Explore the hidden towers and rooms of Edinburgh Castle during a visit with or without a guide!
When we evoke Scotland, we immediately think of these famous castles that come into the horizon line. Edinburgh Castle does not deviate from the rule! A symbol of Scottish power, the castle captivates, turns around, amazes visitors with its ancient buildings. With more than a million visitors a year, this imposing castle — located on Castle Hill Hill — offers stunning views of the entire city of Edinburgh.
Discover how was the royal life where Mary of Scotland sat or let your imagination galoper in the fields where the terror of abandoned prisoners could be heard!
History of Edinburgh Castle
Located in the Scottish capital, Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest castles in the old continent. Based on its royal and military history, it is — like the city of Edinburgh — a bouillonous place of folklore. From royalty stories to pirate stories, it is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the region.
Perched at the top of its hill, this emblematic monument of Edinburgh’s heritage — once a strategic place from a military point of view — invites you to go back into the past by walking in the footsteps of the illustrious characters who have made history, such as the Queen who died there in 1093, and was subsequently canonized.
Among its great historical moments, the castle was besieged many times. Especially in the wars of independence where he has changed “holders” on many occasions. It’s in 1314 , during a night commando led by Thomas Randolph that the Scottish troops finally return the castle to the English.
Thus, the castle's defences have experienced several evolutions over the centuries. First with the famous Mons Meg — one of the most imposing medieval canons in history — which was offered in 1457 to the king Jacques II . From 1573 , it is then the turn of the Half Moon Battery — armed for 200 years by the Seven Sisters, a lot of bronze cannons — to faithfully defend the Edinburgh Castle. The defence of the building is paramount, Argyle Battery — composed of 6 canons — joined the artillery of the castle.
Beyond its military installations, the castle houses several places that contributed to its greatness. Among them, Chapelle Sainte-Marguerite , built by David I in honour of her late mother Queen Margaret, today still hosts ceremonies. There is also the Grande Salle, built in 1511 for the King James IV and serving as a reception place for banquets and state events.
But what is a castle without its treasures? In Edinburgh, he is home to the oldest jewels of the crown in Great Britain, named “The honors of Scotland”. Made under the reign of Jacques IV and Jacques V , they are composed of objects made of precious stones and metals.
What to see and do at Edinburgh Castle
Have you decided to visit Edinburgh Castle? Excellent idea! The latter contains a multitude of places and pieces in charge of history. You'll certainly enjoy discovering them. Here is a selection of the most emblematic of them:
La Chapelle Sainte-Marguerite
The Chapel Sainte-Marguerite, the oldest part of the castle and the oldest building in the city, was built in tribute to the mother of David I .
The Scottish National War Memorial
The Scottish National War Memorial is a monument that pays tribute to the victims of conflict since the First World War.
Geôles
During your visit to Edinburgh Castle, you will pass through one of the darkest parts of the place: war prisons. Through reconstructions, you will be able to give you an idea of the living conditions of those imprisoned in these groubling basements of the world. Small clue: they were everything but ideal!
Mons Meg
Mons Meg is one of the greatest canons of the 15th century! He was offered to King James II of Scotland, by Philippe le Bon . From the top of its 6 tons, it is the symbol of the Scottish military power of the time and was used during the war against the English.
Crown Jewels
Known as the Honours of Scotland, Crown Jewels are one of the oldest collections of this type. You can contemplate the crown, the matching sword and the sceptre that compose it. You can also admire the Pierre du Destin which served as a crowning place for the kings of Scotland. Flyed by King Edward I of England in 1296, she was returned to the Scottish only in 1996.
One o’clock Gun
If you choose to visit Edinburgh Castle, you will be able to attend the very special “cannon blow” that takes place every day at 1pm, except Sunday. Visitors are thus invited to gather to observe this tradition dating from 1861 .
At 1 p.m., so the General of Artillery pulls a cannon to make this custom persist. For the little story, the gunshot was used at the time to tell the sailors and the villagers time.
See also
If you want to know all the secrets of this famous castle, you can also discover:
- The National War Museum
- The rooms of the Royal Palace
- Military prison
- Military Dog Cemetery
How to visit Edinburgh Castle
If you can visit the castle in the way you want, several itineraries ideas are offered to optimize your visit:
Morning circuit
Are you in the morning? You don't want to miss anything? Start early and stay as long as you want. This circuit offers you the best possible view during your visit to Edinburgh Castle. You can discover all its secrets. From Portcullis Gate to the Royal Scots Museum, to the Governor’s House.
Count 2 to 3 hours.
Just an hour circuit
Ideal for the most in a hurry, this route — as its name suggests — can be done in 1 hour. You can concentrate your visit around the highlights of the site. Notably: the One o’clock Gun, the Grande Salle, the Mons Meg or the Sainte-Marguerite chapel.
The Royal Road circuit
This circuit offers you to take the royal path by walking in the footsteps of the sovereigns who lived in the castle. Discover the jewels of the crown, the Tower of David, the Royal Palace or the birth chamber of James VI.
How to go to Edinburgh Castle?
Edinburgh Castle is located at this address: Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG.
Schedules & Rates of Edinburgh Castle
HORARI
- 1 April to 30 September: 09:30 to 18:00. (Last entry at 5:00 p.m.)
- 1 October to 31 March : 09:30 to 17:00. (Last entry at 4:00 p.m.)
RATES
On site
- Adults : £19.50 (about €21.30)
- Children (5 to 15 years): £11.50 (about €12.56)
- Over 60 years and unemployed : £16 (about €17.48)
Online
- Adults: £17.50 (about €19.12)
- Children (5-15 years): £10.50 (about €11.47)
- Over 60 years and unemployed: £14 (about €15.29)
Reductions
Reductions are applied to:
- New members of English Heritage, Cadw and Manx National Heritage (reduction of 50%)
- Holders of a young Scottish card (pay only 1 £ to visit the castle in 2019 and 2020)
- European card holders (reduction of 10%)
Free visit
Some lucky ones can visit Edinburgh Castle for free:
- Historical Members of Scotland
- Holders of theExplore Pass and Scottish Heritage Pass
- Accompaniers of disabled visitors
- Current members of the British Armed Forces (on presentation of a valid MOD 90 card)
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