Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline atop Castle Rock—a volcanic plug occupied since the Iron Age. Its layered defences include the medieval David’s Tower, Renaissance Spur bastion, the Great Hall, Crown Room, and lang siege fortifications.

Inside, highlights include the Crown Jewels of Scotland, Mons Meg cannon, Stone of Destiny, Regimental Museum, and costumed guided tours.

Facilities include cafés, two shops, audio-guides, schools programme, and re‑enactments during the Military Tattoo season.

Once a royal residence and later a garrison, the castle played critical roles in the Wars of Scottish Independence and the Lang Siege of the 1570s. Interesting fact: Walter Scott famously rediscovered the Honours of Scotland here in 1818.

Photo credit: Christopher Aitken