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Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh

Exploring this magnificent castle and its history

After walking the Royal Mile, we visit Edinburgh Castle. Overlooking the city from the grassy hilltop of the Castle Rock, the fortress itself looks as though it has been carved from the very stone upon which it sits. It is powerful yet elegant, lavish yet wholly inviting to anyone fortunate enough to find themselves standing at the castle gate. These are doors and walls and windows that have seen kings and queens, saints and sinners, voyagers from all corners of the world. And now us.

 Jacqueline E. Smith
Our first visit to Edinburgh was in 2014, and our return in 2023 was too long a wait. We had gorgeous weather during this visit, and Ryan attended a full-day Scotch Whisky Training School; it was perfect. This is an updated version of the original article and provides lots of reasons why you should visit Edinburgh Castle. Many new photos and details will draw you even more to this remarkable castle and the stunning city of Edinburgh, Scotland.
Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh

There will be no shortage of sights and wonders when traveling to Scotland to take your imagination to new heights. One of the first things that come to mind when thinking of Scotland is castles, but we do not usually think of a large capital city as a place to find one. We have seen castles in cities before, but 90% of them we see are in the countryside. In the case of Edinburgh, you are in luck if you are sticking to the city.

In the heart of Edinburgh, high on top of a volcanic plug formed approximately 350 million years ago, proudly sits Edinburgh Castle. The summit of the rock is 430 feet above sea level, which provides an ideal defensive location for its expansive 360 views. Subsequently, it is hard to miss as it resembles a crown adorned on top of royalty, as it should rightly be.

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh

Our Path to Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest fortified castles in Europe. It stands proudly above its equally unique and vibrant home of Edinburgh. This majestic castle deserves to have its surroundings full of great ambiance and magic that will keep you continuously engaged. Edinburgh absolutely delivers.

The castle was the main draw that brought us to Edinburgh in 2014. We only had a short time to enjoy it before moving on to Ireland. This remarkable destination deserved more of our time, and we could not wait to return. Luckily we chose to walk from our hotel to the castle. That path alone had so much to experience and only solidified our return one day.

Fast enough forward to 2023, well, not fast enough. On our 2023 trip, we gave Edniburhg three days, and we fell head over heels even more in love with this fantastic city. Let us take you on a journey to the castle and its environs.

Victoria Street

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh

On the castle’s east side is the perfect area to make your way through the city and up to Castle Hill, lovely Victoria Street. Nothing says magic like Harry Potter, so walking streets full of colorful shops sets the magical mood filmed in those beloved movies.

Another option is to start on the Northwest side before heading through the street and up to the castle. Two churches along this route are well worth a visit. St. John’s Church, built in 1816, is a beautiful Neo-gothic style church with some modern updates in recent years. It is a peaceful place to calm yourself from the hustle and bustle of big city life. Another great place for calm and reflection is The Parish Church of St Cuthbert, which sits beside St. John’s. This Renaissance, Baroque-style church built in the last decade of the 1800s has a long history and beauty you will treasure. Make sure you look up before you leave; this location has incredible views of Edinburgh Castle, which is well worth a few photographs.

The North Side

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh

As you head East on the Northside of the castle and walk through the Prince’s Street Gardens, there are many more treats to see. These sights include a 19th-century Ross Fountain and Ross Band Stand, where you can sit outside for live summer music. The beautifully landscaped gardens have many impressive statues and monuments to enjoy. The smaller East Prince Street Gardens, with its own monuments, is also lovely. The Royal Scottish Academy and Scottish National Gallery are great visits for art lovers if you continue further.

The most well-known and visible monument in this area is the Scott Monument. This wonderful gothic spire memorial is in honor of the writer Sir Walter Scott. A visit only costs a small fee. It is a 287-step climb to the top of the Scott Monument, but the stunning views make it all worth it. Don’t worry about the number of steps, though. Do the climb gradually, as there are 68 statues to admire and study along your path. There are places to stop and sit along the way; the steps narrow at the top, which can be tricky to negotiate.

