Edinburgh Castle
A thousand-year-old fortress standing on extinct volcanic rock. It houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, and is the most striking landmark in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Castle is built on volcanic rock formed about 350 million years ago. People have defended the site since the Iron Age. From the 12th century it became a royal castle of Scotland, and it has been besieged and changed hands many times. The oldest building inside is St Margaret's Chapel from the 12th century. The Royal Palace displays the Honours of Scotland (the Crown, the Sceptre and the Sword of State) and the 'Stone of Destiny', on which Scottish kings were crowned. There are also the Great Hall, the Prisoners of War Prison, the National War Museum of Scotland, and the giant cannon 'Mons Meg'. Apart from Sundays, the One O'Clock Gun is fired from the Half Moon Battery every day at 13:00, and it is the castle's signature ceremony. Tickets cost about GBP 21–24. Peak-season slots often sell out, so be sure to book a timed ticket on the official website in advance. You can rent a Chinese audio guide. It is recommended to enter from Castlehill, the castle esplanade at the top of the Royal Mile. Visit the Crown Room first, as the queue is longest there, so go right when the gates open, then see the other exhibits. The city wall overlooks the New Town and the Firth of Forth. During the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in August, a stand is erected in the esplanade, so pay attention to closing times when planning your visit.
Opening hours
Apr–Sep 09:30–18:00; Oct–Mar 09:30–17:00 (last entry 1 hour before closing)
Nearby sights
- Princes Street Gardens
- Victoria Street & Grassmarket
- The Scotch Whisky Experience
- Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
- Scottish National Gallery
- The Writers' Museum
- Scott Monument
- Greyfriars Kirkyard & Greyfriars Bobby