We haven’t been to Edinburgh Castle for years, so with the weather being very kind to us last week we took a stroll up the High Street one morning and headed to the Castle.
We’ve spent many a fun afternoon at the Castle, and with Historic Scotland Membership we were able to pop in whenever we fancied. Of course, we generally waited until someone visited us! The last time we were there the 6yo was quite young and the wee girl but a twinkle, so it was nice to see them enjoy the experience. The 8yo loved revisiting his favourites (the cannons and the prison!).
First stop was the castle walls and the cannons. On such a beautiful day the view from the walls was amazing. And, cannons are fun to climb on! We spent quite a bit of time exploring the walls and battlements, while admiring the spectacular view across the City and over the Forth to Fife.
Sadly, we weren’t there to hear the One O’clock gun go off. Having been there for that in the past I can confirm that it is very loud!
Anyone who has been to Edinburgh Castle will know that there are some steep climbs around and up to the top of the castle. On such a lovely day it was pleasure to explore.
We visited Saint Margaret’s Chapel, which is such a peaceful spot, at least until the large tour group all piled in… But still a must-see.
We then took a look at Mons Meg, which is over 500 years old. The 6yo had to make do with just climbing on the cannon balls this time!
No visit to the castle is complete without a wander through the prisons. The older sections were too dark for photos, but the more recent cells were a bit brighter. The beds had to be tried out of course, and a Japanese tourist was so taken with the wee girls antics that a mini photo shoot took place!
We then headed to the War Memorial and the Great Hall. While my husband and the boys went into the Memorial the wee girl waited (not so) patiently outside. Her ability to mantain a respectful silence was unlikely to be sufficient to risk taking her inside :)
The Great Hall proved to be a hit, with the fabulous member of staff dressed as Mary of Guise; the mother of Mary, Queen of Scots; telling a wonderful tale of her plan to fire Mons Meg the following day in celebration of her daughters marriage to the dauphin of France.
After this photo was taken she declared the wee girl (who had insisted on seeing her sparkly ‘queen shoes’…) as being her best visitor so far :)
We had a quick walk through both the Royal Scots and Crown Jewels exhibits before wandering back down through the castle and calling it a day. We had a wonderful time exploring and revisiting, it was a perfect day for it. And, we even managed a photo with me in it!
I’m linking up with the wonderful Country Kids at Coombe Mill, as always. Click on the badge to see what everyone else has been up to and be inspired to get outside!
Its a real fave of Ours we loved the whole are abd really want fo backxxx
It’s a fabulous place to visit, especially when the weather is good x
Such gorgeous photos! I went to Edinburgh with my cousin shortly before getting married and if was such a beautiful city and lovely trip. I loved the castle and these pics brought back so many fond memories. I especially adored the quaint sweet shops with all those colorfully wrapped candies. I can still see it so vividly in my mind.
The High Street heading up to the Castle is one of my favourites parts of the city. It is a beautiful place, I’m glad to have brought back some good memories for you x
Excellent photos and the place looks spectacular. xx
Thank you!
Lovely to see a photo with you in it! Edinburgh Castle looks stunning. Edinburgh is one of those places we always say we’d like to go to, but never quite seem to get round to it. One day we will!
Oh, if you ever get the chance to, you must visit. I may be biased, but it is a wonderful city :)
I’d love to visit Scotland and in particular Edinburgh it looks so beautiful and the castle always looks so stunning on top of the hill. Really beautiful pictures and looks like you all had a wonderful time #countrykids
The castle is amazing, and on a beautiful day the views are just incredible x
You had such a lovely day for your visit-our last visit was in similar weather too. It makes it rather glorious, especially when you have the most amazing views across to the Firth of Forth. You looked like you all really enjoyed yourselves. Edinburgh is one of my favourite castles-such a sense of history and time.
We were so lucky with the weather Iona, it was fabulous :)
What a gorgeous day for a visit – it’s such a long time since I visited, I’d love to go back with my daughter when she’s a bit older #countrykids
It was wonderful, we were very lucky :)
Such a glorious day to visit a castle! So lovely there and everything is so well preserved its like time travelling! #countrykids
It is, it’s an amazing castle to visit x
I have actually never been to Edinburgh though everyone says it is beautiful. Your photos really make me want to visit and the castle looks really rather special. What stunning views and a perfect day to enjoy them. Funny seeing you back on this side of the pond! Thank you for joining me on Country Kids.
Ah, you should go if you get the chance to, it’s a beautiful city x
This is great! I’ve never been to Edinburgh castle, let alone Edinburgh! We did go on a road trip from Cornwall to Scotland when T was barely a year old, but went straight to a little cabin by the woods near Loch Awe. Would absolutely love to visit Edinburgh! As always, love the photos of your kids. So cute :) #countrykids.
Thanks Dean. Edinburgh is definitely worth a visit, although a cabin by Loch Awe sounds pretty wonderful too!
Somewhere I’ve always wanted to visit, I feel a Scottish trip will be on the cards in the year to come. Looks so interesting.
I do hope you make it up there, definitely worth a visit :)
Edinburgh Castle looks superb! I wonder if we could get in with our English Heritage passes? Will have to investigate. Thanks for such an informative review #countrykids
Ooo, I’m not sure. It’s Historic Scotland rather than NT Scotland, so perhaps they have a reciprocal thing…? It is an amazing castle :)
I visited here for a birthday once, possibly 22nd. Your post has made me want to revisit, we do have a castle just down the road thought that we should really visit lol
It was lovely to get back, been a good few years since we were last there!
Gorgeous photos – I don’t think I’ve ever seen Edinburgh so sunny! We love the castle but have never taken our children, we really should go next time we are up, it looks like you all had a great time!
The weather was amazing! We were a little surprised :)
What a wonderful day out and looks like you had amazing weather too. I love the photo of your three children sitting on the cannon and the one of the wee girl trying out the bed. I’ve visited Edinburgh a couple of times but have never visited the castle – will add it to the list for next time we are there! :-)
You should definitely try and get up to the castle, it’s well worth a visit x
Amazing pics. Never been to edinburgh but I’ll have to visit the castle if I do now that you’ve inspired me.
It is an amazing castle, and if the weather is good then the views are stunning!
Wonderful photos! I’ve never been but I know my brother and sister-in-law loved it there :)