The East Side

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh

Finally, you can return to the Eastside to Castlehill on the Royal Mile. You will pass many Scottish shops along the way. Surprisingly, it did not feel as touristy as we imagined; the shops were more traditional than stores with cheap tourist trinkets. A few churches along the way make it even more lovely.

During our first visit, as we approached the Edinburgh Castle Gates, we passed a historic building that housed The Scotch Whisky Experience. Our time was short, but Ryan looked into it after our return. We wish we made the time to stop back then. With 4,000 whiskies on display, tours, and a restaurant, we were even more determined to return to Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh

A class whisky dreams

Ryan learned when researching The Scotch Whisky Experience that they offered a whole-day Scotch Whisy Training School once a month. The immersion course gives you a fun-filled day of learning, eating, and drinking in a relaxing environment. The class combines hands-on activities and different learning styles to make the day entertaining, highly educational, and informative. At the completion of the class, you will get a “Certificate of Expertise” if you pass the exam. The Scotch whisky industry recognizes the certificate. Joelle joined one of the tours, which she highly recommends, and visited the castle during the day the class was held.

Our experience at The Scotch Whisky Experience was fantastic, and we can’t recommend it enough. We were so blown away by it that we felt it deserved its own article; check it out by clicking here. For the Scotch Whisky Training website, Click Here.

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh

The Castle Hill

When you climb Castle Hill, you will walk in the footsteps of soldiers, kings, queens, and even a pirate or two. It is alive with those voices as they recount the many exciting tales of the long, rich history as a royal residence, military garrison, prison, and fortress.

Download the official Edinburgh Castle map here

History of Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle’s origins reach back to prehistoric times. Now you stand where this mighty structure sits on its equally solid rock. If you could not understand its strategic advantage from below, you will surely understand it once on top. People from the Iron Age constructed a fort on this towering rock which was the beginning of what it has become today.

Despite its formidable structure, the castle has suffered many sieges throughout history. The castle is the most besieged place in Britain. The castle changed hands many times during the Wars of Independence. The Scots retook the castle from the English in a night raid led by Thomas Randolph, nephew of Robert the Bruce, in 1314.

Are you heading to the Scottish Highlands? Check out our article on the Isle Of Skye.

A Royal Residence

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle was home to kings and queens for many centuries. Queen Margaret (who was anointed a saint) died here in 1093. The chapel her son, King David I, built in her honor is Edinburgh’s oldest building. St Margaret’s Chapel still hosts weddings and christenings today.

The Great Hall, completed in 1511 for King James IV, hosted grand banquets and state events. But the King had little time to enjoy his new addition. James IV died at the Battle of Flodden in 1513, fighting English forces sent by his brother-in-law, King Henry VIII of England.

Entering the Royal Palace are the gilded initials MAH – for the infamous and romanticized Mary Queen of Scots and her second husband, Henry Stewart, Lord Darnley. Mary gave birth to James VI in the Royal Palace in 1566. He became King of Scotland at 13 months old and united the crowns of Scotland and England in 1603.

Edinburgh Castle has a long history with an astounding cast of characters. We will follow the “tour” with even more details of the rich and, at times, violent and tragic history the castle characters tell.

A Military Garrison

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh

Following the ‘Union of the Crowns’ of 1603, Edinburgh Castle only had rare visits by the reigning monarch. After the 1650s, it became a significant military base and remains one today. Defenses were rebuilt and strengthened due to the Jacobite Risings of 1689–1746. Constructions of new gun batteries, such as Dury’s Battery, and new barracks began to house the many soldiers and officers.

Some 600 troops were in the New Barracks, built during the Napoleonic Wars with France. Regiments often had a mascot, many of whom were dogs. There is a dog cemetery on the grounds to honor the passing of their canine heroes.

Not everyone who came to the castle enjoyed their stay, though. Even royals were sometimes known to complain about the drafts. In their case, efforts were made to improve it but not in later years. This, once home to royalty, became a prison. Life was miserable for the prisoners in the vaults below Crown Square. Between 1757 and 1814, the vaults became home to hundreds of war prisoners. As a formidable stronghold, the castle was the most secure lock-up in Scotland.

