Visiting Edinburgh Castle | Tour Details & Highlights
Visiting Edinburgh Castle should be at the top of your itinerary if you’re exploring Scotland’s capital. This iconic fortress, perched atop Castle Rock, offers breathtaking views and centuries of fascinating history. As a key stop on both our City and Britannia Tours, Bright Bus Tours makes it easy to discover this world-famous landmark.
Read on for the best tips on exploring Edinburgh Castle and learn how to catch our bus to Edinburgh Castle with ease.
Edinburgh Castle Through the Ages
Edinburgh Castle boasts a rich history spanning over 1,000 years. It was originally built as a royal palace in the 12th century and has served as a military stronghold, royal residence, and prison of war throughout the centuries. The castle has witnessed countless sieges, battles, and coronations, all of which have shaped Scotland’s history.
From the ancient Stone of Destiny, used in Scottish monarchs’ coronations, to the dazzling Crown Jewels, the castle stores priceless national treasures. It’s also home to the famous One O’Clock Gun, fired daily since 1861.
So, whether you’re marvelling at the Great Hall built by James IV or exploring the eerie dungeons, every corner of Edinburgh Castle tells an enchanting story of Scotland’s past.
Reach Edinburgh Castle With Bright Bus Tours
Board our vibrant open-top buses to easily visit Edinburgh Castle. Both our City Tour and Britannia Tour make stops near this landmark. Here are the important details you need to know for your Edinburgh Castle visit.
Our Tour Details
Explore how to reach the castle on each of our Edinburgh Castle tours:
City Tour — Hop off at stop number 8 on Lawnmarket. From here, take a short uphill stroll to the castle entrance.
Britannia Tour — Edinburgh Castle is the last stop on our Britannia route. The castle is just a quick walk up the Royal Mile.
When To Visit
Edinburgh Castle welcomes visitors all year round. Summer hours (April to September) are 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, while winter hours (October to March) are 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. To beat the crowds, try arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Ticket Prices
As of 2024, adult tickets for Edinburgh Castle range from £15.50 to £19.50, while children (7-15 years) pay £9 to £11.40. Family tickets and concessions are also available. Remember, these prices are for castle entry only and are separate from your Bright Bus Tours ticket. We suggest booking your castle tickets and guided tours in advance to avoid the queues, especially during the peak summer season.
Time To Explore
Give yourself at least two hours to indulge in the castle’s treasures. If you’re a history lover, you might want 3-4 hours to fully soak in the atmosphere. Don’t worry about rushing — our hop-on hop-off tours let you wander around the castle at your own pace.
Amenities & Facilities
Edinburgh Castle offers a range of amenities to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable visit.
Here’s what you can expect:
Dining Options
- The Tea Rooms — Enjoy a coffee with freshly baked scones as you take in stunning views of the city.
- The Redcoat Café — Grab a quick bite or refreshing drink to fuel your travels.
- The Witchery — While not inside the castle, this famous restaurant is just steps away from the castle gates and provides a luxurious dining experience in a historic setting.
Shopping
- The Portcullis Shop is located next to the ticket office. This is the main gift shop offering Scottish souvenirs, books, and unique castle-themed items.
- Other gift shops throughout the castle grounds sell historically-inspired merchandise and Scottish crafts.
Accessibility
- Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are provided on loan on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Accessible toilets are located throughout the castle.
- There is an audio booth and descriptive tours for visitors with visual impairments. You can also use your own mobile phone to access the audio guides.
Additional Facilities
- Free Wi-Fi in select areas.
- Baby changing facilities.
Our Bright Bus team is always happy to provide more information about the facilities to make your tours of Edinburgh Castle a more pleasurable experience.
Pro Tip: The castle is built on a hill with cobbled walkways, so wear comfortable shoes! Also, bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during your visit, especially on warm days.
Explore Edinburgh Castle with Bright Bus Tours and make the most of your visit.
Book your Edinburgh Castle bus tour today.
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Highlights of Edinburgh Castle
Visit these Edinburgh Castle must-see attractions and more with a guided tour and audio guide.
#1: Portcullis Gate
Start your castle adventure at the mighty Portcullis Gate. As you walk through, imagine all the people who have passed this way before — from kings and queens to soldiers and servants.
#2: Scottish National War Memorial
Step into the peaceful Scottish National War Memorial in Crown Square. This beautiful tribute honours the brave Scots who gave their lives for their country since World War I. Take a moment to reflect and appreciate the stunning architecture.
