Perched atop an extinct volcanic rock, Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline of Scotland's capital city with its imposing silhouette. This ancient fortress has witnessed nearly a millennium of Scottish history, from royal births and coronations to military conflicts and sieges. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the castle's fascinating history, highlight its most remarkable features, and share insider tips to help you make the most of your visit.
A Brief History of Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle's story begins in the Iron Age when ancient Britons established a hillfort on Castle Rock. However, the oldest surviving structure within the current castle is St. Margaret's Chapel, built in the early 12th century during the reign of King David I in honor of his mother, Queen Margaret (later canonized as Saint Margaret).
Throughout the medieval period, the castle served as a royal residence for Scottish monarchs. In 1566, Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to the future King James VI of Scotland (who would later become James I of England) in a small chamber within the castle. This marked the beginning of the Stuart dynasty that would eventually unite the crowns of Scotland and England.
Over the centuries, Edinburgh Castle has been besieged numerous times. In fact, it holds the distinction of being one of the most attacked fortresses in the world, having endured 23 sieges in its thousand-year history. During the Wars of Scottish Independence in the late 13th and early 14th centuries, the castle changed hands several times between the Scots and the English.
By the 17th century, the castle had evolved into a military garrison and prison. It continued to serve military purposes well into the 20th century. Today, while it's primarily a tourist attraction and a symbol of Scottish heritage, it still houses some military facilities, including the National War Museum of Scotland.
Must-See Attractions Within the Castle
The Crown Jewels (The Honours of Scotland)
The Scottish Crown Jewels, known as "The Honours of Scotland," are the oldest royal regalia in the British Isles. Dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, the collection includes a crown, scepter, and sword of state. After the 1707 Treaty of Union with England, the Honours were locked away in a chest in Edinburgh Castle and forgotten for over 100 years until they were rediscovered in 1818 by Sir Walter Scott. Today, they're displayed in the Crown Room, along with the Stone of Destiny, an ancient symbol of Scottish monarchy.
St. Margaret's Chapel
The oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, St. Margaret's Chapel dates back to the early 12th century. This small, beautifully preserved Norman chapel was dedicated to Queen Margaret (later Saint Margaret), who died in the castle in 1093. Despite its age, the chapel features original architectural elements, including a simple yet elegant chancel arch and small, deeply splayed windows. The chapel is still used for weddings and christenings today.
The Great Hall
Completed in 1511 for King James IV, the Great Hall features an impressive hammerbeam roof, one of only two medieval hammerbeam roofs surviving in Scotland. The Hall was the site of grand state occasions and parliamentary meetings. Today, it displays an impressive collection of weapons and armor, including the massive 16th-century cannon known as Mons Meg.
The One O'Clock Gun
Since 1861, a gun has been fired from the castle at 1 PM every day (except Sundays, Good Friday, and Christmas Day). Originally, this served as a time signal for ships in the Firth of Forth. While it no longer serves its practical purpose, the firing of the gun remains a popular tradition and tourist attraction. Visitors can gather on the Mills Mount Battery to watch this daily spectacle.
The Royal Palace
Within the castle complex lies the Royal Palace, the former residence of Scottish monarchs. The highlight is the tiny Birth Chamber where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to the future James VI of Scotland and I of England in 1566. The palace houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, as well as fascinating exhibits about royal life in Scotland.
The Prisons of War Exhibition
From the 18th to early 19th centuries, the castle vaults served as prisons for soldiers captured during several wars, including the American Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. The Prisons of War exhibition recreates the conditions these prisoners lived in, displaying original graffiti carved by inmates and artifacts from this period. It offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of those imprisoned far from home.
Practical Tips for Visitors
Best Time to Visit
Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland's most popular attractions, drawing over 2 million visitors annually. To avoid the largest crowds, consider visiting during the off-season (October-March) or arrive early in the morning when the castle opens (typically 9:30 AM). The last admission is usually 4:30 PM (5:30 PM in summer).
If you're visiting in August during the Edinburgh Festival and Military Tattoo, be aware that the castle will be exceptionally busy, especially in the evenings when the Tattoo is performed on the castle esplanade.
Guided Tours and Audio Guides
Free guided tours are included with your admission ticket, departing regularly from the esplanade. These tours, led by knowledgeable castle stewards, provide invaluable historical context and interesting anecdotes. Alternatively, audio guides are available in multiple languages for a small additional fee.
Photography Tips
For the best photographs of the castle exterior, head to Princes Street Gardens or Grassmarket for spectacular views. Within the castle, the panoramic views from the Argyle Battery or the top of Lang Stairs offer stunning vistas of Edinburgh and beyond. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Fife across the Firth of Forth.
Accessibility Information
Due to its historic nature and hilltop location, not all areas of Edinburgh Castle are easily accessible to those with mobility issues. However, mobility assistance is available, including a courtesy vehicle that can transport visitors with limited mobility to the top of the castle. Several areas, including the Crown Room and Great Hall, are accessible to wheelchair users.
Legends and Mysteries
The Castle's Ghostly Residents
Like many ancient structures, Edinburgh Castle is said to be haunted. Visitors and staff have reported encounters with various spectral residents, including a drummer boy, a piper who once disappeared in the tunnels beneath the Royal Mile, and a headless drummer who allegedly appears when the castle is under threat. The castle dungeons are considered particularly active with paranormal phenomena.
Hidden Tunnels
Legend tells of a network of secret tunnels running from Edinburgh Castle to various locations throughout the city, including Holyrood Palace at the other end of the Royal Mile. In the 19th century, a piper was reportedly sent to explore these tunnels while playing his bagpipes so those above could track his progress. According to the tale, the music stopped abruptly halfway down the Royal Mile, and the piper was never seen again.
"Edinburgh Castle stands upon the last precipice of that sloping hill which starts near the foot of Pentland Hills and terminates in the bold rock, rising from three to four hundred feet above the level of the sea, on which this fortress is situated." — Thomas H. Shepherd, 1829
Edinburgh Castle in Modern Culture
The castle serves as a backdrop for numerous cultural events, most notably the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which takes place on the castle esplanade every August as part of the Edinburgh Festival. This spectacular event features performances by military bands and display teams from around the world.
Throughout the year, the castle hosts various exhibitions and special events that celebrate Scotland's rich heritage. It has also featured in numerous films, television programs, and literary works, cementing its status as an iconic symbol of Scotland.
Conclusion
Edinburgh Castle is more than just a tourist attraction; it's a living testament to Scotland's complex and fascinating history. Whether you're interested in military history, royal intrigue, architectural brilliance, or simply spectacular views, the castle offers something for every visitor.
As you walk through its ancient gates and explore its historic chambers, you're not just visiting a museum—you're stepping into centuries of Scottish heritage. The castle's enduring presence on the Edinburgh skyline serves as a constant reminder of the nation's resilience and cultural richness.