Entrance to Edinburgh Castle with blue skies .. Grand fireplace in the Great Hall in Edinburgh Castle .. View of Edinburgh Castle from the Grassmarket .. View of Edinburgh skyline through canon and window at Edinburgh Castle ..

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.

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Testimonials

  • Stunning from top to bottom

    'We booked this to relax after a family tragedy and it was the perfect tonic. Stunning from top to bottom. The rooms were perfect with all the facilities needed. The hot tub on a winters evening took it to another level. The blackout curtains, allied to no light pollution outside, meant wakening up was the most natural I had experienced for years.'
  • A perfect place to relax

    'Stayed at the Waterfront Lodges for a Fri to Mon short break for our daughters birthday last weekend. Lodge was placed right on the edge of Loch Lomond with stunning views.'
  • Wish we had longer

    'The ducks were very amusing, each day they waddled around the lodges looking for food, we bought some duck food for them in the local village shop. We just wished we were here for longer and hope to return in the future.'
  • 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.'
  • Everything was more than perfect

    'Everything was more than perfect, more than what we can ask for. And the view priceless, the whole stay was priceless, so thank you ever so much, hope to see you soon.'