Christina's Cucina

An impassioned Italian Scot sharing how to cook authentically, and travel with enthusiasm.

  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Course or Meal
      • Appetizers
      • Breakfast/Brunch
      • Dessert
      • Main Course
      • Salads
      • Side Dishes
      • Soups
    • Cuisine
      • Italian
      • Scottish (British)
      • Other Cuisines
        • Asian
        • French
        • German
        • Greek
        • Mexican
        • Other
    • Ingredient
      • Beef
      • Cheese
      • Chicken (Poultry)
      • Chocolate
      • Eggs
      • Fish & Shellfish
      • Fruit
      • Legumes
      • Pasta and Rice
      • Pork & Lamb
      • Potatoes
      • Vegetables
    • Special Diets
      • Dairy Free
      • Egg Free
      • Gluten Free
      • Nut Free
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
    • Types of Food
      • Beverages
        • Alcoholic
        • Non-Alcoholic
      • Bread, Cookies & Pastries
      • Cakes & Pies
      • Candies, Sweets & Confections
      • Dressings, Sauces, Syrups & Toppings
      • Jams
      • Pickles
      • Sandwiches & Snacks
    • Non Sequitur
      • “How To…”
      • My Rants & Recommendations
  • Travel
  • Work with Me

Home » Uncategorized » Edinburgh Castle for a Taste of History in Scotland’s Capital

Edinburgh Castle for a Taste of History in Scotland’s Capital

November 4th, 2014 | 39 Comments

Edinburgh Castle is definitely a “do not miss” if you visit Scotland’s capital city. The views alone are worth a visit, but the history and stories it holds will seal the deal.

View from Inside The Edinburgh CastleIf you’ve ever been to Scotland, I’m guessing that you visited Edinburgh Castle, am I right?

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

For three years in a row, Edinburgh Castle has been the most popular (paying) attraction outside of London, welcoming 1.4 million visitors just last year alone! So if you haven’t been, and I tell you it’s really worth visiting, trust me on this one.

I was given two media passes to visit Edinburgh Castle, but all views are entirely my own. I also received some products from Heritage of Scotland.

edinburgh castle collageAfter judging the Scottish Baking Awards Competition at Mar Hall, and before competing in the World Porridge Making Championships in Carrbridge, I drove from Glasgow to Edinburgh for the day. I had gone to Edinburgh Castle with my husband on our honeymoon, but I wanted to take my mother to see this amazing edifice since she’d never been.

Edinburgh is only a 45 minute drive from Glasgow, as long as you don’t go during rush hour, so there’s no excuse to miss to the castle.

Before I go any further, in case you don’t know, Edinburgh is not pronounced “edin-burg”, but “edin-burrah”. 

It was drizzling and overcast when we left Glasgow, and was still cloudy when we reached Edinburgh. This is what it looked like when we were making our way up to the castle (we parked at metered parking on a street below, but there are parking lots nearby, too).Overcast Edinburgh Castle

However, my good luck kicked in, and a few minutes later when we made it to the castle, the sun appeared and almost of the clouds disappeared!

Entrance to Edinburgh CastleThe views of the city from the castle are unsurpassed. As with almost every castle, from its vantage point, it’s obvious why the castle was built on this rock–one can see for miles in every direction.  For example, Arthur’s Seat (the hills) is one of the primary views and believe it or not, was formed by an extinct volcano.

Arthur's Seat

Each direction we turned, the sights were simply stunning; like the world-famous Princes Street and Scott Monument…

Princes Street and Scott Monumentand Calton Hill.

Calton Hill

Edinburgh Castle ViewsIt was difficult to leave the views and head inside the castle, but I knew there was simply too much to see in a few hours. Just a few of Edinburgh Castle’s highlights include the firing of The One O’Clock Gun, which we sadly missed because we were inside viewing Scotland’s crown jewels. Of course, the crown jewels are another highlight, but no photos are permitted which is why you won’t see them here, but they were spectacular.

Another “don’t miss” is St. Margaret’s Chapel: the oldest building in Edinburgh.

St Margarets ChapelThe Great Hall was awe-inspiring and the Prisons of War made us realize how lucky we truly are.

Great Hall and PrisonAudio guides are available, as well as guided tours given by Stewards, or you can just wander with a map at leisure. My mother and I were shocked when we realized that we’d spent over 3 hours at the castle, as the time passed so quickly, but there is so much to see that you could easily spend an entire day here.

