The Magnificent Edinburgh Castle

Scottish Castles > Edinburgh Castle

It was back then that I first heard the story of Greyfriars Bobby, and it could have been this lovely little tale that inspired me to return many times over the years.

Every time I visited the Castle I found something that interested me, and the same can be said for the whole of the Royal Mile.

Mind you, I had no idea that someday I would be researching and writing about all of this, but I have, so here goes ........

Built high upon the remains of an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle provides visitors with impressive views of the city and landscape beyond.

The Castle is one of the oldest and most famous castles in the world, and I was surprised to learn it had been a prison for sailors from many countries during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Apparently these prisoners included crewmen who sailed with John Paul Jones, founder of the American Navy, and during the Napoleonic Wars French prisoners were kept in the Castle dungeons.

The Castle was besieged many times in the Middle Ages. It was attacked and taken by Edward I of England in 1296, and recaptured by Robert Bruce's valiant nephew Thomas Randolph, Earl of Moray, in 1313, in a daring commando raid with only 30 men. The English took it back in 1335, but in 1341 Sir William Douglas again removed the invaders.

Over one thousand years of history sit on top of the famous Edinburgh rock, and when you see Edinburgh Castle you will understand why it attracts over a million visitors a year. Listen out for or watch the One O'Clock Gun and see a fascinating display on the history of time guns and timekeeping. Inside the walls is a remarkable fortress and former Royal residence, packed with history. Edinburgh Castle also offers splendid views for you to appreciate the surrounding hills, sea and volcanoes.

The final assault on the Castle walls came in 1745 when Bonnie Prince Charlie and his forces tried valiantly but failed to capture it.

The City of Edinburgh and a rich mix of architectural styles grew outwards from the Castle rock, and the first houses in Edinburgh were built on the area in front of the Castle, which is now known as the Lawnmarket, and then the house building continued down the High Street and The Cannongate towards the Royal Palace of Holyrood House.

No visit to Edinburgh is complete without a visit to Edinburgh Castle, and once you have ventured up to the highest parts of the Castle’s structure, you will be overwhelmed by the spectacular views of Edinburgh afforded from this Scottish "Castle of Castles".

The basis of the performance is a parade of the pipes and drums of the Scottish regiments, but after more than fifty years, the Tattoo has developed a more complex format which includes many invited performers as diverse as (in 2006) a Choir of Ugandan orphans and a Kung Fu troupe.

The Military Tattoo runs for a period of 3 weeks during the fabulous Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and this is another event not to be missed.

When you visit The Castle you will understand why the early inhabitants of the area made settlements here, in what is now the City of Edinburgh.

Opening Times & Entrance Fees

Edinburgh Castle is open to the public :

April - October 9.30am-6pm
November - March 9.30am-5pm
(Closed 25th & 26th December)

Admission Prices :

Adults £12
Child £6
Concession £9.50

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