Edinburgh Castle Scotland

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland

History | Access | Hotels | Castles in Scotland

Edinburgh Castle peers down on the city of Edinburgh from its perch on an extinct volcano. The history of Edinburgh Castle is bound up with the history of the Scottish nation and as such Edinburgh Castle is the most popular attraction in the country.

The castle has undergone 26 sieges in its long history

History

The earliest parts of the castle date from the 12th century with additions and renovations taking place right into the 20th century. Edinburgh Castle was the residence of Scottish monarchs until the Union with England in 1603, though by the 15th century Scotland’s kings and queens preferred to lodge in other, more comfortable locations. Nowadays the castle remains a military fortress with a Scottish regiment in residence at all times.

The Esplanade, venue for the annual Edinburgh Tattoo

Things for visitors to take in on a tour of the castle are the Esplanade – a parade ground used for the annual Edinburgh Tattoo in August, the National War Museum, St. Margaret’s Chapel, Edinburgh’s oldest building dating back to the time of King David I and the Stone of Destiny (Stone of Scone). The Stone of Scone was once kept at Scone Palace near Perth but after a spell in London is now back in Scotland. Update: the stone is due to move to the renovated Perth Museum in March 2024.

The castle is perched on Castle Rock one of Edinburgh’s hills that include Arthur’s Seat

Other notable architectural points of interest at the castle are the Half Moon Battery, the Portcullis Gate, and the Mill’s Mount Battery, from where Edinburgh’s one o’clock gun is fired.

Visitors to the Scottish capital should also visit St Giles Cathedral and Old College, home of Edinburgh Law School and the Talbot Rice Gallery.