What Edinburgh’s Castles? A Travel Through Time.
Edinburgh is a home to castles which are more than just landmarks they are gates to Scotland’s grand past. From the fort which looms over the Royal Mile to hidden ruins that tell stories of intrigue, in this guide we cover all the castles you should see, their distance from the city center, and the secrets that make them can not be missed.
🏰 Edinburgh’s Must-Visit Castles
1. Edinburgh Rock Fortress.
📍 Location: Castlehill, on the Royal Mile (City Center).
📏 Distance from City Center: 0 meters (you are there! .
The star of Scotland, sitting on top of an ancient volcano.
✔ Highlights: Outlines:.
• The Crown Jewels of Scotland
• The Stone of Destiny
For over 150 years The One O’Clock Gun has fired daily!
🎟️ Tickets: $22 (adult) book online to skip lines.
🚶♀️ Getting There: Walk over to Princes Street (10 mins) or jump on the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus.
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2. Craigmillar Palace.
📍 Location: Craigmillar Castle Road (to the southeast 3 miles from the city center).
📏 Distance from City Center: 3 km.
Why not check out a medieval fortress connected to Mary, Queen of Scots’ past and also avoid the crowds!
✔ Highlights: Outstanding features:.
• Ghostly underground vaults
• Panoramic views from the tower
• Peaceful gardens perfect for picnics
🎟️ Tickets: At a cost of £8 per adult and free of charge for Historic Scotland members.
🚌 Getting There: Bus 2, 14, or 30 out of the city center (20 mins).
3. Lauriston House.
📍 Location: Cramond Road South (3 miles to the north west of the city center).
📏 Distance from City Center: 3 km.
Here is a fairy tale like Edwardian mansion which has vast gardens.
✔ Highlights: Features:.
• Stunning Japanese garden
• Antique-filled interiors frozen in 1926
• Free guided tours (donation suggested)
🎟️ Tickets: Free admission to grounds; £7 for house tours.
🚌 Getting There: Bus 41 or 47 (25 min from Princes Street).
4. Palace of Holyroodhouse.
📍 Location: Canongate, Royal Mile (1 km from the city center).
📏 Distance from City Center: 1 km.
Why Go? The King’s primary Scottish residence and Mary, Queen of Scots’ past home.
✔ Highlights: Outstandings:.
• Ruins of Holyrood Abbey
• Lavish State Apartments
The Queen’s Exhibition Hall (which features rotating art shows).
🎟️ Tickets: $19.50 (adult) includes audio guide.
🚶♀️ Getting There: Walk to Waverley Station (15 mins) or the Royal Mile walk.
🗺️ Day Trip Castles Near Edinburgh
5. Eilean Donan Castle.
📍 Location: Stirlingshire (35 miles northwest of Edinburgh).
📏 Distance from Edinburgh: One hour by train/car.
Illum in why visit The Gateway to Scotland which challenges Edinburgh Castle.
✔ Highlights: Out standing features:.
• Renaissance Great Hall
Views on the Battle of Stirling Bridge.
• Interactive costumed guides
🚂 Getting There: From Edinburgh Waverley goes ScotRail.
6. Tantallon Castle
📍 Location: Near East of Edinburgh (28 miles from North Berwick).
📏 Distance from Edinburgh: 45 minute drive.
Vue of the Ruins which stands at the top of a cliff over the Firth of Forth.
✔ Highlights: Here are the key points:.
Coastal walks which see puffins (April July).
Legendary tales of the Douglas family.
🎟️ Tickets: 7.50 (adult).
🚗 Getting There: Drive or catch the X5 bus into North Berwick and from there a taxi.
🚌 Getting to Edinburgh’s Castles: Travel Tips.
• Walking: Edinburgh Castle and Holyroodhouse are within walking distance of the city center.
• Buses: Lothian Buses serving Craigmillar and Lauriston.
• Trains: Train is the way to go for day trips to Stirling Castle which will set you back about £15 each way.
• Tours: Rabbie’s and Highland Explorer provide castle tours.
📅 Best Time to Visit
• Summer (June–Aug): Long days of sunlight, but very crowded get there early!
• Autumn (Sept–Nov): Amber leaves and more remote locations.
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Cozy ambiance, Christmas markets by Edinburgh Castle.
🎒 Traveler Essentials
• Comfortable Shoes: Cobblestone and castle stairs are tough!
• Layered Clothing: Scotish weather is changeable bring a waterproof jacket.
• Historic Scotland Pass: At a discount for multiple castles (7 day pass for £45).
Final Tips for Castle Explorers
✔ Book Tickets Online: Skip the lines at Edinburgh Castle and Holyroodhouse.
✔ Ask About Ghost Tours: Craigmillar and Edinburgh Castle are hosting night time ghost tours.
✔ Combine Visits: Pair Holyroodhouse with Arthur’s Seat for a full day of historical and scenic exploration.
Ready to Step into Scotland’s Story?
From the walls of Edinburgh Castle out to the remote ruins of Tantallon these fortresses are what breathe life into Scotland they are more than rock and brick they are where Scotland’s heart is located. Bring your curiosity (and a great camera) as Edinburgh’s castles will sweep you into the past.
Need tips for your castle hopping trip? I have some great stories and little known facts to share! -Key.
