Edinburgh Castle

Sunny winter days are rare, but with them come crowds of tourist eager to visit Edinburgh's namesake. Acting as a plug to a dormant volcano this large and complex structure houses highlights both big and small. Among them is the Dog Cemetery used since Queen Victoria's day as a tribute to regimental mascots. Take a moment to appreciate this small garden in a land of giant beauty.

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If all the capitals of the world had a beauty pageant, Edinburgh would probably win. Imagine a majestic castle on top of an extinct volcano, rising right out of the heart of the city. Edinburgh has a certain poetry that's hard to beat. Allow for a good hour or two to meander in the massive castle grounds. Take your time to gawk at the Scottish Crown Jewels, to confirm your suspicions if the Stone of Destiny looks real or not, or to poke around the castle's vast dining hall. If you want an easy killer aerial shot of the capital's Old and New Town, this is the place as well.

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Perched atop an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle remains one of Scotland's most historic buildings and attracts more than 1 million onlookers a year. This ancient fortress stands 400 feet above sea level and remains as the most prominent figure in the Edinburgh skyline. It is believed that the castle was inhabited by humans as far back as 900 BC during the late Bronze Age and has been involved in numerous battles such as the Wars of Scottish Independence up until the Jacobite Rising of 1745. More recently in 1950 it was the site of the first Edinburgh Military Tattoo, held on the Castle Esplanade.

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The Edinburgh Castle is impossible to miss, dominating the skyline above city center from atop a volcanic outcropping. Surrounded by vertical cliffs on three sides and a rich history, the castle is now reached by a relative easy walk to the top of the Royal Mile. Inside the gates, visitors can join a free guided tour or explore the grounds alone. Highlights include St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh and the National War Museum of Scotland which houses 400 years of bloody Scottish history. Mons Meg, a massive 550 year old siege cannon weighing in at over 15,000 pounds still points over the city towards the Firth of Forth. A peak over the stony battlements reveals spectacular 360 degree views across Edinburgh, ideal photo opportunities, and insight into the castle’s strategic role throughout Scottish history.

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