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh

Did you know

In 1639 the castle was captured in just 30 minutes, taken by Covenanter forces led by the distinguished General Alexander Leslie.

A Jacobite force failed to capture the castle during the Rising of 1715 due to poor planning. The ladder they brought to scale the ramparts was too short.

Writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, an Edinburgh native, who created his fictional character detective Sherlock Holmes, was modeled after the then President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Professor Joseph Bell.


Visiting the Castle

The Gate House – The main entrance and ticket booth

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh

*TIP*

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh
Plan to buy your tickets online before your trip. You will choose from various times of day to enter. The day in 2023 we visited, the signage said Sold Out for the whole day. It was midweek, before peak season, with no special events in the area. So when should you buy Edinburgh Castle tickets? As early as possible, especially during peak season.
If you are in Scotland for several days, the Historic Environment Scotland Explorer Pass is well worth it and is a fantastic way to save money. We used it throughout Scotland! It gives you access to Edinburgh Castle, but you still need a reservation to enter.

Now you have arrived at The Gatehouse. This is the first main structure you will enjoy as you enter the grounds. Be sure to time it right as they still do a change of the guard here in full dress uniform. Always a powerful and beautiful display of pageantry and history.

We caught it on our way out of the castle. The video below is a snippet of the ceremony. They had press there that day, so maybe what we saw was more of a spectacle than usual. The bagpiper played beautifully. The funny part was after we left the castle, we saw him on the street playing for coins. The castle gig must not pay too well, and he was in full garb, so why not make some extra pence?

Ceremony at Ediburhg Castle

Depending on the time of year, you may find many other events in this lower area, such as dance performances, bands, or even full concerts and shows. Head up the fortified road and stop in the gift shop before reaching the next gatehouse. Pass that, and you are finally at the central part of the castle.

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh


*TIP*

We suggest starting your visit with the Royal Crown Jewels, as they can draw large crowds as the day progresses.
Plan for at least two hours to do your visit to Edinburgh Castle justice. If crowded, you should allow for more time.

Now you are about to see the best of the best. Make your way east through another smaller gate to the castle’s main keep. Here you will find the 12th-century St Margaret’s Chapel, which we discussed previously. There are views of the lower parts of the castle. Behind the chapel is Mons Meg, one of the most incredible medieval cannons ever made, given to King James II in 1457.

At this point, you will reach the heart of the castle. A large courtyard surrounds the Scottish National War Memorial, the Great Hall, and the Royal Palace. You will bask in the beauty of Scotland’s most prized possessions here, the Royal Jewels, which are impressive and stunning. Read on to learn.

What to see and do in Edinburgh Castles

St Margarets Chapel

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh

The beautiful but tiny St Margaret’s Chapel is the oldest building in Edinburgh! It was built around 1130 in honor of Queen Margaret by her son, King David I, following her death. She was known for her many charitable actions and was canonized by the Pope in 1250. Amid the hoards of tourists at the castle, you find calm and reverence within these walls.

Mons Meg

Mons Meg is an ancient cannon from 1457 that could send 330-pound shots as far as 2 miles away! The gun sits on a terrace behind the St. Margarets Chapel. It was a medieval times weapon of mass destruction. Weighing 13,000 pounds, the cannons transport was a challenge. It had to be transported with a team of horses, oxen, and men at a pace of 9 miles daily. It was never used as a weapon and was fired to celebrate Mary Queen of Scot’s wedding.

If you think the picture makes it look huge, you will be even more impressed in person as we were. You can fit inside it!

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh

One O’Clock Gun

Since 1861 at one o’clock every day, they fire the gun from the castle. This allowed ships in the Firth of Forth to set their clocks by it, and this tradition continues today. As you can imagine, this is a popular event and draws many people. This tradition does not occur on Sundays, Christmas, and Good Friday.

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh

Scottish National War Memorial

The Scottish National War Memorial occupies a converted barrack block on the north side of Crown Square. To this day, the castle has a robust military presence. It is only appropriate a museum would pay tribute to that. The exterior decor has gargoyles and sculptures, while the interior contains monuments to individual regiments.

