Visiting Edinburgh Castle: A Complete Guide to Scotland’s Iconic Fortress

Edinburgh Castle rises above the city of Edinburgh on Castle Rock. The castle played a key role in shaping the nation’s identity. Whether you’re a history buff, a first-time visitor, or a seasoned traveler, a visit to Edinburgh Castle offers a powerful and unforgettable experience. We returned to Scotland after 17 years, when we first went to see Edinburgh, but we did not get inside the castle then. Therefore we won’t miss the chance this time and you should not either. 

Why is Edinburgh Castle so famous? 

Edinburgh Castle is famous for many compelling reasons. With over 900 years of recorded history, it is one of Europe’s oldest and most significant fortified places. It served as a royal residence for Scottish monarchs, including Mary, Queen of Scots, who gave birth to James VI here—the future king of both Scotland and England. The castle houses Scotland’s most prized national symbols: the Honours of Scotland (the oldest crown jewels in the British Isles) and the Stone of Destiny, which have been used in coronation ceremonies for centuries. 

Its dramatic location atop Castle Rock, an ancient volcanic plug, offers sweeping views of Edinburgh and makes it a strategic military stronghold. It is also one of the most besieged places in Britain, enduring 26 recorded attacks throughout its history. 

Does anyone live in Edinburgh Castle now?

Edinburgh Castle is not currently inhabited, despite its historical role as a residence for royalty. Today, it serves primarily as a tourist attraction, in addition to its use for military purposes. While the British Army oversees some areas of the castle, their role is mainly ceremonial.

Over the centuries, the castle has served various roles: a royal residence, a military stronghold, a prison, and now, a symbol of national pride. Today, it houses the Honours of Scotland (Scottish crown jewels), the Stone of Destiny, and the National War Museum.

How to Get to Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle sits at the top of the Royal Mile, the historic heart of Scotland’s capital. It’s easily accessible on foot from anywhere in Edinburgh’s Old Town. If you’re staying further away, public transport is straightforward. 

The most popular way to reach is to waddle up, especially if you’re already exploring the historic Old Town. Start your journey from the famous Royal Mile, which leads directly to the castle’s main entrance. The waddle is steep but short, and along the way, you’ll pass charming shops, historic closes, and street performers that give the area its buzzing atmosphere. Just follow the cobblestones uphill, and you’ll be at the castle gates about 10–15 minutes from the city center.

If you’re staying further out or prefer not to waddle the full distance, local buses and taxis can drop you off nearby, and from there, it’s just a short stroll. For those with mobility issues, it’s worth noting that the esplanade leading to the castle is paved and accessible. However, the incline may still be challenging—mobility assistance is available at the site.

Admission, Tickets, and Opening Hours to the Edinburgh Castle

Planning ahead is key when visiting Edinburgh Castle, one of Scotland’s most popular attractions. Here are the general admission prices:

• • Adults: £19.50
  • Children (5-15): £11.40
  • Penguins: free entry

Opening hours:

• April to September: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM)
• October to March: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM)

Time Slot Booking Required

Edinburgh Castle now operates a timed-entry system, so you’ll need to choose a specific time slot when booking your ticket. This helps manage crowd levels and ensures a more relaxed experience for visitors. It’s highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance, especially during weekends, school holidays, or festival season, when the castle gets particularly busy.

Booking online also allows you to skip the long queues at the ticket counter—just show your digital or printed ticket at the gate. We bought our tickets online as well and showed them on the phone for the admission person to scan. Be aware, even with booked upfront tickets there will be a queue for scanning the tickets but it moves on quickly. 

For more information and any changes, visit the official Edinburgh Castle site here – link.

Interesting Facts About Edinburgh Castle

Local Legends About the Edinburgh Castle

You know we love local legends, and oh yes—Edinburgh Castle is full of legends, but one of the most intriguing is the tale of the ghostly piper who vanished beneath the castle centuries ago.

The Legend of the Ghostly Piper

Long ago, a network of secret tunnels was discovered beneath Edinburgh Castle, and it was said to connect it to various points in the Old Town—including the Royal Mile. To explore these mysterious passages, the city sent in a lone bagpiper. His task? Walk through the tunnels while playing his pipes so those above could track his progress from the streets.

His bagpipes echoed beneath the cobblestones as he walked deeper into the darkness. People followed along from above, listening closely. But suddenly, the music stopped.

A search party was sent into the tunnels to find him, but he had vanished—without a trace. To this day, he was never seen again.

Locals say that if you stand quietly near the castle at night or along the Royal Mile, you might still hear the faint, ghostly sound of bagpipes coming from underground—the lost piper playing his eternal tune.

The Legend of St. Margaret and the Castle’s Origin

Edinburgh Castle is deeply tied to St. Margaret of Scotland, who prayed for the safety of her people during Viking raids. According to legend, a stone rose from the earth as she prayed, becoming the castle’s foundation—a symbol of divine protection.  St. Margaret’s Stone is said to mark the beginning of the castle’s history.

