1 Edinburgh Castle Castle Introduction
1 Edinburgh Castle Introduction
Edinburgh Castle has had a commanding view over the city since 1085. It is located on a domineering position high above the City of Edinburgh on an extinct volcano core.
The Castle itself, like many of Edinburgh's landmarks, has a chilling past. Its hilltop position made it an ideal location for a prison, for many centuries illustrious men endured imprisonment, torture, and the maiden (the Scottish version of the guillotine) on the castle grounds. Today, the Castle is the most visited of all Scottish Monuments, and many tourists comment on its unique mixture of beauty and foreboding.
In front of the castle is the Castle Esplanade with an unrivalled view of the cobblestoned streets of the Old Town, and the bustling activity of the city's financial sector, the New Town. The Esplanade is the location of the annual Edinburgh Tattoo that draws tourists from allover the world.
Edinburgh Castle Complete Tourist Guide Walkthrough
This website website will conduct this visit to Edinburgh castle has the best walk through tour to visit all the many attractions within the castle
Edinburgh Castle Esplanade Esplanade
Edinburgh Castle Entrance & Esplanade
Edinburgh Tattoo on the Esplanade
The Spur Outer Defence
The spur was an outer work V shaped Bastion defensive position, built on the outer side of the ditch on the current location of the Esplanade. No remains are visible, but remains were found 2-3 metres underground when workmen were digging for foundations for the Tattoo Seating structures.
Service Entrance & Tunnel
This entrance is closed to the public. What is interesting is that the tunnel runs under the castle to the far end, to a private area behind the Redcoat Cafe. Contrary to rumours it is the only tunnel found in the Castle.
Ditch
The ditch is Dry wide & Deep
Its purpose: Heightens the Wall. Makes it difficult for attackers, siege towers, battering rams to get near to the wall or gate.
Main Gatehouse
The Main Castle Gatehouse Entrance was built by the Victorians to replace the older one simply to make the castle look more imposing. Bronze statues of King Robert the Bruce and William Wallace stand guard on either side of the entrance.
The only public way into & exit from the Castle
Outer Bailey (Outer Ward)
The first of the 3 Baileys, open areas. All 3 have irregular shapes
Interactive 3600 Photograph of part of The Outer Bailey
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Toilets
Once inside the gateway turn left for the Toilets. Straight ahead, ie. opposite the gate, for the information office Turn right & bear right for the ticket office Or if you already have tickets - turn right & bear left to proceed to the ticket check point just before the next gate.
Information Office
Ticket Office
Expect a long queue, or Buy in advance online or even better Book a Guided Tour
Lang Stairs
The Short Way In
Interactive 3600 Photograph of Lang Stairs.
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Security and bag restrictions
For reasons of ease of movement, visitor safety and general security, suitcases and large rucksacks (30L or over) are not permitted in the castle.
We are unable to store luggage, prams, pushchairs or other personal items for visitors.
We may carry out bag searches at the castle entrance as part of our security screening process.
Dogs
Only assistance dogs are permitted, and must be kept on a lead at all times
Must not left unattended at any time in the castle or vehicles.
Owners must pick up after dogs.