The touching memorial commemorates Scottish soldiers who died in the two world wars and recent conflicts. Upon the altar within the Shrine, at the highest point of Castle Rock, is a sealed casket that contains the Rolls of Honor, which list over 197,000 names of those soldiers killed in the two World Wars. Names continue to grow as losses occur.

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh

Planning a trip to Scotland? Check out our Scotland Travel Guide

The Great Hall

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh
Image from Edinburgh Castle

Crown Square is at the heart of the castle, where you’ll find the immense Great Hall, commissioned by James IV and completed in 1511. It measures 95 feet by 41 feet. The incredibly preserved medieval wooden roof is a sight to behold. It is one of only two medieval halls in Scotland with the original hammer-beam roof. During a seizure of the castle in 1650, the great hall was used as a barracks.

The Great Hall was built to host banquets. The King would show off his great wealth with these elaborate events.

As you wander the Great Hall, you find an extensive collection of weapons on display.

The Prisons of War Re-creation

The Prison of War re-creation depicts how gruesome prison life was. This is where prisoners of war and pirates would have been held captive in the 1700s and 1800s. Many French and American prisoners were captured and kept at the castle during the American War of Independence. The exhibit is quite shocking but very well done.

The Royal Palace

The Palace and its Royal apartments were the official royal residence of the later Stewart Kings and Queens. The Palace is home to the Honors or Regalia of Scotland, the Scottish Crown Jewels. The Crown Jewels are on display in the Crown Room along with the Stone of Destiny, Scotland’s coronation stone returned to Scotland in 1996.

Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to the future King James VI (and the 1st of England) on June 19, 1566, in a small chamber room known as Queen Mary’s Room.

The Palace took a heavy bombardment during the Lang Seige in 1571. In 1617, the Palace was fully remodeled to its present state for King James VI’s ‘homecoming from London.

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh

The Crown Jewels: Why the big deal?

During your visit to Edinburgh Castle, absolute musts are the 15th-century Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny (a sacred object used for the coronation of Kings). The Jewels are the oldest in Britain, even older than the crown jewels kept at the Tower of London. Made of gold, silver, and precious gems, the Crown Jewels were made in Scotland and Italy during James IV and James V’s reigns. They are magnificent to view in person.

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh
Image from Edinburgh Castle Website

The stunning scepter and the sword were made in Italy and were a gift from the Pope. The Crown Jewels were made with Scottish gold and King James V’s melted-down crown.

The crown, scepter, and sword of state were first used together for the coronation of a monarch in 1543 when Mary Queen of Scots ascended to the throne. The iconic Stone of Destiny, used for centuries to inaugurate monarchs, is on display in the Crown Room.

They were last used in the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II when they formed part of the coronation chair.

Oh, the views!

Now that you have seen Edinburgh Castle, you can finish your tour and enjoy the rest of the great sites with beautiful views of the city below. Walk around many of the ramparts while getting stunning city views from all sides.

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh

Did you know?


In the Second World War, the Crown of Scotland was hidden from the enemy in David’s Tower – buried in a medieval latrine closet. (bathroom in today’s terms)

The first fireworks display in Scotland took place at Edinburgh Castle. In 1507 fireworks formed part of the famous jousting tournament hosted by James IV.

The castle was once a royal treasury, where the nation’s records and riches were kept. Jewels and treasures from around the world were kept here – including relics of Robert the Bruce, exemplary tapestries, and magical amulets.


The Cast of Characters of Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh


There have been some fascinating characters that fill Edinburgh Castle’s history. Let’s delve into their stories.

Saint Margaret (1045 to 1093)

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh
Stained glass in St Magaret’s Chapel

Margaret was an English princess. Born and raised in exile in Hungary, she returned to England aged about 10. She was forced to flee after the Norman invasion of 1066 and took refuge at the Scottish court. Margaret and King Malcolm III (known as Canmore) were married in 1070; she was the mother of three Kings of Scotland.

Margaret was a very pious Christian known for her many charitable works. She has been credited for having a civilizing influence on her husband Malcolm, who was illiterate, by reading him narratives from the bible. She instigated religious reform and is attributed to several substantial changes to the Church of Scotland. With her husband and her sons’ upbringing, she emphasized that they should be just and holy rulers, which influenced many generations of Scottish rule.

