Fantastic! The castle was obviously one of my major destinations in Edinburgh, especially since you can see it from nearly everywhere in the city! But I also wanted to go for another reason that not many people know about.

In the 1600's King James IV granted Sir William Alexander the land in North America between New England and Newfoundland. It was called "New Scotland", which is now Nova Scotia (and is where i'm from!). In order to promote settlement of the land in the new world baronets had to "take sasine" by symbolically receiving land and stone from the land where they would be Baron. Because Nova Scotia was so far away, a small square of land outside of the castle was declared Nova Scotian territory for this purpose and the law has never been repealed so it's still considered part of Nova Scotia to this day. So being there really was like being at home!

The annual performance by the Scottish pipers is worth seeing... a real throwback into history. The road leading up is all cobblestone and the tours are interesting. There is something intriguing about a man in a skirt! There is the usual accoutrement of shops selling tartan and scottish memorabilia. If you want some warm woollen stuff this is the place to find them. Holyrood House is worth seeing too... Mary Queen of Scots lived there and that tour is very interesting... this house is more beautiful but the castle isn't without its charms.

Not sure if he still does this, but there is a guy who dresses up as William Wallace outside the castle gates. He does it for donations for the local children's hospital. You can take photos with him hold swords or axes. Kind of a fun little side stop on your way to the castle. It is very neat inside and I would recomed the audio tour if it is your thing. The tartan (sp?) factory near there is also a neat tour...

My favorite castle in the whole world. I've been there twice and it only gets better. I was there on one occasion for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and it was truly spectacular. Edinburgh Castle is a jewel of history that shines bright, from the Stone of Destiny through the Scottish War Memorial, and I am thankful for having the opportunity to visit it. Good Journeys!

One of the many Castles we saw in the UK! We first saw a small replica at Lego Land, near Windsor, and we had to see this castle, so we drove up to Edinburgh! What amazed me was the little church up at the top, there was a choir practising, so we could not enter, but looking down, seeing the graves of the animals/dogs that passed on during the wars.