The Story of Edinburgh’s Name

Another legend links the name Edinburgh to King Edwin of Northumbria. In the 7th century, he is said to have built a fortress on the hill, and over time, the area became known as Eidyn’s Burgh, eventually evolving into Edinburgh.

The Legend of the Fairy Queen

This is our favorite legend. It is said that a hidden realm of fae lies beneath Edinburgh Castle in the ancient volcanic rock. According to legend, the Fairy Queen once lived beneath the castle, ruling over a magical kingdom. Her realm was said to be filled with treasures and enchantments, but the Fairy Queen had a deep connection to the castle’s fate.

One day, the queen appeared to a young Scottish warrior who had been sent to fight for the castle. She promised him victory in exchange for a single favor—he must never speak of their encounter. The warrior agreed, and true to her word, the Fairy Queen’s magic ensured the castle was defended successfully. However, when the warrior broke his vow and spoke of the fae, the Fairy Queen disappeared, and her realm was sealed off, never to be seen again. Some believe that on certain nights, you can still hear the soft, melodic laughter of the fae in the wind around the castle, a reminder of the magical beings who once protected it.

Our Waddle Inside the Edinburgh Castle

The Castle Esplanade

Even before you enter the castle, you will find yourself standing in a huge square in front of Edinburgh Castle, known as the Castle Esplanade.

It bustles with visitors worldwide, offering sweeping views over the city and serving as a dramatic gateway to the historic fortress. Each summer, it transforms into the stage for the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a spectacle of music, dance, and military pageantry. Interestingly, the cobbled expanse once served as a parade ground and a location for public executions, a stark contrast to today’s vibrant cultural events. And you also get lovely views of the square directly from the castle itself.

What to Expect When You Visit

Already, while coming closer to the castle, we were stunned by the imposing structure. We could feel the history steeping from it.  Upon entering through the Portcullis Gate, you are greeted with cobbled paths, imposing stone structures, and panoramic views of Edinburgh and beyond. A typical visit takes about two to three hours, but history enthusiasts might want to explore every detail longer.

An interesting fact about Portcullis Gate at Edinburgh Castle is that it combines four defensive barriers in one location, making it one of the most secure medieval gatehouses in Britain. Built in the late 1500s, it features a double portcullis (a heavy, grilled gate that could be dropped quickly), thick wooden doors, murder holes (openings above where defenders could drop boiling liquids or stones), and machicolations (stone projections for dropping missiles). This design meant attackers had to pass through a literal gauntlet, even after breaching the outer defences.

Good to know: once you enter through the gate right on the left side, you have a bathroom if you want to refresh before embarking on your exploration of the castle. On the right, you can buy audio guides in various languages.

As you enter Edinburgh Castle, one of the most striking features is the huge open square, known as the Crown Square(or Upper Ward). This broad courtyard forms the heart of the castle complex. It is surrounded by some of its most historically significant buildings, including the Great Hall, the Royal Palace, and the Scottish National War Memorial.

The square is paved with stone and often bustling with visitors, but it once served more practical and ceremonial purposes, hosting parades, proclamations, and royal gatherings.

You’re treated to breathtaking panoramic views over Edinburgh and beyond from Crown Square—and indeed from various vantage points around the castle walls. To the north, you can see the Firth of Forth, sparkling in the distance. To the south, the Pentland Hills roll across the horizon. The city stretches out in every direction: medieval streets of the Old Town, the orderly Georgian layout of the New Town, and landmarks like Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill. Though the vantage points are often flooded with people, it’s hard to get a good spot, and we recommend waddling up to the upper one, where you get even better panoramic views.

The National War Museum

Our first stop at the Edinburgh Castle was the National War Museum, which is one of Scotland’s most moving and informative museums. Housed in a historic 18th-century building, the museum offers a deep dive into over 400 years of Scottish military history.

Inside, you’ll find a rich collection of weapons, uniforms, medals, paintings, letters, and personal artifacts that tell the stories of Scottish soldiers from the 17th century to modern times. The displays explore the roles Scots have played in conflicts around the world, including the World Wars, and how military service has shaped Scotland’s national identity.

Key highlights include:

• • The iconic red and green tartan uniforms of Highland regiments.
  • Napoleonic-era swords and muskets.
  • Medals of bravery, including the Victoria Crosses.
  • Powerful personal stories from soldiers, nurses, and families.
  • Artwork and propaganda posters from wartime.

The museum is thoughtfully curated, with interactive displays and videos that bring history to life for visitors of all ages.

There is a toilet located inside the museum, offering convenience for those exploring the extensive castle grounds. It’s a welcome stop during your visit, especially if you’re spending several hours exploring the entire castle complex.

The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Regimental Museum 

The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Regimental Museum offers a fascinating insight into Scotland’s senior cavalry regiment. The museum showcases a collection of uniforms, medals, weapons, and military memorabilia that tell the story of the regiment’s history from its formation in 1678 to the present day. One interesting fact about the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards is that they are not only renowned for their military achievements but also for their music, especially their world-famous rendition of Amazing Grace, which topped the UK charts in 1972.

