Edinburgh Castle: Tickets

Edinburgh Castle FAQs

• Is Edinburgh Castle the same as the Palace of Holyroodhouse?
• No, Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse are located on the same road, but at opposite ends.
• Is Edinburgh Castle wheelchair accessible?
• Yes, Edinburgh Castle is wheelchair accessible.
• Do I need to book tickets in advance for Edinburgh Castle?
• We would always recommend booking tickets in advance, especially if you know the dates you would like to visit. It’s one of Edinburgh’s most popular tourist attractions so it does get very busy, especially during the summer months.
• What is Edinburgh Castle?
• Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress that dominates the skyline of Edinburgh. It has played a crucial role in Scotland’s history for over a thousand years.
• Where is Edinburgh Castle?
• It sits on Castle Rock, which is a volcanic rock formation in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland.
• When was Edinburgh Castle built?
• Parts of the castle date back to the 12th century, but the site has been occupied since at least the Iron Age.
• Who built Edinburgh Castle?
• The earliest known castle was built by King David I of Scotland in the 12th century.
• Can you go inside Edinburgh Castle?
• Yes! The castle is open with the appropriate ticket and you can explore various rooms, museums, and historical sites within the fortress. Click HERE for ticket options.
• What can you see at Edinburgh Castle?
• You can see the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, St. Margaret’s Chapel, Mons Meg (a medieval cannon), and the National War Museum at Edinburgh Castle.
• What is the One O’Clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle?
• A gun fired from the castle at 1 PM every day (except Sundays and certain holidays), originally used as a time signal for ships in the harbour.
• Is Edinburgh Castle part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
• Yes! It is part of the Edinburgh Old and New Town UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Edinburgh Castle Fun Facts

• It’s built on an extinct volcano: Edinburgh Castle sits on Castle Rock, which is the remains of a volcano that erupted around 350 million years ago!
• It was once a royal residence: Edinburgh Castle was home to Scottish kings and queens, including Mary, Queen of Scots, who gave birth to King James VI there in 1566.
• It houses the oldest building in Edinburgh: St. Margaret’s Chapel was built in the 12th century, so it’s the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh.
• It has Scotland’s oldest crown jewels: The ‘Honours of Scotland’ (crown, scepter, and sword) are actually older than England’s Crown Jewels and are displayed inside the castle.
• The Stone of Destiny is here: The ancient stone was used for centuries in the coronation of Scottish and English monarchs is kept in Edinburgh Castle.
• The castle was once a prison: During the Napoleonic Wars, it held prisoners from many countries, including the USA, France, and Spain.
• Mons Meg is a giant cannon: Mons Meg is a medieval cannon at the castle and it could fire a 150kg (330 lb) stone ball over 2 miles!
• The One O’Clock Gun tradition: The One O’Clock Gun has been fired since 1861 and it helps sailors set their clocks accurately.
• It was besieged more than 26 times: Edinburgh Castle is one of the most attacked places in the world! It’s been involved in conflicts from the Wars of Scottish Independence to the Jacobite Risings.
• A ghostly piper disappeared in the tunnels: A young piper sent to explore hidden tunnels beneath the castle vanished and his music was heard, then stopped suddenly, and he was never found.
• The Great Hall has secret spy holes: Built by James IV in 1511, the Great Hall has small holes in the walls so guards could secretly listen in on conversations!
• ‍It inspired Hogwarts: J.K. Rowling, who wrote Harry Potter in Edinburgh, is believed to have taken inspiration from the castle when creating Hogwarts!