At 48 years old, Margaret died at Edinburgh Castle on November 16, 1093, three days after receiving the news of her husband’s death in battle and their eldest son Edward. Margaret was canonized in 1250 by Pope Innocent IV.

King David II (1324-1371)

David returned to Scotland in 1357 after 11 years as an English hostage. Upon his return, he took decisive steps to establish himself as King. He invested large sums of money in restoring Edinburgh Castle and his crowning achievement of the lofty David’s Tower. At over 90 feet tall, the tower dominated the skyline.

The tower was one of the earliest of its kind in Scotland, inspired by examples he had seen while in exile in England and France. It formed the castle’s heart, providing elegant accommodations for the monarch, stores on the lower floors and battlements, and a fighting platform at the top. David’s tower came down during a heavy bombardment of the Lang Siege in 1573. The stump of the tower is still visible today, buried and enclosed within the Half Moon Battery.

King James IV (1473-1513)

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh
Image from royal.uk.

James the IV was King of Scotland from 1488 until he died in the Battle of Flodden in 1513. He is known as one of the most successful monarchs of Scotland.

Much of the grandeur of Edinburgh Castle is a result of James IV. He completed work begun by his father to create the central courtyard and royal Palace around what is now Crown Square. The Great Hall was completed in 1512 and built as a ceremonial center for banquets, entertainment, and court affairs. Inside, beautifully carved stone corbels support the original hammer-beam roof.

Each stone depicts images and symbols representing the monarchy and James’s marriage to his English wife, Margaret Tudor. The carvings include Scottish thistles and English roses, a Venus figure with Tudor roses on either side and cherubs symbolizing love. Their marriage intended to establish perpetual peace between the two nations.

Mary of Guise (1515-1560)

She ruled as Queen Regent in Scotland from 1554 until she died in 1560, ruling on behalf of her daughter, Mary Queen of Scots. She was a central political figure respected for her intelligence and astute leadership during great political and religious turmoil.

In 1560 Mary of Guise fell ill at Edinburgh Castle while the castle was under threat of siege. English forces held much of Edinburgh and Leith. She died on June 11, 1560, while the political situation remained significantly volatile. As a result, her body lay in a coffin in St Margaret’s Chapel for many months before moving to France in March 1561.

Mary Queen of Scots (1542-1587)

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh
MaryQueen of Scots and Darnley Image from Historic-UK.com

Mary was born in Linlithgow and famously executed at Fotheringhay less than 45 years later.

Edinburgh Castle was the birthplace of her son James in 1566. The castle was less comfortable but more secure than her chambers at Holyrood, where armed intruders had recently assassinated her secretary. In February 1567, her husband Darnley was murdered. James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell, was accused of his murder but was acquitted. He married Mary within a month of his trial, but their marriage led to an uprising. Mary was imprisoned in Loch Leven Castle. On July 24, 1567, she was forced to abdicate in favor of her one-year-old son, and the infant James became King.

After an unsuccessful attempt to regain the throne, she fled southward, seeking the protection of her first cousin, once removed, Queen Elizabeth I of England. Queen Elizabeth viewed Mary as a threat and imprisoned her over the next 18 1/2 years in various locations in England. Mary was found guilty of plotting to assassinate Elizabeth in 1586 and was beheaded the following year at Fotheringhay Castle.

Child King James VI & I (1566-1625)

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh
King Jame VI & I

The son of Mary Queen of Scots and Henry, Lord Darnley was the only monarch born at Edinburgh Castle. Mary was deposed 13 months later, and the child king became a political pawn. As a result, ambitious and greedy noblemen governed in his name. He was King of Scots from 1603-1625.

Reaching adulthood in the 1580s, he struggled to control his kingdom. Both his parents were descendants of Henry VII of England. James had a clear claim when Elizabeth I died without an heir. He became King of England in 1603. He soon departed for London, only returning once to Scotland in 1617. The castle underwent major refurbishment for the occasion, with the Royal Palace and the room of his birth beautifully restored.

Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658)

Born into the ‘middle gentry,’ Cromwell was a strong Protestant who was a gifted anti-royalist soldier and politician during the 1640s.

He was one of the men who signed the death warrant of Charles I. Subsequently, he led the invasion of Ireland, where he persecuted Catholics. In 1650, after the Scots crowned Charles II, Cromwell invaded Scotland.

Cromwell occupied Edinburgh Castle just before Christmas, after which he refused to celebrate the holiday. He had royal decorative displays destroyed and installed a garrison. The Great Hall was converted into a military barracks. Cromwell would shortly after control the whole of Scotland.

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh

Sir Walter Scott

Poet, novelist, and antiquarian Sir Walter Scott stirred public interest in Scotland’s history and the desire to preserve its heritage. Since some of Scotland’s greatest triumphs occurred at Edinburgh Castle, his writings led to public support to secure its place in history.

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh
Image from Poetry Foundation website

In 1818, Scott was granted royal approval to open the Crown Room, where Scotland’s Crown Jewels have been displayed for over 100 years. The sealed oak and iron doors would open in dramatic form, and the lid of the wooden chest would lift to reveal the Crown Jewels. As a result of his efforts, the event swayed the public’s hearts. The visit of George IV in 1822 (well detailed by Scott) was a critical factor in making the castle the tourist attraction it is today.

Hippolyte

Hippolyte Blanc was a respected Edinburgh architect at the castle in the mid-1800s despite an unpleasant relationship with his clients. It appears his talent won out.

By the 1880s, army life had taken its toll on the castle. Restoration plans were proposed to return to the royal stronghold of old. Blanc was brought on board by the project funder, William Nelson, to remodel the Great Hall and build the Argyle Tower. When Nelson died in September 1887, Blanc had to deal directly with the Army.

The architect and his new client did not get along. The Army accused Blanc of not informing them of progress, while Blanc felt that the Army lacked vision. When the Army wanted to turn the Great Hall into an armory, he refused to hand over the keys after restoring it as a medieval hall.

A Cafe with a view

Need a refreshment after the hike up the hill to the castle? Coffee was in order for us to fuel our visit. The Cafe is in the center of the grounds and is large. It is always busy, but the service is very fast. The best part is the wonderful views.

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh

An English Ending – Well, tea, of course

There it is, you have learned a lot about Edinburgh Castle, and there is one final stop. The Queen Anne Tea Rooms at Edinburgh Castle is a perfect way to end your time here. Grab another light snack, dessert, or a fine cup of tea.

High tea is available if you choose; they have a lovely one. (Joelle does love her High teas.) This will need to schedule in advance as it is pretty popular. You can relax while partaking in the proper English tradition. Reflect on all you have taken in before you go down Castlehill to explore the rest of Edinburgh. 

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh

Military Tattoo

If you are lucky enough to be in Edinburgh in August, get tickets to the famous Military Tattoo. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an annual series of military tattoos performed by the British Armed Forces, Commonwealth, and guest military bands from around the world. Along with other artistic performers, the event occurs on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. The event is held each August as one of the Edinburgh Festivals, and tickets can be purchased at this link.

We were not there in August and have never attended a Military Tatoo, but we have heard it is a remarkable experience no one should miss.

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh
Image from the Royal Edinburgh Military Tatoo website

Castle Final Thoughts

Now that you know almost everything there is to know about Edinburgh Castle, you should plan a trip to Scotland and don’t leave out this beauty. This castle has left a great impression on the city of Edinburgh and us. We have no doubt it will do the same to you, especially when you add the rest of the town filled with all those lovely Scottish people.

Want more info? Check out the official website of Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh

Want to learn more about castles and check out the over 350 we have visited? Click here

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh deserves a whole article in its own right. That is in the works. Our favorite way of enjoying Edinburgh was simply wandering aimlessly. It is simply perfection. A living Harry Potter world is too surreal for the imagination. Hit up a pub along the way for a pint, sit in one of the gorgeous parks and people watch, and have some haggis. There is never enough time for Edinburgh, but give it at least three days. In the meantime, here are some of the sites we recommend. Make sure to check out our Edinburgh Photo Gallery later on the page.

