Castles in Edinburgh

THE 10 BEST Edinburgh Castles

Castles in Edinburgh

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Sights & Landmarks
Sights & Landmarks
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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13 places sorted by traveller favourites
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What travellers are saying

  • John M
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Our guide England Ben did a great job of educating and entertaining us during our tour. Great experience! Castle is amazing.
    Written 7 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kaiser S
    York, UK64 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Holyrood Palace is situated at the bottom of the Royal Mile so you can get there by using a hop on hop off bus or taxi. However, it is honestly easier and cheaper (and probably quicker) to walk.

    The artwork, tapestries and rooms are so beutiful to admire while walking around the palace.

    The audio guide which is included in the admission is really informative giving explanations of each room. There are also audio interviews with members of the Royal family, which share their views of the palace. The audio guide is also semi interactive so children will enjoy using it.

    The tour not only guides you around the palace but also the adjoining Abbey ruins and gardens.

    Unfortunately, no pictures or recording is permitted during the tour but that is quite understandable.

    **You can take photo's from outside of the palace

    This is definately not an attraction to miss out on.
    Written 4 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • R B
    Eindhoven, The Netherlands9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very nice castle that is easy to reach by local bus. Admittance is low and the place is not crowded in September, rather quit. Excellent explanation of the rooms.
    Written 16 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • jenned17
    Conyers, GA1,160 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you love Outlander, pay the admission fee and get your photo op outside of the arch or on the steps. There’s not much to see and I hope the admission fees are going to preserve the castle, but nonetheless, I was giddy to see “Lallybroch.” Diehard fans will enjoy this glimpse of Jamie’s home and the pink Lallybroch socks and other trinkets for sale were cute! If you’re in the area, go!
    Written 19 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Pilier3
    Chatham, UK182 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A wonderful space to stroll around, relax and enjoy the gardens and the wonderful views over the Forth to Fife. Nicely planted and very well kept. A hidden gem, free to enter and wander around. It has a beautiful Japanese garden and Italianate garden plus a lovely arboretum. Something different around every burner. The views are fantastic, if you get the opportunity and need someplace to relax in then head here..
    Written 28 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Caitlin K
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dundas Castle is nothing short of incredible! We are an international couple, and we were fortunate to not only celebrate our wedding at Dundas, but also our wedding "week," where family and friends occupied all 17 bedrooms in the castle for a week of amazing food, friendship, and activities. Throughout the entire week and leading up to the big day, the team at Dundas was professional, warm, and completely on top of whatever we needed. None of the guests have been able to stop raving about the beauty of the castle and grounds and the welcoming atmosphere provided by the staff. I am also that type of person who loves to be in charge of everything, and I was so worried that I would be unable to "switch off" and just enjoy the moment with our loved ones. However, the team kept everything running so smoothly, I did not worry once about activities or transportation or meals or even the schedule of the wedding day. They helped us create the most magical memories, and I have no doubt that they will continue to do so for the lucky couples who book this venue. (Special shout out to Ellice, Morvern, and Louise who helped us every step of the way from the start of our wedding planning in 2021 to the actual wedding day in 2024).
    Written 6 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Thomas V
    Oakland, CA17,737 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    You will find this memorial inside the castle area. It is dedicated to those who have been lost and is especially important for the two 20th Century wars. This memorial is placed in a very prominent space.
    Written 22 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Gaurav C
    New Delhi, India2,959 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    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..
    Written 11 February 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Wombling_Free_7548
    Bristol, UK2,139 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It is free of charge to walk up to the front of the castle, which makes for a good photo op. Also gives you good views of Edinburgh.
    Written 5 August 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • James P
    Cambridge, UK2,788 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is situated within the grounds of Edinburgh Castle, so you can only see it if you pay for the castle entry ticket. It is huge - an impressive cannon that was unsurpassed in its day.
    Written 8 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Preeti Verma
    Poland393 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Night Viewing point for Edinburgh Castle, it's really beautiful & worth to be there and capture the awesome view of Edinburgh Castle 🏰.
    Written 26 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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