In the heart of central Edinburgh, on top of a hill, lies Edinburgh’s famous castle. It is over a thousand years old and is an impressive structure that has changed and adapted over time and has seen its fair share of battles and conflicts.
Visiting the castle is an absolute must when you are in Edinburgh. Taking a guided tour here will give you greater insight into history while also providing a good understanding of how Scotland has become the region it is today. It will simply be a memory for life for the whole family, regardless of travel company and age.
Tickets to Edinburgh Castle
For those who have made their way to Edinburgh Castle on their own, it is time to purchase tickets for yourself and your travel companions upon arrival. There are ticket offices at the entrance, and you can choose from a number of different combination tickets depending on what you plan to see.
It is important to note that the castle is Edinburgh’s most famous attraction and is a busy place where thousands of people move around every day. The queues for the attractions are often long, and it can sometimes be difficult to know where to go. Expect to wait in line for at least an hour during peak season.
An alternative to finding your own way could be to book your tickets to the castle with Get Your Guide. You then skip the ticket queue and can instead head directly to the dedicated entrance for ticket holders who have purchased their tickets this way. This saves a lot of time as the queues can be long, giving you more time to experience everything there is to see here.
This also includes a guided tour by a skilled guide who will take you around the castle, pointing out and telling you more about the most important things to see here. The tour is conducted in English and lasts about 1.5 hours. Tickets can be conveniently booked here
How to Get to Edinburgh Castle Easily
If you wish to take the bus to Edinburgh Castle, buses 43, 52, 54, and 55 are available. All these bus lines require a short walk up to the castle.
A single ticket for an adult passenger costs £1.70, but it is also possible to purchase bus passes that last for several days, making single trips cheaper per journey.
If you prefer the tram, the nearest station is Waverley. You can see the castle as soon as you step off the tram, and the walk up takes about ten minutes. The tram ride also costs £1.70 one way.
History of Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress located in the heart of the city, on the famous Castle Rock, and has been occupied by humans since at least the Iron Age. A royal castle has existed on the rock at least since the reign of David I in the 12th century, and the site continued to be a royal residence until 1633.
As one of the most important strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle was involved in many historical conflicts from the Scottish Wars of Independence in the 14th century to the Jacobite uprising in 1745. Research conducted in 2014 identified 26 sieges during its 1,100-year history, giving it the claim to be “the most besieged place in Britain and one of the most attacked in the world.”
Few of the current buildings predate the Lang Siege of the 16th century when the medieval defenses were largely destroyed by artillery and bombs. The most notable exceptions are St Margaret’s Chapel from the early 12th century, considered the oldest building in Edinburgh, the Royal Palace, and the Great Hall from the early 16th century.
The castle is also home to the Scottish regalia, known as the Honours of Scotland, and is the site of the Scottish National War Memorial and the National War Museum of Scotland. The British Army remains responsible for some parts of the castle, although its presence is now largely ceremonial and administrative.
The castle is Scotland’s most and the UK’s second most visited paid tourist attraction, with over 2.2 million visitors annually. It is a symbol of the city and one of the most important landmarks in the entire region.
Must-See Attractions in Edinburgh Castle
There is much to see and experience in this ancient castle, and regardless of age and preferences, there is something here for everyone. Here are some tips on sights you absolutely should not miss during your visit.
The Great Hall
A marvel of medieval Scotland, the Great Hall was completed in 1511 for King James IV. Its wooden roof is one of the most spectacular in Britain. Massive beams rest on stones carved with heads and symbols like the thistle — a symbol of Scotland.
Grand banquets and state events took place in the Great Hall. However, James IV had little time to enjoy his new addition to the castle. The king was killed in the catastrophic Battle of Flodden in 1513, fighting against the forces of King Henry VIII of England — his brother-in-law.
Oliver Cromwell’s army took the castle in 1650 and began a military makeover of the space, transforming the Great Hall into a barracks. It later served as a military hospital until the troops finally marched out in 1886.
The Great Hall has been restored to its medieval grandeur and today displays weapons and armor hinting at its military past. Among the swords and shields are oddly shaped polearms, such as the feared Lochaber axe — dreaded by all.
The Great Hall is located in the heart of the castle on Crown Square.
The Stone of Destiny
The Stone of Destiny is an ancient symbol of Scotland’s monarchy, used for centuries in the inauguration of its kings. Regarded as a sacred object, its earliest origins are now unknown.
In 1296, King Edward I of England took the stone from the Scots and had it built into a new throne in Westminster. From then on, it was used in the coronation ceremonies of monarchs in England and later Britain.
On Christmas Day 1950, four Scottish students removed the stone from Westminster Abbey in London. Three months later, it reappeared 500 miles away — at the high altar in Arbroath Abbey.
In 1996, the stone was officially returned to Scotland. Today, it is one of the priceless treasures displayed in the Crown Room, visited by millions each year. The stone will only leave Scotland again for a coronation in Westminster Abbey.
The stone is displayed next to the crown jewels in the Royal Palace on the eastern side of Crown Square.
Opening Hours at Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle’s opening hours depend on whether you visit during the summer or winter months. In summer, the castle is open from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. In winter, it is open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The castle is closed on certain holidays, such as Christmas Day, December 25th.
Edinburgh Castle attracts many visitors year-round, but to avoid the largest crowds, it is recommended to avoid holidays, weekends, and the peak season during June and August.
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