the castle and her story took a dark turn when she had to flee the country into England due to political unrest. She was forced to abdicate, imprisoned and eventually executed by order of her cousin, Elizabeth I of England.The castle is still used by the military today and one of the popular tourist attractions is Mons Meg, a 60-tonne cannon dating from 1449. Even if you have no interest in military history, she’s an impressive sight and it’s hard to imagine how they managed to haul her up there!
Planning your visit to Edinburgh Castle
How you plan your visit depends on how much time you have and what you want to see. You can either take your time meandering around the grounds at your own pace or opt for an official Edinburgh Castle tour, which gives you some extra insight into the castle’s history.
Enjoy meandering around the castle at your own pace.
What is there to see and do at Edinburgh Castle?
Whether you have the entire day or just a few hours, there are several must-see attractions that I recommend fitting into your visit.
The Honours of Scotland
These crown jewels are the oldest in the United Kingdom and are on display in the Crown Room of the Royal Palace. Like the castle itself, these jewels have a turbulent past. For years they were hidden away and eventually found by the famous Scottish author Sir Walter Scott.
The Royal Apartments
The Royal Palace was once home to the Stuart monarchy, and it was within these walls that Mary, Queen of Scots, gave birth to James VI, who would later unite the kingdoms of Scotland and England.
St Margaret’s Chapel
This is Edinburgh’s oldest surviving building and was once a place of worship for Scotland’s royal family. This small chapel with its original ornate arches is still used today for weddings and christenings.
The Great Hall
Located in the heart of the castle, this was once the place of great banquets. It has since served as a military barracks and hospital. Restored to its original splendour with its beautifully carved beams overhead, it houses an impressive collection of ancient weapons and armour.
The Firing of the One O’clock Gun
Originally fired to guide the ships in the Firth of Forth, the gun has been fired every day, in peacetime, since 1861 (except Sundays, Christmas Day and Good Friday). It continues to make tourists jump out of their skin today!
How much are Edinburgh Castle tickets?
Ticket prices depend on how you want to experience the castle, whether you’d prefer to wander around at your own pace, with an audio guide or join one of the official Edinburgh Castle tours. When I last visited in 2020, they were approximately £13.
Whatever you decide, I strongly recommend booking your tickets in advance, especially during the busy summer months. Tickets can sell out quickly, and once they’re gone, there are no more available at the gate (and don’t forget to pick up an Edinburgh Castle map when you enter).
Edinburgh Castle entry fees:
- Standard adult entry: £19.50 / Guided tour: £23.00
- Concession (over age 65): £15.50 / Guided tour: £12.90
- Child entry (5-15 years old): £11.40 / Guided tour: £19.00
If you’re planning to stay in Scotland for longer, there are a few other ticket options worth exploring. A flexi-ticket lets you visit the castle any day or time within a 7-day window. Or, the Explorer Pass gives you access to several historic sites across Scotland and is valid for 14 days.
How long does it take to tour Edinburgh Castle?
If you decide to take a guided tour, it lasts around 30 minutes. If you prefer to explore the castle at your own pace, I’d recommend allowing up to three hours to appreciate every nook and cranny.
To beat the crowds, I suggest arriving early in the morning or just before closing. And if you don’t mind the infamous Scottish weather, visiting in winter inevitably means fewer tourists.
If you’re visiting with young children, keep a very close eye on them! With over 2,000,000 visitors each year and countless hiding places in the castle grounds, they can disappear from view in the blink of an eye!
Edinburgh Castle opening hours
- 1st April – 30th September: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
- 1st October – 31st March: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
- The castle is closed on 25th and 26th December.
Parking near Edinburgh Castle
There are no parking spaces at the castle, but several small car parks are situated around the city centre. The nearest car park to the castle is Castle Terrace which has 750 spaces, and Spittal Street is also nearby.
Keep in mind, all city centre parking is paid. If you want to avoid driving in the city centre, you could park on the outskirts and take a bus or train, which both run regularly.
The castle is only accessible from the East side.
Hotels and accommodation near Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Accommodation
Castle Rock Hostel, Edinburgh, Scotland
With its fantastic location just below the castle, Castle Rock Hostel has great facilities and a vibrant atmosphere. The hostel can accommodate up to 300 guests and is often considered Edinburgh’s top hostel. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodation in the heart of the city.
