Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh

Lonely PlanetAug 24

The 8 Best Castles to Visit in Scotland

From Edinburgh to Eilean Donan, the best castles in Scotland for fascinating history, beautiful architecture, rugged settings, royal heritage and gory stories.

Fires the One O'Clock Gun tradition dating to 1861.

14 things in this story

Edinburgh CastleSightFires the One O'Clock Gun tradition dating to 1861.
Princes Street GardensSightSeparates Edinburgh's Old and New Towns.
Elsewhere
Balmoral CastleAttractionBallater, United KingdomRoyal-owned castle with public ballroom and gardens.
Dunrobin CastleTrain stationGolspie, United KingdomConical spires overlook formal gardens and Moray Firth.
Stirling CastleAttractionStirling, United KingdomWitnessed about 20 sieges and battles.
Eilean DonanSightKyle of Lochalsh, United KingdomReconstructed medieval towers on a rocky islet.
Dunnotar CastleSightStonehaven, United KingdomMedieval fortification on North Sea coast cliffs.
Aberdeenshire Coastal PathTrailStonehaven, United KingdomPath from Stonehaven to Dunnotar Castle.
Cawdor CastleSightCawdor, United KingdomFeatures fairy-tale rooms, gardens, and a medieval tower.
Big WoodTrailCawdor, United KingdomNature trails lead from Cawdor Castle gardens.
Glamis CastleAttractionGlamis, United KingdomSetting for much of Shakespeare's Macbeth.
Blair CastleAttractionBlair Atholl, United KingdomWhitewashed Scots Baronial masterpiece in Cairngorms foothills.
Braemar CastleAttractionBraemar, United Kingdom17th-century castle in the Cairngorms.
Inveraray CastleAttractionInveraray, United KingdomAncestral seat with tubular towers and witch-hat spires.

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Lonely PlanetAug 9

20 things to know before visiting Edinburgh

Discover what you need to know to get more from a trip to Edinburgh, from the best times to go to the local etiquette.

Train passengers arrive minutes from here.

25 things in this story

St. Margaret's WellSightEvidence of freshwater springs in Holyrood Park.
Holyrood ParkParkExplore this park, home to Arthur's Seat.
Royal MileSightMain street of the Old Town, stretching from castle.
PortobelloNeighborhoodA beach strip 3 miles east of the center.
Edinburgh CastleSightTrain passengers arrive minutes from here.
Royal Edinburgh Military TattooHostelBook tickets well in advance.
Arthur's SeatTrailHike to the top for views; requires comfortable shoes.
National Galleries of ScotlandGalleryComprises four art museums.
Princes Street GardensSightValley separating Old and New Towns; formerly a loch.
Edinburgh Festival FringeFestivalBook accommodation six months ahead for August.
Edinburgh International FestivalFestivalWorld's biggest arts festival, takes over the city every August.
Calton HillParkOffers good views during the day; avoid at night.
Water of Leith WalkwayTrailFollow this walkway; requires comfortable shoes.
Old TownTrain stationCobbles get slippery when wet or icy; wear waterproof shoes.
LeithSuburbFormer port, now steadily gentrifying.
HogmanayFestivalIt is normally followed by further celebration on the morning of New Year's Day and, in some cases, 2 January—a…
Edinburgh City PassPlaceCovers attractions like Edinburgh Castle and Royal Yacht Britannia.
West EndNeighborhoodA fairly smart neighborhood.
SouthsideNeighborhoodA low-key and studenty neighborhood.
Dr Neil's GardenGardenA less-seen sight discovered by walking.
Central TaxisPlaceA taxi company option for getting around.
CowgateNeighborhoodThe street is part of the lower level of Edinburgh's Old Town, which lies below the elevated streets of South Bridge…
Rose StreetNeighborhoodIt is a narrow street running parallel between Princes Street and George Street.
New TownSuburb
Lothian RoadNeighborhood

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Lonely PlanetAug 3

8 things to do in Edinburgh and the best way to do them

The top things to do in Edinburgh take in royal treasures, scenic viewpoints and secret quarters. Here are our favorite ways to enjoy the city.

Royal fortress with Scottish crown jewels and chapel.

25 things in this story

Royal MileSightCobblestone artery from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Park.
St Giles' CathedralPlace of worshipThe existing building was begun in the 14th century and extended until the early 16th century; significant alterations…
Scottish Storytelling CentreArts centreIt was formally opened on 1 June 2006 by Patricia Ferguson MSP, Minister for Culture in the Scottish Executive.
Canongate TolboothMuseumIt ceased to be a municipal building in 1856 and it is…
Scottish Parliament BuildingSightConstruction of the building commenced in June 1999 and the Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) held their first…
National Museum of ScotlandMuseumGalleries cover everything from Ancient Egypt to Scots.
Dean VillageSuburbHistoric mills along a peaceful riverside path.
StockbridgeSuburbEnjoy finest pubs, restaurants, and independent stores.
Royal Botanic Garden EdinburghGardenGreen bower with rock gardens, twisted trees, glasshouses.
PortobelloNeighborhoodEnd-of-the-pier hijinks, promenade, fish and chips.
CramondSuburbLow-tide excursions to a castaway island with gun bunkers.
Lauriston CastleAttractionScottish tower house overlooking the Firth of Forth.
Edinburgh CastleSightRoyal fortress with Scottish crown jewels and chapel.
Royal Edinburgh Military TattooHostelSpectacle of pipes, drums, dancers on Castle Esplanade.
Arthur's SeatTrailMini mountain with ruined chapel, lake, sweeping views.
St Anthony's ChapelSight15th-century ruins near Arthur's Seat.
Dunsapie LochSightExcavated in 1844 near Arthur's Seat.
National Galleries of ScotlandGalleryFour buildings with art collection, contemporary Scottish art.
Princes Street GardensSightVictorian-era Ross Fountain and gardens.
1820 Rooftop BarRestaurantCastle vista from Johnnie Walker Experience.
Johnnie Walker ExperienceSightDevoted to the famous whisky brand.
Edinburgh Festival FringeFestivalMonth-long celebration of the arts in August.
Edinburgh International FestivalFestivalWide-ranging festival in August.
Edinburgh International Film FestivalFestivalFestival in August.
Palace of HolyroodhouseSight

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Edinburgh Castle

In the coverage3 stories

The 8 Best Castles to Visit in Scotland

20 things to know before visiting Edinburgh

8 things to do in Edinburgh and the best way to do them