THE 10 BEST Edinburgh Castles
Castles in Edinburgh
Category types
Types of Attractions
Sights & Landmarks
Sights & Landmarks
Traveler rating
Neighborhoods
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13 places sorted by traveler favorites
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Southside & Holyrood
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles
Old Town
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Old Town
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles
Old Town
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles
Old Town
Castles
Castles
What travelers are saying
- Elizabeth KThe Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, UK9 contributionsBooked tickets before so was straight into the self guided tour. Friendly staff at audio store. Was able to go at my own pace which was great. Very busy but managed to move around fairly freely. Only queue was to see the Jewels.
Enjoyed the whole experience.Written August 10, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Michael GUrbandale, IA12 contributionsExcellent self guided tour with audio guide and interactive controller, good for all ages! Great explanations of current and past royalty.Written August 7, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jouha1 contributionI visited this Castle on Easter. It was sunny and really relaxing to have a walk with your family or dogs. It is more like a park. Kind staff were giving away easter eggs and beautiful calligraphy for everyone. However it is more like relaxing historical site for locals at weekends, not very suitable for solo tourists.Written July 26, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- auchterhouseKirriemuir, UK35 contributionsWe had a really enjoyable and interesting visit to Lauriston Castle which exceeded expectations. It’s free to enter and relax in the 33 acre grounds and £6 to get a tour of the castle, which must be pre booked as tour groups are limited in size.
The view of the Firth of Forth and Cramond island was lovely, admittedly on a cloudless day.
The castle is as it was left to Edinburgh Council in the 1920s, with fine art, furniture and fittings. The rooms are elegant but not over the top. Of particular interest is the early 20th century bathroom, with heated towel rail, WC Bath and shower and radiators- all state of the art for the era.
There’s also an outdoor café run by Mimi’s.
All in all we had a great day out.Written June 6, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Freddie558Uckfield, UK321 contributionsMy daughter and I stayed in the White Cottage on the Dundas Estate. It was secluded, very comfortable and lovely and warm. The heating appeared to be on 24 hours a day
Easy to get into Edinburgh by train or bus but really nice to be able to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city.Written October 30, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Lorna2412Elgin, UK21 contributionsNot the easiest to find as not great signposting off the main road but ok once on the wee side road. We followed satnav though, so were fine.
Good sized car park.
The guy at the ticket office was lovely and told us where everything was and what it related to. First class service.
Let’s face it, there’s not much there to actually do but you have to go if you’re an Outlander fan! It’s worth it.
Lovely wee key keyring with an honesty box (£1).Written October 18, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Edith14 contributionsThis is one of the prettiest and most impactful things to see in Edinburgh. I would recommend this for anyone visiting the area. I cannot wait to return and view this all again!Written July 29, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Gaurav CNew Delhi, India3,090 contributionsThe 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 February 11, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Wombling_Free_7548Bristol, UK1,961 contributionsIt 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 August 5, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- James PCambridge, UK2,416 contributionsThis 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 August 8, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TikikaiTikikaiNewport-on-Tay, UK97 contributionsThe castle and nearby Crichton Collegiate Church were both beautiful and interesting. They are in a fairly remote but accessible location. The castle ruins are impressive now but when intact the castle must have been very striking.Written May 8, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Edinburgh
- These places are best for castles in Edinburgh:See more castles in Edinburgh on Tripadvisor
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- These are the best places for budget-friendly castles in Edinburgh:
- Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Craigmillar Castle
- Lauriston Castle
- Midhope Castle
- Scottish National War Memorial
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