Edinburgh Castle
Price guide: Mid-range
The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG
Loading map...
| Save money and beat the queues by booking attractions, tours and things... |
#1 of 22
expert-rated things to do in Edinburgh- Recommended for:
- Backpackers / Students, Culture vultures, Families with teenagers, Mature travellers, Seasoned travellers, Design and architecture, Great views / scenery, History, Sightseeing
Best for First-time visitors - Expert review of Edinburgh Castle
Dominating the city skyline, Edinburgh Castle is a must-see.
Edinburgh is built around its castle. You can see it from so may different places as it sits majestically overlooking the city below, but to wander up the castle esplanade and enter the vast gates is an experience that transports you back hundreds of years. It is the first, the must-see, the icing on the cake attraction. It is the reason the city is here. Go.
You will see the Scottish Crown Jewels in The Crown Room, The Great Hall, Royal Palace and St Margaret's Chapel. There's also the Prisons of War, Mons Meg, the one o'clock gun, The Scottish National War Memorial and The National War Museum of Scotland. And everytime you look up and over the ramparts you'll find the most spectacular views of the city and hills beyond.
Price advice:
An adult ticket costs £14, kids get in for £8.20, those under five for free. Remember to check out www.edinburghpass.com for a bundle of attraction tickets under one blanket cost.
Expert tips:
Visit early morning, especially at peak tourist times.
Avoid during the festival if you have a choice: The Military Tattoo is staged here and the place is mobbed.
The National War Museum is part of this attraction.
More information on Edinburgh Castle:
- Price guide:
- Type:
- Castle / palace, Landmark / monument, Viewpoint
- Address:
- The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG
- Telephone:
- 0131 225 9846
- Website:
- http://www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk
- Months open:
- All year round
- Opening times:
- Apr-Sept Mon-Sun 9.30am-6pm; Oct-Mar Mon-Sun 9.30am-5pm; closed Dec 25/26. On January 1, the castle is open from 11am to 5pm (last entry at 4:15pm).
- Indoor/outdoor?:
- Both
Community comments (1)
Also worth seeing inside the castle are the Regimental Museums of the Royal Scots and the Scots Dragoon Guards, one of only two British cavalry regiments to take an Eagle standard from the French at Waterloo. Close by in the royal Mile is the Ensign Ewart a pub named after the dragoon who captured it.
Members of Historic Scotland and English Heritage (of one year's standing) get in to Edinburgh Castle for free