Destination story · No. 48 of 52

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle

Photo: Enric, CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

A historic-city dispatch

Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline, but I find the approach through the Old Town helps set the scene. Inside, the historic rooms and viewpoints tell different parts of Scotland’s story. The site is busy and uneven underfoot, so I allow time, wear comfortable shoes and choose a few exhibits to explore properly.

A travel-vlogger’s story

Edinburgh Castle sits high on volcanic rock, visible from many streets below and woven into the city’s skyline. Walking through its gates, I would take time to look out over the rooftops as well as explore the historic buildings. The castle has served royal, military and ceremonial roles, and the different layers of its history are part of what makes it compelling. On a clear day, the views help explain why this rocky position mattered so much.

Fascinating facts i can tell you of

  1. The castle stands on Castle Rock, a volcanic plug.
  2. The site has a long history of occupation and fortification.
  3. St Margaret’s Chapel is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Edinburgh.
  4. The Honours of Scotland, the Scottish crown jewels, are displayed at the castle.

My tips to travellers

Book ahead during festival periods, wear shoes for uneven surfaces and allow time for security and the main exhibits.

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