We visited The Royal Scots Regimental Museum, the Argyle Tower and Battery, Mons Meg (a cannon), the National War Museum and the Royal Palace, among other places in the castle.

Edinburgh Castle collage 2There are also three lovely gift shops, (I know because I visited all three) and two cafés: one is self-service and the other serves afternoon tea and traditional Scottish fare.

Each year in August, the Edinburgh Castle hosts The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, in fact tickets for 2015 will go on sale in less than a month. It is extremely popular, and at the same time, the world’s largest arts festival takes place in the city at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.  I hope to attend both events in the next year or so, as I have never been (bucket list items)! This area in front of the castle is where the Tattoo takes place.

Front of Edinburgh CastleMy mother and I truly enjoyed being able to step back in time and get a taste of Scotland’s history, and see so many incredible sights, relics and objects. Apparently, the exact date of Edinburgh Castle’s construction is not clear, however the future St. Margaret died there in 1093 and the history which follows is incredibly interesting.

Edinburgh Castle’s website holds a wealth of information including photo galleries, a timeline, maps, and much more. If you go to Scotland, you honestly won’t want to miss the fabulous experience of visiting Edinburgh Castle, or if you live in the UK and haven’t gone, put it on your calendar or you’ll never go!

Visiting Edinburgh CastleIf all of this talk of Scotland and Scotland’s history has given you the “Scotland-bug”, do not fear…I have a cure and I think you may thank me because Christmas and the holidays are next month. Heritage of Scotland has so many fabulous Scottish gifts, from kilts to keyrings and mugs to musical instruments.

When I returned from Scotland, I had a lovely package of Scottish items waiting for me and it was like Christmas!* These are top quality products, many of them made in Scotland! I’ll talk more about them soon, but go check out their website because they really could solve a lot of your gift-giving dilemmas this year. Oh, and they have a reward program so you can also earn free merchandise!

Screen Shot 2014-11-03 at 11.42.19 PMAnd only a mile away from the castle, you can find some of the best chocolate you’ve ever tasted at The Chocolate Tree. Ali and Freddi actually make their own chocolate from cocoa beans, then turn it into the most incredible chocolates, bars, hot chocolate, spreads and cakes, like this one which Freddi made for the Scottish Baking Awards. Isn’t it stunning?

The Chocolate Tree CakeSo many wonderful people and things come out of Scotland that it’s hard for me not to tell you about them!


 

Don’t miss another recipe or travel post, sign up for my free subscription below!
I promise not to share or sell your email address, ever.

Christina’s Cucina is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*I received several items from The Heritage of Scotland at no cost, however all opinions are solely mine.

 

You may also enjoy these...

  • Cream Girdle Scones (Stove-Top Scones)Cream Girdle Scones (Stove-Top Scones)
  • The Norton House Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh–Down to Earth Luxury for Locals and Tourists AlikeThe Norton House Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh–Down to Earth Luxury for Locals and Tourists Alike
  • The 21st Annual World Porridge Making Championships & The Specialty Award Winning Recipe for Sticky Toffee PorridgeThe 21st Annual World Porridge Making Championships & The Specialty Award Winning Recipe for Sticky Toffee Porridge
  • Christina’s Scottish OatcakesChristina’s Scottish Oatcakes
Older Post
The Richest and Creamiest New York-Style Cheesecake I’ve Ever Made
Newer Post
Italian Street Food (What to Eat in Italy)
0 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Yummly
  • Flipboard

Country, My Rants & Recommendations, SCOTLAND, Uncategorized · Castles, Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle, Gifts, History, Scotland, Scottish, Sightseeing, Travel, Travelling, UK

Reader Interactions

39 Responses

  1. Amanda says:
    November 10, 2014 at 1:10 pm

    Great photos! We were in Edinburgh just for one short day earlier this year so we only saw the outside of the castle, definitely going to have to find our way back and complete our visit!

    Reply
  2. @Travelpanties says:
    November 9, 2014 at 6:12 pm

    What a delicious experience it looks like you had! I’ve never been but here’s one more reason to go!

