Edinburgh Castle
About
Edinburgh Castle dominates the city from its volcanic rock perch, and it has done for over 900 years. This is the most besieged place in Great Britain and one of the most attacked in the world, and walking through its gates you can feel every one of those centuries in the stone. The Honours of Scotland (the Scottish Crown Jewels), the Stone of Destiny, and the medieval St Margaret's Chapel — the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh — are all here. The One O'Clock Gun still fires every day (except Sundays), and the views from the battlements across the city to Arthur's Seat, the Firth of Forth, and the Pentland Hills are spectacular. The National War Museum within the castle grounds is excellent and often overlooked by visitors rushing to the Crown Jewels. Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst of the crowds — midday in August is absolute chaos. The audio guide is well worth it for bringing the castle's complex history to life. If you're visiting multiple Historic Scotland properties, an Explorer Pass saves significant money.
https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/ 0131 225 9846
Tickets & Pricing
Adult £19.50, Child (5-15) £12, Under 5s free. Concessions available. Book online to guarantee entry.
Opening Times
Daily 9:30-18:00 (Apr-Sep), 9:30-17:00 (Oct-Mar). Last entry 1 hour before closing.
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