The Witchery by the Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland
An award-winning hotel and restaurant, The Witchery is often featured on “best of” lists, thanks to its luxurious decor in ancient, historic buildings. It’s known for its fine dining, making it the perfect spot for a romantic getaway.
Restaurants near Edinburgh Castle
The Amber Restaurant and Whisky Bar
If you want a taste of some traditional Scottish cuisine, there’s, The Amber Restaurant & Whisky Bar. With its locally sourced, seasonal food and over 450 whiskies to choose from, you might want to tackle your castle tour before stopping here for a wee dram!
Eating inside the Castle grounds
If you want to grab a bite to eat without leaving the castle grounds, there are a couple of options:
The Redcoat Cafe
Serves hot meals, sandwiches, and snacks and is perfect for a quick lunch before continuing your exploration.
The Tea Rooms
For a more refined experience where you can enjoy afternoon tea and homemade cakes, while passing the time people watching and taking in the beautiful view of the city below.
Edinburgh Castle events, live music & concerts
No matter when you visit, the castle is the setting for a variety of exciting events held throughout the year.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
One of the most iconic events in the Edinburgh calendar, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place every August. It celebrates military traditions and Scottish heritage and is set against the backdrop of the castle.
It’s an unforgettable spectacle, with cultural performances from around the world, (although it helps if you like the sound of bagpipes).
August is a lively month in Edinburgh, with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Edinburgh International Film Festival, and the Edinburgh International Book Festival all taking place.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay
The most famous New Year celebration in the world, this giant street party is a great way to see in the New Year against the dramatic backdrop of a lit-up Edinburgh castle at night. This three-day festival is full of parades, processions and concerts and draws more than 150,000 visitors each year from all over the world.
A magical way to bring in the New Year as everyone joins in to sing ‘Auld Lang Syne’ when the clock strikes twelve.
Who is performing at Edinburgh Castle in 2024?
Each summer, the castle becomes a venue for lots of different artists. Past concerts include Rod Stewart, Tom Jones and Kylie Minogue. This year, the artists included Paul Weller, Madness and Manic Street Preachers.
(The 2024 season is now over and details of the concerts for 2025 are not yet available but you can keep an eye on who’s performing at Castle Concerts.)
The castle is a magical venue for several events throughout the year.
Edinburgh Castle facts
- The Castle is one of the most haunted buildings in Scotland. The most famous tale is that of a young piper boy. As the story goes, he was sent into the underground tunnels beneath the castle to play his bagpipes, helping to map the tunnels. Tragically, he never made it out. To this day, some claim to hear his eerie bagpipes echoing through the halls.
- Mary Queen of Scots and the Murder of David Rizzio. At Holyroodhouse, one of the most infamous events of Mary Queen of Scots’ reign took place. In 1566, her secretary, David Rizzio, was brutally murdered in front of her eyes, under the orders of her second husband, Lord Darnley. This gruesome event marked the beginning of the end of her reign.
- The castle has a small, hidden cemetery for soldiers’ dogs. Dating back to 1857, this resting place for loyal companions holds around 20 headstones. You can view the cemetery from the top of the castle, though it’s not open to the public.
FAQ’s
- Does anyone live in Edinburgh Castle?
No one has lived at the castle since the 17th century. The last known monarch to stay there was Charles I but that was only a short stay before his coronation in 1633. After that, Holyroodhouse became the preferred royal residence, and Edinburgh Castle was used as a military base before becoming a tourist attraction in 1833.
- Can you have a wedding at Edinburgh Castle?
Yes, you can hold both your wedding ceremony and reception at Edinburgh Castle from 30th September until 30th May. There are several suites available, depending on the number of guests. The most popular choice is St. Margaret’s Chapel. But you’ll need to book well in advance, as it’s a very popular venue! Prices vary depending on the suite and the size of the wedding.
- Can you take photographs inside Edinburgh Castle?
Yes, photography is allowed in most indoor and outdoor areas of the castle. But, there are restrictions in certain exhibition areas, such as the Crown Jewels, where photography is forbidden for preservation and security reasons.
Edinburgh Castle is Scotland’s number one tourist spot for good reason. Whether you’re drawn in by its rich history, breathtaking views or thrilling ghost stories, the castle has something for everyone.
After you’ve explored its ancient halls and taken in the sights, why not continue your Scottish adventure? Head north to the legendary Urquhart Castle, perched on the shores of Loch Ness. You may even spot the elusive Loch Ness Monster.
