Edinburgh Castle, Scotland - Things to See and Do

What to see and do at Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Visited June 2022

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Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress located on top of a volcanic rock in the heart of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland

Edinburgh's Castle Rock reminds tourists of the Acropolis in Athens. There has been a royal castle on the rock since at least the reign of David I in the 12th century. There have been 26 sieges of the castle in its 1,100-year history making it "the most besieged place in Great Britain and one of the most attacked in the world".

We visited Edinburgh Castle on 6/12/2022. We spent several hours visiting many of the buildings within the castle walls. We were able to view the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. However, photography was not allowed in the throne room. So, we don't have any pictures of them.

The castle has played a significant role in Scottish history, serving as a royal palace, military stronghold, and prison. It is now one of Scotland's most popular tourist attractions. The earliest known settlement on the site of Edinburgh Castle dates back to the Iron Age, but the castle's most prominent features were built in the 16th and 17th centuries. The castle's most famous feature is the 12th-century St. Margaret's Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh. The castle is also home to the Scottish National War Memorial, which commemorates the country's fallen soldiers.

Edinburgh Castle has served as a royal residence for many Scottish monarchs, including Mary Queen of Scots, who gave birth to her son James VI in the castle. The castle has also been the site of several military conflicts throughout its history, including during the Wars of Scottish Independence and the Jacobite Rising of 1745.

Visitors to Edinburgh Castle can explore the castle's various structures and exhibits, including the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny (which was used in the coronation of Scottish kings), and the famous One O'Clock Gun, which is fired every day at 1 pm.

In addition to its historical significance, Edinburgh Castle also offers stunning views of the city and hosts several events throughout the year, including the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a popular music and dance festival featuring performances by military bands from around the world.

Overall, Edinburgh Castle is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Scottish history, architecture, and culture.

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The Edinburgh castle is perched on top of Castle Rock (the remnant of an extinct volcano) and the Royal Mile runs down the crest of a ridge from it to the royal residence in Holyrood Palace.

The gates to Holyrood Palace. Holyrood house has served as the principal royal residence in Scotland since the 16th century. Queen Elizabeth II spent one week in residence at Holyrood house at the beginning of each summer.

In front of the castle is a long forecourt known as the Esplanade. Upon the Esplanade, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place annually and attracts an audience of around 217,000 people.

The bridge over the moat to the castle gate. The Gatehouse at the head of the Esplanade was built in 1888.

The moat is a dry ditch in front of the entrance to the castle and it was completed in its present form in 1742.

View from the castle to the North Sea and Calton Hill. The hill is the headquarters of the Scottish Government, which is based at St Andrew's House. Holyrood Palace is at the foot of the hill. It is also the location of the National Monument, the Nelson Monument, the Dugald Stewart Monument, the old Royal High School, the Robert Burns Monument, the Political Martyrs' Monument and the City Observatory.

Lang Stairs is a stairway inside the castle. Leading from the Portcullis Gate & Argyle Tower up to Foog's Gate.

View from a window in the castle to the city below.

View from the top of the castle wall towards Arthur's Seat. It is a 822 ft ancient volcano in Holyrood Park which is the main peak of the group of hills in Edinburgh.

One of the many cannons on the castle wall.

The siege gun (or bombard) known as Mons Meg is displayed on a terrace in front of St. Margaret's Chapel. it was built in 1449 and weighs 13,000 lbs.

The Royal Palace in Crown Square contains the Crown Room. The the crown, the sceptre, sword of state, and the Stone of Scone upon which the monarchs of Scotland were traditionally crowned are housed in the Crown Room.

The Great Hall was the chief place of state assembly in the castle. It was completed in the early years of the 16th century.

St Margaret's Chapel from the early 12th century is the oldest building in Edinburgh.

The statue of Earl Hague on Hospital Square in front of the National War Museum. The museums in the castle cover Scotland's military history over the past 400 years.