Edinburgh Castle

Located on the summit of a volcanic plug that towers over the city below, Edinburgh Castle has been a fortification for more than 2000 years, due to its strategic location. It is the second most visited attraction in the UK and the most visited monument in Scotland.

Several historic buildings are located within the castle complex, the oldest of which is St Margaret’s Chapel, which was built in the early 12th century, a beautiful Romanesque building measuring only 16 feet (5 meters). As a memorial to his mother, the wife of King Malcolm III, King David I constructed this monument in honor of his mother.

A major building project was undertaken by James IV (1488-1513), including the Royal Apartments and Great Hall. These areas were used as a royal palace by the Stewart monarchs until the Union of the Crowns in 1603, after which their court moved to London.

This building houses the ‘Honours’ of Scotland, which are the Scottish crown jewels. In 1996 the Stone of Scone (also known as the Stone of Destiny) returned to Scotland from London and is also on display here. The stone was used by Scottish kings to crown themselves until it was removed by Edward I of England in 1296 and taken to Westminster Abbey. The stone is still used as the seat of coronations of British monarchs, most recently for the coronation of King Charles III in 2023.

In 1927, Sir Robert Lorimer designed the Scottish National War Memorial, which reuses the shell of a former barracks. It holds the records of the fallen from the Great War and Second World War as well as other wars that Scottish soldiers fought.

Military connections remain strong at the castle. It maintains a small and mainly ceremonial garrison, as well as the firing of a large gun every day at one o’clock from the northern rampart. As part of the Edinburgh Festivals, the castle Esplanade is used to host the performances of the Military Tattoo that is held annually in August in conjunction with the Edinburgh Festivals.

Touring Edinburgh Castle with us

Please note that we DO provide tours of Edinburgh Castle as part of our Edinburgh itineraries. In the busy season (mid April – end September) pre-booking is essential and we can organise skip-the-line tickets for you.

As Scotland’s busiest visitor attraciton, there are some restrictions on where tour guides are allowed to guide. This is to allow for the flow of all visitors. Typically we will guide you from the esplinade, through the castle walls and into the heart of the castle, stopping a few times to explain the history of the fortress and the stories of the people and events that have happened here. Ending in Crown Square, we will then give you some free time to explore inside the buildings, including the Royal Palace, National War Memorial and Great Hall. We’ll explain how to get the best view for the firing of the 1 o’clock gun and then meet you at the rendesvous point to continue the tour.

Please note that no tour guide is allowed to guide inside any of the castle buildings.

Visitors with reduced mobility

Please let us know if you have specific mobility or access requirements. We can arrange for a transfer vehicle to meet us on the castle Esplinade and drive you to Crown Square at the very top of the castle. Subject to availability.