One of my favourite places to visit has to be a castle. I love history and learning all I can from visiting places with historical importance; Edinburgh Castle definitely fits the bill. It has a rich history with additions across multiple centuries as well as a war museum within the grounds.

This is an attraction in which it is best to buy the tickets in advance because then they are cheaper, and you can avoid the queues to buy them on site. Instead, there are several kiosk stations where you can print the tickets either by scanning the QR code (provided in the confirmation email) and entering your surname and order number. It is so quick and easy that I would definitely recommend it.

There are various ways to explore the castle. Harry and I walked round by ourselves at our own pace, reading the information that was provided and making our own itinerary. But if you would prefer to be taken around there is a tour that is included in the ticket price. The tour guide meets a group of visitors just past the portcullis on the left, next to a large clock face with the time of the next tour displayed upon it. These tours are spread throughout the day, so it depends when you arrive as to how long you will need to wait to begin your tour, but if you are on a budget and wish to learn more information, I would definitely recommend these. There are also audio guides available for purchase near where you meet the free tour guides. They aren’t very expensive and if you do prefer to wander around alone and have more information than what is on the signs, this is probably the best way to explore the castle.

The history of war museum, the crown jewel exhibit and the one o’clock gun are all included within the price of the ticket, in fact, I don’t think that there are any areas within Edinburgh Castle that charge extra for entry, so there is plenty to do.

We thoroughly enjoyed the day that we spent exploring the grounds and learning about the castle’s rich history first as a defence and place of residence to barracks to prison then finally what it is today.