    Reply
    • Christina says:
      November 9, 2014 at 9:05 pm

      I did, Katie! And yes, put Scotland on your list as it definitely will not disappoint! :)

      Reply
  3. Carrie @Frugal Foodie Mama says:
    November 9, 2014 at 3:01 pm

    Wow! What an amazing experience and such an unbelievable place to visit! I love visiting historical sites that are so old and so steeped in history. You can just feel how much those walls have seen and heard as you walk around. Edinburgh Castle looks beautiful. :)

    Reply
    • Christina says:
      November 9, 2014 at 9:04 pm

      Thank you, Carrie…it is an awe-inspiring place. CC

      Reply
  4. leslie says:
    November 9, 2014 at 2:08 pm

    I have always dreamed of going to Scotland! So dreamy. I am sure a visit to the Edinburgh Castle is a must. Hopefully I will get to go one day!

    Reply
    • Christina says:
      November 9, 2014 at 9:03 pm

      I hope you do go, Leslie…it’s definitely one of the most beautiful countries in the world and so steeped in history.

      Reply
  5. Jennifer says:
    November 8, 2014 at 8:18 am

    We haven’t made it to Scotland yet. So great that the weather cleared up for you because the views from the castle look absolutely stunning! It’s also good to know that an afternoon tea is served. I’d love to have afternoon tea in a castle. Now, that’s some ambiance!

    Reply
    • Christina says:
      November 8, 2014 at 2:39 pm

      Yes, it wouldn’t have been the same on a rainy day as far as seeing the views, Jennifer. We were considering afternoon tea, but were going to see my cousin’s week old baby right after our castle tour. Next time, though! I hope you do go, as I know you’d love it!

      Reply
  6. Jenny Flake says:
    November 7, 2014 at 9:30 am

    Wow! What a dream trip! Loved all of your photos!

    Reply
    • Christina says:
      November 7, 2014 at 10:05 am

      Thanks, Jenny!

      Reply
  7. LyndaS says:
    November 7, 2014 at 8:08 am

    I hope to go to Scotland someday. I believe my family heritage may come from there (we are McDonalds). Since I love castles, I would definitely have to explore Edinburgh Castle. Thanks for the inspiration to work harder to get there.

    Reply
    • Christina says:
      November 7, 2014 at 10:04 am

      I always say, “where there’s a will, there’s a way!” You can get there if you really want to, Lynda! Good luck! CC

      Reply
  8. JulieD says:
    November 7, 2014 at 7:50 am

    Wow, it’s beautiful! I have always wanted to visit Scotland and sounds & looks like the Edinburgh Castle is a must visit. I can only imagine how it feels because of the immense history!

    Reply
    • Christina says:
      November 7, 2014 at 10:03 am

      You should most definitely try to go, Julie! Thanks for stopping by! CC

      Reply
« Older Comments
Newer Comments »

Join the Discussion Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Meet Christina

A Scottish Italian cook living in Los Angeles, Christina is usually cooking, baking or (cr)eating something scrumptious. When she isn't in the kitchen, she loves to travel, near and far, as long as good food is involved. Christina is on a mission to save authentic Italian dishes from extinction, and is constantly promoting Scottish (and British) food as some of the best cuisine the world has to offer—one steak pie and sticky toffee pudding at a time.



Newsletter

Most Popular Recipes

cucumber and cream cheese sandwich rolls

Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwich Rolls (with Lavash Bread)

Sicilian Whole Orange cake on a plate with oranges

Sicilian Whole Orange Cake (Using an Entire Orange: Peel, Juice and Pulp)

Perfect Yeast Doughnuts

Perfect Yeast Doughnuts (Donut Recipe with 3 Fillings)

Footer

More please…

cream cheese stuffed mushrooms

Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms (With Bacon or Without Bacon)

chicken Braemar on a plate

Chicken Braemar Recipe (Chicken Breast Stuffed with Black Pudding)

truffle fondue with bread

Truffle Fondue (Fonduta al Tartufo) with Fontina Cheese

Haggis, neeps and tatties on a plate social

Haggis, Neeps and Tatties (Easy Scottish Comfort Food)

beet and goat cheese salad with microgreens

Beet and Goat Cheese Salad (Without Lettuce)

pouring whisky sauce on chicken

Balmoral Chicken (Recipe with Haggis) Scottish Meal

Return to top of page
Copyright© 20112019 · Privacy Policy · Log in

0 shares