#3: National War Museum
Learn all about Scotland’s military past at the National War Museum. From ancient battles to modern conflicts, you’ll discover fascinating stories and artefacts. It’s a great spot to learn about Scottish heroes and their adventures.
#4: Crown Jewels
Get ready to be dazzled by Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Also called the Honours of Scotland, these sparkling treasures include a crown, sceptre, and a sword. They’re the oldest royal jewels in the British Isles — pretty impressive, right?
#5: Stone of Destiny
Check out the legendary Stone of Destiny. This ancient rock has seen its fair share of drama between Scotland and England. Once used to crown Scottish kings, it’s now back home after quite the journey.
#6: St Margaret’s Chapel
Pop into St Margaret’s Chapel, Edinburgh’s oldest building. This tiny Norman chapel has stood for over 900 years. It’s like stepping into a time machine and being transported to mediaeval Scotland.
#7: Great Hall
The Great Hall at Edinburgh Castle will make you feel like royalty. Built by James IV, the impressive hammerbeam roof and grand fireplace will make your jaw drop. Imagine the royal banquets and important ceremonies once held here.
#8: One O’Clock Gun
Don’t miss the firing of the One O’Clock Gun, a tradition dating back to 1861. This daily spectacle marks time for the city, is a crowd-pleaser and a great photo opportunity.
There are some new measures being introduced with regards to the One O’Clock Gun.
For the best view, head to the newly marked areas 10 minutes before firing. After the gun has been fired, castle staff generally limit access to some areas surrounding the gun for safety reasons.
#9: Royal Palace
Visit the very room where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to a future king, James VI. These royal chambers offer a sneak peek into the private lives of Scotland’s monarchs and the dramatic events that unfolded within these walls.
#10: Prisons of War
Descend into the castle’s war vaults to experience the conditions of 18th and 19th-century prisons. These dark atmospheric buildings tell the stories of prisoners from various conflicts. It’s a bit spooky but super interesting too!
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to stroll through the peaceful Princes Street Gardens below the castle for a different perspective of this magnificent natural site.
Experience these amazing highlights of Edinburgh Castle with Bright Bus Tours. Choose our City or Britannia tour and buy your tickets online today!
Benefits of Getting to Edinburgh Castle With Bright Bus Tours
Here’s why we’re your best choice for visiting Edinburgh Castle.
Exciting & Information-Packed Tour
Hop on our engaging buses for a journey filled with fascinating facts and stories. Our audio guide is available in multiple languages, including English and French, ensuring every visitor gets the most out of their experience. Learn about Edinburgh’s abundant history as you travel in comfort to the castle.
Explore Nearby Attractions
Forget about having to hire a bike or car and the hassle of parking — we’re the easiest way to get around Edinburgh. Our City and Britannia Tours don’t just stop at Edinburgh Castle. You can also visit the Museum of Edinburgh, Royal Yacht Britannia, Dynamic Earth, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Our tour buses are the best way to see all of Edinburgh’s top attractions in one day.
Affordable Tickets & Easy Booking Process
We offer great value for your Edinburgh adventure. Our tickets start from just £16! Booking is also a breeze:
You can do it online or through our friendly team at St Andrew Square, Waverley Bridge and Waterloo Place when you arrive in Edinburgh.
We’ve made our booking services simple, so you can focus on enjoying your visit.
Enjoy hassle-free and affordable transportation right to the castle gates.
Visit our tour page to learn more about our Edinburgh tours.
Bright Bus Tours: The Brightest & Fastest Way To Explore Edinburgh
Since 2019, we’ve been lighting up Edinburgh’s streets with our lively buses and friendly service. At Bright Bus Tours, our mission is simple: to provide the friendliest and best value way to explore Edinburgh.
Our commitment to customer satisfaction hasn’t gone unnoticed. We’re proud to have received a 4-star award from Visit Scotland in January 2024, recognising our top-notch customer service.
From the majestic Edinburgh Castle to the Royal Botanic Garden, our tours cover all the must-see spots in the city. But we don’t stop there! Our Airport Bus Express service offers the fastest and cheapest way to get from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre.
Whether you’re here for a day trip or a longer stay, Bright Bus Tours has got you covered.
Visiting Edinburgh Castle and the city’s top attractions has never been easier, cheaper, and faster.
Book your tickets with Bright Bus Tours now for the best Edinburgh experience.