What To Know Before Visiting Edinburgh Castle
One of the most famous historical landmarks in the City of Edinburgh sits atop Castle Rock, and that is Edinburgh Castle. This famous castle has been home to many monarchs, such as Mary Queen of Scots and her mother Mary De Guise, and is just one of Scotland’s many castles; another being Stirling Castle, located an hour’s drive from the city.
If you’re fancying a tour of the Castle, and don’t know where to start, we’ve got you.
From your perfect lunch spot to your insider’s guide of making the most of your tour, we’ve got it all covered.
Did you know: Castle Rock is one of Edinburgh’s Seven Hills.
The Castle and its History
There are an abundance of things to do in Edinburgh, and visiting the castle is at the top of many of our guests’ itineraries alongside Edinburgh Zoo and, if you’re brave, Arthur’s Seat. Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe, complete with a long, rich history, prison and fortress.
Inside this magnificent structure are many treasures, including the crown jewels, the Honours of Scotland, and one of the oldest standing chapels in Europe: St Margaret’s Chapel. Said to have been built by King David I in 1130, naming it after his mother.
The Castle is open to tourists, provided they have bought an Edinburgh Castle ticket, and the grounds in front of the castle are home to the annual Tattooist performance in Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival in August. Alongside this, the courtyard also holds a variety of performances preceding this, including live Orchestra performances to family favourites like Harry Potter, having shown The Philosopher’s Stone and The Chamber of Secrets in previous years. Tickets for these events often sell quickly so make sure to keep an eye out for the next upcoming event.
As you find yourself exploring this historic sight, there are a few key locations to make the most out of, such as the Royal Palace. The palace is where many of the Kings and queens lived in comfort, such as Mary of Guise and King Charles I. There is also a small chamber within the palace where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to her son, James VI of Scotland, later known as James I of England.
Another spot to explore is The Great Hall. The Great Hall was used to hold grand banquets and events, but was turned into barracks by Oliver Cromwell in 1650. This room is a non-negotiable as it holds so much history beneath its walls.
The Museums
Inside the Castle, there are two fascinating museums for you to explore: The National War Museum and The Regimental Museums.
The National War Museum has the pleasure of holding a large variety of war memorabilia from Scottish forces throughout the centuries.
The Regimental Museums showcase the Royal Regiment of Scotland, who were raised to help King Charles II fight in the 17th century.
The Royal Scots Museum can be found opposite the regimental museum and showcases further Scottish history.
The Redcoat Cafe
If you find yourself feeling peckish during your tour of the castle, make sure to head into the Redcoat cafe located beside the Edinburgh Whiskey and Finest Food Shop.
Grab yourself a warm, hearty lunch and a hot drink to pair with it.
When to visit
The best time of the year to take an Edinburgh Castle Tour has to be in the quieter seasons, like Spring. During this time, the front courtyard is fully accessible, and the crowds are fewer up and down the Royal Mile.
While we always recommend an early start for a full adventure, make sure to time your visit with the One O’clock Gun in mind. At one in the afternoon every day, Edinburgh Castle fires gunpowder from one of their historic cannons in a unique display for tourists. Wherever you are in the city centre, you’ll be sure to hear the gunfire and know what time it is. Fantastic.
We hope you enjoyed this historical blog post and that it helps with your future visit to Edinburgh Castle. If you are looking for Edinburgh Castle tickets, you can browse the selection here.
Stay with us
Headed to the City of Edinburgh? Why not curate your perfect stay with us? At Calton Living, we host a range of serviced apartments throughout the city, each with its own unique style and location. You can view our full range of apartments here.
