Edinburgh Castle

About this place

Iconic castle on Castle Rock with museums, cannons, and panoramic city views.

Built on the plug of an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle has dominated the city's skyline for close to a thousand years and remains one of Scotland's most visited sites. Inside, visitors can see the Honours of Scotland - the country's Crown Jewels - displayed alongside the Stone of Destiny, returned to Scotland in 1996 after centuries in England, while St Margaret's Chapel, dating to the 12th century, is thought to be the oldest building in Edinburgh. The One O'Clock Gun still fires daily except Sundays, a tradition that reliably delights children who time their visit for it. There's an admission charge, and the cobbled esplanade and steep sections make parts of the site less accessible.

Make a day of it — within 5km