3000 years and still going strong...

Reviewed by Le Grand Chocolatier On July 26, 2009

Visiting Edinburgh without going to the castle is akin to having Gin without the Tonic - it just doesn't seem right not to!
We arrived at what really was the wrong time, around midday. The ticket queue was about half an hour long, but luckily we had pre-booked so it was straight up to meet our tour guide - the very animated and cheery Donal, an Irishman in Scotland, kitted out in the standard attire of kilt and traditional shirt so associated with Scotland.

I feel it only right to point out that we had been to Edinburgh Castle once before - when it was low season and much quieter, and we had not utilised the tour guide so all in all found it pretty boring - could this visit change our view?

We began at the entrance to the castle grounds where the Edinburgh Tattoo and other events are held throughout the year. We were taken through the 7 gates that guard the castle and given a walkthrough of the various timelines that each area of the castle is associated with.

We progressed around the grounds hearing various light hearted stories, such as the instances where people enquire if it is Norway that can be seen across the Firth of Forth which Edinburgh Castle gives great views of. Well the answer is no, it's not Norway, its Burntisland, Kinghorn, Aberdour et al - all part of Scotland and in between Edinburgh and Kirkcaldy.

We also learnt about the various kings and queens that had ruled over the land from Edinburgh Castle and the very jaded history that the castle holds, from murder to espionage to urban legends - the castle holds them all.

One point of interest is that the Castle is still used as a military barracks to this day - a very strange concept to believe.

We were taken around the main areas of the castle, including the chapel (the oldest part of the site), the Crown Jewels (Scottish ones, and yes they are the real ones mounted with hundreds of precious gems - hence the security guards!)

We were left by Donal at the top of the castle, outside the war memorial, a moving monument with the books inside containing the name of every Scottish soldier killed at war since World War 1 - the latest entry to this being a mere 2 weeks prior to our visit.

If you plan on visiting the castle, let us give you a few pointers:

Have a Guided Tour! - It may cost a few pennies more than an audio guide or basic entry but it truly is worth it. Our guide brought the entire history to life and answered all the weird questions we asked (did you know Edinburgh Castle once had its own real life lion!)
Pre-Book or get there early! - The queues get very long and pre-booking is recommended throughout July August and September. Other than that, visit around 2pm as its lunch time and most people do the castle in the morning
It's Not Wheelchair Friendly! - The castle paths are steeply sloped and many areas have steps to access them. Staff are always willing to help though and they will always try to accommodate you in your visit and it is recommended you contact the castle prior to your visit to discuss this (ring 0131 668 8800)
Plan at least 3 hours for your visit to see everything! - the castle contains many areas, including a couple of museums and some great cafes and memorials. It is steeped with history so take your time taking it all in and taking advantage of the great views!
Take your Camera! - you get great views over Edinburgh and of the castle itself. Make sure your camera has enough film/storage space and you have spare batteries as there is so much to take pictures of!

So - we visited the castle for the second time and enjoyed it much much more than the first. This was all down to the tour we had from an excellent guide and is definitely recommended for everyone.

Would we recommend the Castle? - definitely! (as long as your fit enough to cope with the slopes!). A lot of work has been put in to making this an excellent attraction and it pays off in bucketloads. At around £13 per adult and £6.50 for children, it may seem expensive, but the kids will learn as they enjoy the castle and you will be able to experience the odd feeling of being really relaxed with hundreds of people around you (that is honestly how you feel - you enter your own world at the castle!) - Plus its a full day out if you do everything!

Finally - our thanks are extended to our Tour Guide - Donal - and all the staff at Edinburgh Castle for giving us the most memorable and enjoyable visit to a place of historical interest that we have ever had