Location: Edinburgh
Top Things to do in Edinburgh
What to do and see in Edinburgh, Scotland: The Best Castles
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, renowned for its heritage, culture and festivals.
Take a long walk around the centre to explore the World Heritage Sites of the Old Town and New Town, as well as all the area’s museums and galleries. Then stop for a delicious meal made from fresh Scottish produce before heading out to take in one of Edinburgh’s many events — including the famous summer festivals of culture, or the Winter Festivals of music, light and ceilidhs.
Restaurants in Edinburgh
1. Edinburgh Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51,182 reviews
Edinburgh Castle is a world famous icon of Scotland and part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site. It was recently voted top UK Heritage Attraction in the British Travel Awards and is Scotland’s number one paid-for tourist attraction. This most famous of Scottish castles has a complex building history. The oldest part, St Margaret's Chapel, dates from the 12th century; the Great Hall was erected by James IV around 1510; the Half Moon Battery by the Regent Morton in the late 16th century; and the Scottish National War Memorial after the First World War. The castle houses the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, the famous 15th century gun Mons Meg, the One O' Clock Gun and the National War Museum of Scotland.
Reviewed By gabrielgpavon2018 - Community of Madrid, Spain
Outstanding views, very well designed visit flow, 10+ worthwhile sites, from the successive ramparts to the OUTSTANDING Scotland War Museum and the Scottish Crown Honors (jewels and the recovered Stone of Destiny / Scone), Medieval Great Hall, War Memorial, Regimental museums, Saint Margaret´s XI century chapel... The castle guide book, available at the shop by the entrance, is really useful The views alone (we had wonderful weather) are worthwhile, the treaures inside and the exquisite care shown in presenting them are second to none. Allow at least three hours to stroll around and have a drink...
2. Craigmillar Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 923 reviews
The castle grounds are open (free of charge) and we are delighted to welcome you back. Booking tickets in advance is essential, find out more at restarthistory.scot. The castle of Craigmillar is one of the most perfectly preserved castles in Scotland. Even today, the castle retains the character of a medieval stronghold. Building began in the early 15th century, and over the next 250 years the castle became a comfortable residence surrounded by fine gardens and pastureland. The castles history is not only closely involved with the city of Edinburgh, but plays an important part in the story of Mary Queen of Scots who fled to Craigmillar Castle following the murder of Rizzio. It was in the castle where the plot was hatched to murder Marys husband, Lord Darnley. Built round an L-plan tower house of the early 15th Century, Craigmillar was much expanded in the 15th and 16th Centuries.
Reviewed By Spanishtrucker123 - Lincoln, United Kingdom
We’ve visited a lot of Historic Scotland properties, and this one has to take first prize for the amazing number of spiral staircases and little rooms tucked away. We spent quite a time exploring the nooks and crannies of this castle. It made for a very interesting visit. Wonderful views across Edinburgh and the Firth were an added bonus. Helpful staff too.
3. Palace of Holyroodhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,500 reviews
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence in Scotland of Her Majesty The Queen. Open throughout the year, the Palace of Holyroodhouse stands at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Explore the Palace's close associations with some of Scotland’s most well-known historic figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, and learn how today it is used by The Queen when carrying out official engagements in Scotland.
Reviewed By mvidro - Washington DC, United States
We bought the "Royal Tour" entry, which entitled us to see Holyrood itself (with excellent headset guides and in-room docents for additional questions), a garden tour (EDWARD, our guide was great), and the Queen's Gallery around the corner (showing "Russia, Royalty & the Romanovs"). We spent roughly five hours touring the facility, including lunch in the cafe. Holyrood was one of the highlights of Edinburgh -- don't miss it!
4. Dundas Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Winner of the VOWS 2019 and 2018 Best Venue in Scotland Award, Dundas Castle is one of Scotland's most beautiful and historic castles. Now an officially recognised 5 Star Exclusive Use venue, the Castle is the stately home of Sir Jack Stewart-Clark and his wife Lady Lydia. Dundas Castle is not open to the general public but can be booked on an exclusive use basis for events such as weddings, private residential stays and corporate business. Whatever your reason to celebrate, Dundas Castle can help you to plan a wonderfully memorable occasion. With 17 delightful bedrooms, 37 adults can be accommodated each night. Ideally located 15 minutes from Edinburgh Airport and 10 miles from the City Centre; within the 400 acres private Dundas Estate, the Castle offers seclusion and privacy.
5. The Great Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By GauravC697 - New Delhi, India
The Great hall certainly is a marvel of the old era...The wooden roof is a splendor in itself...It is displaying weapons and armors reminiscent of its glorious military past..It is located in the crown square of the castle..a tic is needed to visualize its splendor..
6. Scottish National War Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By EAN44 - Haywards Heath, United Kingdom
This is such a wonderful memorial and very emotional the design of the building is grand with dark stone and then granite and rock, the memorials in the roof are excellent and you stare in ore at there beauty Along the walls are the books of all the soldiers that had died fighting for freedom you can look through to see if your family mane appears It’s just very emotional and a tribute to all those Scottish soldiers
7. Chrichton Castle
8. Lauriston Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 193 reviews
With its calm, tranquil atmosphere, and stunning views across the Firth of Forth, Lauriston is the perfect place to escape from the bustle of the city centre. Enjoy a woodland walk, a visit to our award-winning Japanese garden, or step back in time and experience what life was like in an Edinburgh middle-class home at the beginning of the 20th century.
Reviewed By Rgja - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
We have had a fantastic time at every event we have attended at Lauriston Castle and their Halloween event this year was no exception. My two kids 4 and 7 along with their friends had so much fun following the clues, solving the riddles and finding the hidden items around the grounds. This along with the brilliant crafts, scary story telling and amazing magician made for a very fun and memorable morning. Oh and not to forget the chocolate goodies they came away with! Thank you to all the staff who make it such a fun event for the kids!
9. Midhope Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 208 reviews
Midhope Castle is believed to have been built in the mid-late 15th Century (earliest reference 1458) and today stands as a derelict castle on private land on the Hopetoun Estate near the village of Abercorn. Visitors can access the castle but there are a few restrictions and visitor guidelines due to it being located in a busy working area on the Estate. For more information on the castle please visit the website in this listing for full details.
Reviewed By CelticHeritageC - Dalgety Bay, United Kingdom
THE HIGHLIGHT of any Outlander pilgrimage, the family seat of Jamie, Lallybroch. Or its lesser used name, Midhope Castle. Viewing is only from the outside as it is derelict inside, however most Outlander fans are more than content viewing from the outside. This area is particularly good for visiting Outlander filming locations with Abercorn Kirkyard very close by (Frank's Grave); a short drive from Blackness Castle (Fort William); Hopetoun House (Various settings such as the Duke Sandringham's home; a Parisian street; dual location between the duke and the MacDonalds); while further drive past Blackness turn off is Linlithgow Palace (Some interiors of Wentworth Prison). Just bare in mind the Midhope Castle is not a visitor attraction and such so does not have toilets etc and visitors need to be mindful of the local houses and their residents, however the house on the right sometimes has excellent free range eggs for sale!
10. Mons Meg
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By therichastill - Stevenage, United Kingdom
Mons Meg has not been fired for centuries but it is far more magnificent than the more cannons located around the castle including the one used for the One O'clock gun. As well as the gun there are also some of the huge cannonballs used in it. I would not want to be the person responsible for putting that into the gun!
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