Discover the Majestic Edinburgh Castle
Explore the iconic Edinburgh Castle, a symbol of Scotland's heritage with stunning views, rich history, and cultural treasures.
Perched atop Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle stands as a symbol of Scotland's rich history and military might. This iconic fortress offers visitors stunning views of the city and a deep dive into the nation's heritage, making it a must-visit for any traveler.
A brief summary to Edinburgh Castle
- Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG, GB
- +441312259846
- Visit website
Local tips
- Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues.
- Visit early in the morning to enjoy a quieter experience.
- Check the schedule for the One O'Clock Gun firing for a unique experience.
- Don't miss St. Margaret's Chapel, the oldest part of the castle.
- Take advantage of the free guided tours for a deeper understanding of the castle's history.
Getting There
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Car
If you are traveling from Sutherland to Edinburgh Castle by car, take the A9 southbound from any point in Sutherland. Continue on the A9 for approximately 120 miles (about 2.5 hours). Follow signs for Edinburgh and merge onto the A720 (City Bypass). Take the exit toward the A8/Edinburgh Airport/Leith and continue on the A8. Follow signs for the city center. Once you reach the city center, follow signs for the Castle. There is limited parking available near Edinburgh Castle, and you should expect to pay for parking. The closest parking is at Castle Terrace, which can cost around £2.40 per hour.
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Public Transportation
To reach Edinburgh Castle from Sutherland using public transport, start by taking a train from any available station in Sutherland, such as Inverness or Golspie, to Edinburgh Waverley Station. The journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours. Once you arrive at Waverley Station, exit the station and walk towards the Royal Mile. Follow the Royal Mile uphill, and you will reach the entrance to Edinburgh Castle. There is also a bus service available from Waverley Station to the Castle, which can save some walking distance.
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Bus
If you prefer to travel by bus, you can take a long-distance bus service from Sutherland to Edinburgh. Companies like Stagecoach operate routes that connect various towns in Sutherland to Edinburgh. The journey may take around 4 to 5 hours and will drop you off at various points in Edinburgh, including close to the city center. From there, follow the signs or use a map app to navigate to Edinburgh Castle, which is about a 20-minute walk from most bus drop-off points.
Discover more about Edinburgh Castle
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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The Vennel Viewpoint Edinburgh Castle
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Scottish National War Memorial
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Castle Rock
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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