Perched high on the top of an extinct volcanic outcrop Edinburgh Castle stands proudly, dominating the city skyline and offering fantastic views of Edinburgh and areas.
Over the years the castle has seen a lot of history unfold and each Royal resident who occupied it modified or added to the original structure, so todays castle is an architectural mixture of Palace, Fortress, Barracks, Chapel and War Memorial..There are so many thing to see that a free CD - based audio tour is full of fascinating information but this is over four hours long and is available in six languages.For those who just like to wander about I suggest a minimum of two hours for your visit.
You will be able to enjoy seeing the Laich Hall restored to its former splendour evident at the time James V1 was in residence in 1617. The Castle is also home to the Scottish Crown Jewels , the oldest Royal Regalia in Britain. Displayed with the Crown Jewels is the Stone of Destiny returned to Scotland as recently as 1996 after 700 years in England. It was the Coronation Stone of Scottish Kings such as MacBeth and John Baliol before its removal to England by Edward in 1296.
The Castle houses the new National War Museum of Scotland and the Royal Scots and the Scots Dragoon Guards regimental museums. It is also home to the Scottish National war Memorial and not forgetting the world famous “One O’Clock Gun “. There is also another new exhibition about the Guns history this can be found at the stairway leading to the Western defences. The One O’ Clock Gun is not fired on Sundays, Christmas Day and Good Friday but it booms out over Edinburgh every other day of the year.
With the many sights on offer a camera is essential to capture the stunning views .A picture of Mons Meg the giant medieval siege gun seems to be high on everybody’s list.
I f you are ready for a refreshment break the Edinburgh Castle Cafe at Mills Mount offers the ideal place for a reviving cuppa. There are also the usual souvenir shops the Castle Crown Jewel Shop, the Bookshop and the Main Castle Gift Shop offer a large range of must have tourist memorabilia.
Admission Costs Adult £7.50 Child under 16 £2 Concession £5.50
The car park at the Castle costs £3 for a maximum two hour stay. The Castle is open 7 days a week from 9.30am closing at either 5pm or 6pm depending on season and is closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.There is reasonable wheel chair access and disabled toilets are available.
To sum up no visit to Edinburgh would be complete without a climb up the Royal Mile and a visit to the Castle. It really is well worth it. So if you find yourself in the Capital with a few hours to spare I highly recommend this excursion..
I have been to Edinburgh 4 years ago. It's really a beautiful city as you have described it. We also went to Greyfriars area where there is a statue of Greyfriars Bobby. After I saw the Walt Disney film I was very eager to see this place. Very good review. Hope I will return soon.
tyger 10.05.2001 12:09
A brilliant description of one of my favourite places! You can also get a great view of Edinburgh from the cafe if you got to the bit that looks lilke a restaurant at the back. When I went in January we had it to ourselves (and the closed in glass helped us retain the warmth we got from our lattes!). I tried to set my watch by the one o'clock gun but I jumped too much from the noise! Oh well....
jefferson 09.05.2001 18:14
Brilliant op, thanks! Tells me everything I wanted to know - and more :)
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Advantages: Lots to see, close to some great shops and other attractions. Disadvantages: No wheelchair access, but I suppose they can't really fit it out with lifts and escelators with it being a building of historic importance.
May 7th, 2001
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