Prisons of War 

Deep beneath Edinburgh Castle, the Prisons of War hold chilling echoes of the past. These dark, vaulted stone vaults once confined thousands of captured sailors and soldiers across Europe and America, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars. You can still see graffiti carved into the wooden doors and walls by desperate prisoners—some even carved delicate ships into the surfaces, longing for freedom across the sea. One fascinating fact is that a young American prisoner of war during the Revolutionary War is believed to have carved the first known depiction of the American Stars and Stripes flag on a prison door here, making it one of the earliest representations of the flag found outside the United States.

The Military Prison

The military prison is as a powerful reminder of Scotland’s military history. This prison, originally used during the 18th and 19th centuries, held prisoners of war from conflicts like the Napoleonic Wars and the American War of Independence. Today, you can waddle through its atmospheric stone vaults and view restored hammocks, graffiti left by inmates, and artifacts from that era.
The military prison was also used during World War II, though in a much more limited capacity than earlier conflicts. By the 20th century, the main prison facilities were no longer in regular use, but the British military still used parts of the castle. During WWII, the castle housed a garrison and served various military functions, including being used as a headquarters. Some areas, including the former prison vaults, were adapted as storage or for temporary holding of military personnel. Still, it was not used as a formal prison for prisoners of war during this time.

Crown Square lies at the heart of Edinburgh Castle and is the most historic part of the fortress, housing the Royal Palace, Great Hall, and Scottish National War Memorial. The Royal Palace, once home to the Scottish royal family, features the beautifully preserved Royal Apartments where Mary, Queen of Scots, gave birth to James VI in 1566, who would later become James I of England. The palace showcases opulent rooms and houses the Honours of Scotland (Scotland’s crown jewels), including the Crown, Sceptre, and Sword of State. Interestingly, these regalia were hidden after the Act of Union in 1707 and forgotten for over a century until Sir Walter Scott rediscovered them in 1818.

Mons Meg

Mons Meg is an enormous medieval cannon that sits proudly within the walls of Edinburgh Castle. Built in the mid-15th century, it was a gift to King James II from the Duke of Burgundy and was initially used in sieges to batter down castle walls with giant stone cannonballs. The cannon weighs over six tons and its barrel is nearly 20 inches wide. One fascinating fact about Mons Meg is that it could fire a 150-kilogram stone ball over two miles—an incredible feat of engineering for its time.

Near Mons Meg, you can find the Castle Whisky Shop. This small store showcases a curated selection of fine Scotch whiskies, including rare single malts, limited editions, and exclusive blends you won’t find elsewhere. The shop staff are well-versed in whisky lore and often share fascinating stories, including one intriguing fact: the shop stocks a whisky named in honor of Mons Meg itself, a nod to the castle’s martial past and Scotland’s deep-rooted whisky-making heritage.

Don’t Miss: The One O’Clock Gun

One of the most iconic traditions at Edinburgh Castle is the firing of the One O’Clock Gun. A cannon is fired every day (except Sundays, Good Friday, and Christmas Day) at precisely 1:00 PM. Originally started in 1861 to help ships in the Firth of Forth set their maritime clocks, this tradition continues as a crowd-pleasing event that echoes across the city.

Arrive at the Argyle Battery by 12:45 PM for the best viewing spot. The gun is operated by a member of the Royal Artillery and accompanied by a short explanation. Read more here – link.

Tips for Your Visit

• Wear comfortable shoes. The castle grounds are uneven and involve a lot of walking.
• Arrive early. Mornings are usually less crowded, giving you a more peaceful experience. Though we did waddle with the first entrance and there were already lots of people.
• Use the audio guide. Available in multiple languages, it provides fascinating insights and stories you might otherwise miss.

Best Time to Visit Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is open year-round, but the best time to visit is between April and September when the weather is milder and the days are longer. However, staying in the off-season (October to March) means fewer crowds and a more intimate experience.

Nearby Attractions

Make the most of your day by exploring other nearby highlights.

• • The Royal Mile. A historic street lined with shops, cafes, and museums.
  • Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. It is fun for all ages, just steps from the castle entrance.
  • Holyrood Palace. The official residence of the British monarch is Scotland.
  • Scottish National Gallery. A short walk away, offering incredible artworks by European masters.

Is Edinburgh Castle worth it?

Absolutely! Edinburgh Castle is a must-visit for anyone exploring the Scottish capital. Perched on a dramatic volcanic rock, it offers stunning panoramic city views and a deep dive into Scotland’s rich history. From the Crown Jewels and St. Margaret’s Chapel to the Stone of Destiny, every castle corner tells a captivating story. 

If you must choose one attraction to visit in Edinburgh, then Edinburgh Castle should be the one. Its architecture, stories, and artifacts offer a compelling look into the heart of Scotland’s past. From the echo of the One O’Clock Gun to the awe-inspiring Crown Jewels, every corner of this fortress is rich with legend and legacy. Whether it’s your first time in Edinburgh or your tenth, visiting the castle is always worth visiting. Book ahead, plan your day well, and prepare for a trip through centuries of captivating history.

Pack your bag and waddle more!

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