Edinburgh Castle

Historic Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle makes a great day trip from your holiday accommodation here at Loch Lomond Waterfront. Located 68 miles away, you can visit Edinburgh by train or drive there in an hour and a half. This is one of the must-see attractions in Edinburgh, with a network of ancient buildings to explore within the castle walls.

This amazing structure dates, in parts, from the 12th century. The oldest surviving building in the castle grounds is St Margaret’s Chapel, built around 1130. But, over a turbulent history, the castle has been destroyed, rebuilt and developed many times. The current building is very well preserved, with much to see and do on a visit.

Mainly now a historic tourist attraction, the Castle Esplanade also hosts special events, shows and concerts at certain times throughout the year. Including the famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a large military display, which takes place every August.

Edinburgh Castle Highlights

There is so much to see at Edinburgh Castle, you could easily spend a whole day. Here is an excellent 2-3 hour itinerary, which ensures you take in all the highlights. Or, if you have a shorter window, there is a 1-hour option.

Enjoy panoramic views of Edinburgh from high on Castle Rock. Don’t miss St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh. See the impressive Great Hall and its collection of armour and weapons. At 1pm each day (except Sundays) see the One-o-clock Gun fired as a time signal. Explore the Royal Palace, where kings and queens lived and visited over the centuries. Then behold the Honours of Scotland and Stone of Destiny, first used together for the coronation of Mary Queen of Scots.

For those interested in military history, you can visit the National War Museum, Regimental Museums, Scottish National War Memorial and the Prisons of War.

Find out more

For Edinburgh Castle ticket prices, opening times and further visitor information, plan your visit here.

Book Accommodation

Testimonials

  • We couldn't have done it without you

    'Thank you for your help with the planning and your attention to detail - we couldn’t have don’t it without you!  The marquee was beautiful and all we had hoped for.  We had a brilliant day and will remember it all forever, thank you so much for being part of it'
  • Stunning location

    'Stunning location with superb views of Loch Lomond from the private beach shore we had our drinks reception down here and even had a little paddle in the loch to cool down. Excellent venue facilities. There are a few different areas inside to relax in. Main room, bar and conservatory where we had our evening buffet and fancy dress area. The Wedding package was excellent value for money and you can build your own to suit your individual requirements. We had lots of say in what we wanted and were allowed to change stuff to suit our style. 5* lodges...
  • Outstanding location

    'The location is outstanding - right on the edge of Loch Lomond with private water frontage and beaches. As a location for exploring, again this rates very highly. We easily accessed central Glasgow by train from nearby Balloch and also explored Stirling (particularly the castle and Wallace memorial), the Falkirk Wheel and even Perth and Pitlochry by car. It is a very peaceful place, which can only be disturbed on occasion by your neighbours but with the Slumber Charter in place, we had absolutely no problems overnight.'
  • A fabulous time

    'We, and all our family and friends, who stayed on site had a fabulous time and could not be more impressed with the lodges and the location!  There will definitely be some returning customers.'
  • Thank you doesn't seem enough

    'The food, service, timing of the day – everything was wonderful and exactly as planned!  From the day we first visited the venue we knew it was the perfect place for our reception and we definitely did not make the wrong choice.  Thank you just does not seem enough!'