Edinburgh Castle

Where it is & how to get there

• On foot: At the top of the Royal Mile, 10 minutes uphill from Waverley Station.
• Tickets: Book a timed ticket online; it often sells out in summer.
• One O'Clock Gun: Fired daily at 1 pm except Sundays and some holidays.

The story of Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle stands on Castle Rock, the plug of an ancient volcano. People have lived on the rock for about 3,000 years, and its oldest building, St Margaret's Chapel, dates from the 12th century.

Inside are the Honours of Scotland, the oldest crown jewels in the British Isles, the Great Hall and the National War Museum. In August the esplanade hosts the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• Book online and arrive early. The one o'clock gun fires daily except Sunday.
• Be at the Mills Mount battery before 1 pm for the One O'Clock Gun.
• Wear layers; the castle is exposed to wind.

What's around Edinburgh Castle

• Royal MileHistoric street below the castle.
• Victoria StreetColourful curved street.
• Princes Street GardensGardens beneath the castle.
• Camera ObscuraIllusions museum.

Questions travellers ask