“All these ramparts and fortifications were built in the Middle Ages to keep the English out. But now we have a better way — eight pounds fifty.”

Thus spake our Scottish tour guide at Edinburgh Castle in 2003.

Since then the defenses have been further strengthened, so to speak, since the cost of admission is now £18.50 for adults, £11.50 for children or £15.00 if you get a concession, for instance if you are a student or over sixty. (Prices as of 2018, though it’s somewhat cheaper if you book online.)

The castle and city from the Scottish Museum

Opinions differ as to whether the castle tour is worth the price — especially since the major museums in Edinburgh are all free! Personally, I do not regret having paid to tour the castle (actually I only paid £6.50 since I went before the price rise, and got a concession due to my advanced age), but I don’t think I would particularly want to do it again.

Tourists at Edinburgh Castle

The bleachers visible in some of my photos were being set up for the “Edinburgh Military Tattoo”, which is an open-air show with brass bands and fireworks held here every year in August.

Edinburgh Castle at night

My photos in this post are from 2005. I revised the text in 2018.

See more posts on Edinburgh, Scotland.