Edinburgh Castle: Discover 1,000 Years of Scottish History

Known as the Defender of the Nation, Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest fortifications in Europe. For more than 1,000 years it has stood upon its outcrop of volcanic rock, its battlements dominating the city skyline and forming an imposing backdrop to adventures in the Scottish capital. It has housed the kings and queens of Scotland, it has shaped the country’s history as its most important military garrison, and it’s an integral part of UNESCO’s Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site.

There has been a fortification on Castle Rock since the Iron Age; however, the oldest parts of the current citadel date back to the 11th century. From then onwards, Edinburgh Castle played a pivotal role in Scotland’s history as an official royal residence up until the country’s unification with England in 1603. After that, the castle was reinvented as a military garrison. It has survived more sieges than any other castle in Europe and remains an active military base to this day as well as being the most popular tourist attraction in Scotland.

Once through the impressive Portcullis Gate, the many structures within the outer walls represent a visual record of Scottish architecture through the ages.

The oldest part of the castle (and indeed, the oldest building in Edinburgh) is St. Margaret’s Chapel, built in honour of the later-canonised Queen Margaret by her son, King David I, in the 11th century. Although the chapel itself is tiny, it’s well worth stepping inside to glimpse its original arches and stunning stained-glass windows.

At the heart of the castle on Crown Square, the Great Hall is a masterpiece of early 16th-century architecture complete with a vaulted, beamed ceiling, ornate fireplaces and displays of weaponry. It was commissioned by King James IV (killed two years after its completion at the Battle of Flodden) and used for grand banquets and state receptions.

The National War Memorial was designed by Scotland’s finest modern architects. Built in 1927 as a monument to those who died in World War I, it now commemorates the legacy of those who gave their lives in both World Wars and every other major conflict since. Digital records are available for those in search of a long-lost ancestor.

Edinburgh Castle also includes several fascinating museums. Among them is the National War Museum, which displays objects relating to the history of the Scottish forces in a former ordnance warehouse turned military hospital. Relics range from Highland broadswords to protective suits designed for chemical warfare. Then there are the regimental museums of the Royal Scots and Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, and the Prisons of War exhibit located in the vaults below Crown Square. The latter recreates the prisons as they would have been in their 1800s heyday, offering visitors a unique chance to immerse themselves in the cultural significance of Edinburgh Castle.

As for the castle’s must-see historical artefacts, the Honours of Scotland are probably the most famous. Comprising a crown, sceptre and sword of state, they are the oldest crown jewels in Britain. Also of interest is Mons Meg, the six-tonne siege gun given to King James in 1457. This massive cannon is situated outside St. Margaret’s Chapel and should not be confused with the One O’Clock Gun. The latter is fired from the Argyle Battery every day except Sunday in a tradition that dates back to 1861, when ships in the Firth of Forth set their clocks by the daily blast.

The best times of year to visit Edinburgh Castle for a unique experience are August and December.

• Every night in August, the castle esplanade hosts the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. This unmissable spectacle includes military marching bands, dance troupes, special effects and fireworks, and although it welcomes performers from all over the world there’s nothing so emblematic of Scottish culture as the traditional lone piper who plays from the castle ramparts at the end of the show.
• Over the festive period, the Edinburgh Castle of Light event uses musical illuminations to tell the story of the monument’s past in an immersive way. The castle also acts as a spectacular backdrop for the city’s annual Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve) fireworks.

The castle is located on The Esplanade at the western end of the Royal Mile. Unless you have a disabled pass (see below), don’t drive – there’s nowhere to park nearby. Instead, central Edinburgh is easily navigable on foot or using public transport. The closest tram stop is Princes Street, while the closest bus stops are The Mound, Grassmarket and Victoria Street (all of which are between a 5 and 10-minute walk away). If you’re travelling straight to the castle from the train, expect a 10-minute uphill walk from Waverley Station.

Edinburgh Castle opening times are from 9:30am daily, closing at 6pm from 1 April to 30 September, and at 5pm throughout the rest of the year. Although you could easily spend a full day there, it takes around two hours to see the main attractions.

Edinburgh Castle is a year-round attraction. It’s especially crowded in August, which is the peak Edinburgh tourism season due to the concurrent Edinburgh International Festival, the Festival Fringe and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Visit from September to May for fewer crowds. Weekdays are less busy than weekends, while the first and last time slots of the day are also calmer. If you dislike crowds, avoid the castle between 11am and 2pm when visitors gather to watch the firing of the One O’Clock Gun.

You can explore the castle on your own or join a guided tour. Audio guides are also available at the castle or for download onto your smartphone at the time of booking. Make the most of your day trip to Edinburgh Castle by combining your tour with a visit to the Redcoat Café (serving seasonal hot food, sandwiches and cake) or booking an afternoon tea experience at the vintage Tea Room. The castle also offers three gift shops.

There are a limited number of disabled car parking spaces available on the castle esplanade which can be booked in advance. Provisions for differently abled visitors include sensory backpacks and ear defenders, step-free access to the Redcoat Café and main gift shop, and ramped access to the Great Hall, the National War Memorial and other key areas.

Tickets are currently priced at £19.50 for adults, £15.50 for those aged 65 and older, and £11.40 for children aged 7 to 15. Younger children go free. Be aware that Edinburgh Castle tickets are limited and often sell out far in advance, especially during the summer months. You should book as soon as possible via the official castle website to get the best rate.

Wondering which accommodation to book? With its family rooms, heated pool and spa, and contemporary Scottish restaurant, Novotel Edinburgh Centre makes a convenient local base. If you travel during the summer, check out ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile - Hunter Square for affordable rates when everything else is at a premium.

When you're done exploring Edinburgh Castle, what next? Nearby attractions include St. Giles Cathedral and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Dynamic Earth science centre for inquisitive kids and the independent bars and shops of Grassmarket. You can also take a 15-minute stroll to St. Andrew Square – the place to go in Edinburgh for designer shopping and global dining.