Edinburgh Castle

The Travel Pages visits Edinburgh Castle, which is Edinburgh’s and Scotland’s top attraction and home to the city’s oldest building.

Towering over the city centre from the top of a volcanic crag nearly 122 metres (400 ft) high and 135 million years old, and visible from many parts of the city, Edinburgh Castle is certainly an impressive monument. It’s home to the city’s oldest building, the tiny St Margaret’s Chapel, which was built in the 12th century.

Edinburgh Castle is also where you’ll find Scotland’s crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny. A fortified site since the 7th century, parts of the castle are still used by the British army. Today it’s Scotland’s biggest tourist attraction, with over two million visitors each year.

Edinburgh Castle Entrance

Surrounded on three sides by formidably steep cliffs, the castle’s only entrance is through the Esplanade, a cobbled forecourt on the east side of the castle, which is at the far west end of the Royal Mile (officially it’s on the street called Castlehill). Edinburgh’s famous Military Tattoo with pipes, drums and brass bands takes place on the vast Esplanade every August during the Edinburgh Festival.

Edinburgh Castle Audio Tour

Inside, we recommend you pick up an audiotape tour (which is included in the admission fee) to hear the fascinating history of the castle and its royal inhabitants. Mary, Queen of Scots gave birth to her son, the future King James VI of Scotland, in the Royal Apartments here.

St Margaret’s Chapel

This tiny building was built as a private chapel for the use of the royal family by King David I of Scotland (circa 1124–1153). He dedicated it to his mother, Saint Margaret of Scotland. It’s still in use today, including as a very special, if small, wedding venue.

Edinburgh Castle Views

There are fantastic views over the city from the batteries, which are lined with cannon including the 15th-century siege cannon Mons Meg. This weighs 13,000 pounds (5,897 kg) and hasn’t been fired since 1681 when its barrel burst while firing a salute to the visiting Duke of Albany, who went on to become King James VII of Scotland and King James II of England.

Gun Salute

A one o’clock gun salute is fired every day from Mills Mount Battery, so be prepared for the noise!

Edinburgh Castle Museums

You can also visit the Scottish National War Memorial and several museums, of which the highlight is the Honours of Scotland exhibit displaying the oldest crown jewels in Britain. Alongside is the Stone of Destiny, upon which the monarchs of Scotland have been crowned ever since the 9th century.