Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle sits high atop “castle rock” in the city of Edinburgh, Scotland. Is is really worth the 11 pounds (which is approximately $22) to visit the castle? I recently spent a rainy day in the city of Edinburgh and had to ask myself just that. I’ve been to castles before, so the novelty of just walking inside the structure is past. The employee directing tourists to the ticket trailer (of course) assured me the tour was well worth the price. They recommend you allow approximately 2 hours for the tour. I was skeptical but decided to check it out anyway.

The price of 11 pounds sterling does not include audio or written guide. Those are an additional 2 or 5 pounds respectively. Are you also thinking this is ridiculously over priced? I mean, I know the UK is expensive, but come on. Assuming the tour takes 2 hours (mine did not), you have to pay double the U.S. minimum wage to wander around the castle, not necessarily having a good idea of what you’re seeing.

The castle is built upon an extinct volcano, which explains the black rocks found throughout the structure. A majority of the castle is comprised of various military museums. I have no interest in military history, Scottish or otherwise, so this part was lost on me. St. Margaret’s Chapel is apparently the highest point of the castle structure. It is a pretty, small chapel and worth a look. The below ground structure was probably the most interesting part. It is the oldest part of the castle, and offers several informational signs explaining events that occurred there. The Scottish crown jewels are an incredible site, but the “museum” in which they are housed stays remarkably crowded.

All in all, I’m glad I visited the castle. Try to make the trip on a clear day so you can enjoy the famous views from castle rock. Maybe if you made the trip in the early morning you wouldn’t have to deal with the throngs of tourists getting in your way. The price is entirely too high, though.