Edinburgh Castle
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Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle has to be one of the most famous castles in the world and not surprising when you see it and how it dominates the landscape of Edinburgh. The castle is located at the top of the Royal Mile on a large volcanic rock.
It bears over you when your shopping on Princes Street are when you sunbathing in the Princes Street gardens.
What a back drop the castle makes on Hogmanay or at the end of the Edinburgh festival when all the fireworks go off.
Edinburgh Castle Opening Times
Open all year.
Summer 1 April to 31 October Monday to Sunday 9.30am to 6.00pm. Last entry at 5.15 pm.
Winter
1 November to 31 March
Monday to Sunday 9.30am to 5.00pm. Last entry at 4.15 pm.
Christmas and New Year Period
Closed 25 and 26 December.
Open on 1 January and 2 January - please call for opening hours.
Museums at the Castle The times for independent museums may vary. Please telephone to check opening times prior to visit.
What to see and do in the castle
A variety of architectural design and styles shows of it's changing history of war and royalty.
Things you don't want to miss out on in the castle include
St Margaret's Chapel - Edinburgh's oldest building which dates from the 1100s Crown Square - the principal courtyard which was developed in the 15th century The Great Hall with its impressive hammerbeam roof built by James IV The Half Moon Battery created in the late 16th century The Scottish National War Memorial added after the First World War.
Prisoners of War exhibition Edinburgh Castle was a prison for sailors from many countries in the 18th and 19th centuries, including crewmen who sailed with John Paul Jones, founder of the American Navy. Their graffiti, handmade ships and other items are on display in the Prisoners of War exhibition.
Other attractions include:
The Honours of the Kingdom exhibition - tells the story of Scotland's Crown Jewels saved from Cromwell to become some of the oldest surviving regalia in Europe The famous Stone of Destiny - taken to Westminster Abbey in 1296 and returned to Scotland 700 years later. Listen out for or watch the One O'Clock Gun and see a fascinating display on the history of time guns and timekeeping. The giant medieval siege cannon Mons Meg once again standing proudly on the castle ramparts The magnificent Laich Hall The National War Museum of Scotland.