Edinburgh Castle is incredible! Unlike some castles which require more imagination to envision how they would look a few hundred years ago, Edinburgh Castle remains intact and there is much to see here. I suggest booking tickets in advance and allowing a good three hours to properly see everything, more in summer months with heavier crowds. Bundle up or take layers though, it is windy at the castle.

Edinburgh Castle, one of the oldest fortified places in Europe, has a fascinating history as a royal residence, military garrison, fortress, and prison. The entrance today is the same entrance that has been used for hundreds of years by royalty, military, and tourists alike. The military continues to use sections of this world famous attraction for visitors and World Heritage Site. The castle’s strategic advantage is clear, set on a rock overlooking Old Town with the only entrance requiring a steep uphill trek. Despite, or perhaps because of its strategic location, the castle is the most besieged in Britain. While a full exploration of all Edinburgh Castle has to offer will take a few hours, some of the highlights include the Great Hall, Royal Palace, Stone of Destiny, Honours of Scotland, Mons Meg, One O’clock Gun, National War Museum, and Scottish National War Memorial. 

The Great Hall was completed in 1511 for King James IV and would have hosted banquets and other state events. The Great Hall became military barracks in 1650 when Oliver Cromwell’s’ troops captured the castle and it later served as a military hospital before the troops vacated in 1886. Today, the Great Hall has been restored to its medieval grandeur and displays weaponry and armor from the castle’s history. While the Great Hall hosted state events, the Royal Palace has been the home of kings and queens, providing comfort and grandeur. Mary Queen of Scots, gave birth to James VI at the Royal Palace in 1566.  James was crowned king of Scotland at age thirteen months and would go on to become the first monarch of both Scotland and England in 1603. The last monarch to stay at the palace was King Charles I who spent the night before his Scottish coronation in 1633. 

The Stone of Destiny is an ancient symbol of the Scottish monarchy and has been use for the inauguration of kings for centuries. It is considered a sacred object despite its unknown origins. King Edward I seized the stone from the Scots in 1296 and it was used in the coronation ceremonies of English kings at Westminster Abbey for several centuries. The stone was officially returned to Scotland in 1996 and it is currently on display in the Crown Room of Edinburgh Castle where millions visit each year. The Stone of Destiny only leaves Scotland on the occasion of the coronation ceremony of a new monarch. In May 2023, the Stone of Destiny was transported to Westminster Abbey in London for the coronation of His Royal Highness, King Charles III. 

The Honours of Scotland are another set of priceless artefacts housed at Edinburgh Castle. These are the oldest crown jewels in Britain and are comprised of a crown, scepter, and sword of state made of gold, silver, and precious gems. The Honours have a turbulent past, as do many crown jewels. In this case, the Honours were removed from the castle and hidden to keep them from Oliver Cromwell’s army (1651-1660). They were locked away in a chest after the Act of Union between England and Scotland (1707) and were rediscovered by famous novelist Sir Walter Scott in 1818. Thankfully, the Honours of Scotland are now on display in Edinburgh Castle, along with the Stone of Destiny, for visitors to marvel. 

Military minds and firearm afficionados will appreciate both Mons Meg and the One O’clock Gun. Once cutting edge military technology, Mons Meg is a six ton cannon gun that could fire at a range of up to 3.2 km. The cannon was retired from fighting in King James V’s navy around 1550 and was fired again in 1558 to celebrate the wedding of Mary Queen of Scots. Mons Meg was returned to Edinburgh Castle from England in 1829. The One O’clock Gun was once the maritime clock keeper and firing of this gun dates to 1861. The gun is still fired at, you guessed it, one o’clock daily with the exception of Sundays, Good Friday, and Christmas Day. While the original gun was a 64-pounder, a 105mm field gun has been in use since 2001 and, even when you are expecting it, the gun is startling. 

History buffs will especially appreciate the National War Museum and the Scottish National War Memorial. The National War Museum includes letters written home during foreign campaigns, Highland broadswords, chemical warfare suits, and at least one taxidermized regimental pet, a dog named Bob. The impressive collection contains many artifacts employed by Scottish forces over centuries and there is a research library as well. The Scottish National War Memorial is a fitting and poignant tribute to the Scots lost in the both World Wars and in other conflicts since 1945. Stained glass and sculpture depict scenes from the First World War while other works symbolize courage, peace, justice, survival of the spirit, virtues, and vices. No photography is permitted inside the memorial. 

We spent more time at the castle than originally planned so we opted to have lunch in the café (after watching the firing of the One O’clock Gun). The menu includes pizza, sandwiches, soup, salad, and sweets. We found the food to be reasonably priced, decent in quality, and available quickly. The dining area is set up for family style dining so don’t be shy about asking if you can join a table if there are empty chairs. After lunch, we dedicated the next few hours to exploring the Royal Mile. 

Home to plenty of shopping, restaurants, and sites, the Royal Mile is best enjoyed by starting at Edinburgh Castle and walking towards the Palace of Holyroodhouse. You’ll be walking uphill all day if you go the other direction. There is a wide array of shopping options including tartan tat (also known as chintzy tourist junk), name brands like Barbour, and high-end custom-made kilts and leather goods. Whatever souvenirs you desire can be found along the Royal Mile. If you are looking for premium quality leather goods, I suggest Mackenzie Leather which is just off the Royal Mile. They offer beautiful handcrafted leather wallets, handbags, luggage, etc. The master craftsmen at Mackenzie Leather will work with you to customize your dream item and the quality is superb. 

After a full day exploring the Old Town, we met our friends for drinks at Hey Palu and then enjoyed an Italian dinner at Piccolino before walking back to the AirBnB.