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh
Flowers in front of an Edinburgh Hotel

Where to stay when visiting Edinburgh

There are vast choices for accommodation in Edinburgh. Prices do not need to be outrageous. We strongly suggest staying in the city, as it is an intricate part of the experience. You will want to eat most of your meals out, so a place with a kitchenette is not a necessity.

On our two visits, we stayed near Edinburgh Castle and the next time near Calton Hill, both great locations.

We believe it is important to price out properties on various sites. Expedia is a US-based company, whereas Booking.com is Europe based. Not all properties appear on both. If the establishment has a website, check the price there as well.

Expedia

Booking.com

Our Send-Off to Edinburgh

Explore this amazing city of wonder; you will surely fall in love. We wish you safe and exciting travels to Scotland!

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh
Edinburgh

Planning a visit to Edinburgh? Check out their
Official Tourism Site

(this link is their beta version and should launch soon)

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Are you traveling with a family or having an extended stay at your destination?

With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, VRBO connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip. The VRBO community offers families or groups various rental property types such as condos, cabins, lake rentals, beach houses, etc.

VRBO is now under the Expedia group’s ownership, which many were worried about, but it hasn’t panned out to be a concern. It is a massive network with access to all lodging forms should issues arise. Joelle has used VRBO for many years with her family and has had no problems with it.

Viator

As the leading marketplace for travel experiences, Viator believes that making memories is what travel is all about. And with 300,000+ experiences to explore—everything from simple tours to extreme adventures (and all the niche, interesting stuff in between)—making memories that will last a lifetime has never been easier.

With industry-leading flexibility and last-minute availability, it’s never too late to make any day extraordinary. This one site has it all and has experiences throughout the world. We use them often during our travels, especially for food tours. We especially take the time to read the reviews provided.

Amazon.com

An excellent source for travel essentials and guides

We now have our own Amazon Storefront with all our favorite travel accessories and gear in one place. Check out our travel store at the link below.

Wanderers Compass Amazon Storefront

Amazon is one of the most comprehensive online shopping sources in the world. Teams worldwide provide lower prices, better selection, and rapid delivery on behalf of customers. They offer a vast inventory, and their 1.7 million small and medium businesses worldwide selling on Amazon.com offer extensive options to customers.

We buy most of our travel books, accessories, and luggage from Amazon. We have ordered up to two days before travel and get what we need.

HYDAWAY

This is not your ordinary drinkware company. The HYDAWAY difference is what their products do when you’re not using them. Practical and portable, HYDAWAY doesn’t take up unnecessary space in your already-packed life or pile up in landfills. We all know that trying to pack light while being environmentally conscious can be difficult. Having the right items can make a world of difference. HYDAWAY provides that.

We have used their collapsible water bottle, carrying case for the water bottle, and collapsible insulated drink tumbler. They are all lightweight and durable. A conservation-focused product you can be proud to buy.

Use our Promo Code. WANCOM15, at checkout for 15% off your Hydaway order

Welcome Pick-ups
(Airport and sightseeing service)

A global leader in ground transportation for travelers. They help hundreds of companies worldwide enhance their services and boost their revenue with our 5-star ride experiences and hassle-free automation.

Founded in 2015 in Athens, Greece, Welcome Pick-ups goes above and beyond the standard transfer service as the first company to deliver a holistic, in-destination travel experience. From the moment a traveler arrives at a new destination until they return home, Welcome accommodates all their travel needs (transfers, travel products, things to do, information) as the easiest, friendliest, and most personalized solution.

PhotoAiD

Do you feel like you are wasting time visiting an on-site photographer only to be embarrassed by the photo? Would you like control of the final product? Get the perfect VISA or passport photo online with PhotoAID.

When traveling, you often need to apply for official documents such as a passport, ID, and different kinds of licenses or cards. Those applications require a picture that must meet specific conditions to be accepted, depending on the country. Now, it is possible to take this picture at home without the help of a professional photographer. PhotoAiD allows you to take the perfect biometric photo you approve without leaving home.

This article contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

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