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Edinburgh Castle can trace its roots right back to before the Scottish nation (as we know it) existed. There has been some form of fortified building on Castle Rock since before records began but some evidence exists that the Romans were aware of a settlement there around the first or second Century.
Any evidence that a fort existed prior to this is mostly based in legend and is somewhat speculative. However, with such a prominent position, it is highly likely that the site has been inhabited since man first appeared in Scotland. The most credible evidence points to inhabitation during the late Bronze Age and, possibly, the early Iron Age.
The Irish annals are a rich source of information about the history of Ireland but also includes important aspects of the history of Scotland. A "Din Eidyn" and the "stronghold of Eidyn" are mentioned in some of the many poems. The first true mention of a castle in Edinburgh appears around the time of King Malcolm III.
The oldest building in Edinburgh Castle is St. Margaret's Chapel (a Category A listed building, shown i n the photograph to the left). It was built by David in the 12th Century, although legends state that St. Margaret herself worshipped there.
During the time of King Robert the Bruce all of the buildings in Edinburgh Castle were destroyed and only the Chapel was left standing. At the time of the Protestant Reformation the Saints held no importance and the Chapel fell into disrepair and from the 16th Century it was used to store gunpowder.
There are many buildings within the Castle and we hope to eventually return to this subject to add more details. If you are interested in castles you may also be interested in visiting the excellent Stirling Castle.

Contact Details
Edinburgh Castle,
Castle Hill,
Edinburgh
EH1 2NG
Tel: 0131 225 9846
Web: http://www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk/
Getting To Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh is hilly so if you are disabled you will appreciate the disabled parking at the Castle (call 0131 310 5114 to book). Arriving by train you will arrive at Waverley Station on Princes Street, the main railways station in Edinburgh. From Princes Street it is possible to pick up a taxi/cab or take the short, but tiresome, walk up to the Castle esplanade by walking up Waverley Bridge, The Mound, Mound Place and then up Ramsay Lane.
| Nearest Railway Stations | Nearest Car Parks | Nearest Airports |
| Waverley Station | Castle Terrace NCP | Edinburgh Airport |
| Johnston Terrace NCP | Tel: +44 (0) 870 040 0007 | |
| Disable at Castle Tel: 0131 310 5114 |
Opening Times
Opens: 9.30am
Closes: 5.15pm April to September and 4.15pm during the other months
Hotels Near Edinburgh Castle
(Hotels closest to castle first - all hotels within half a mile)
| Hotel Photo | Name | Miles | Location | Star | Book Online / Read More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Witchery by The Castle 352 Castlehill , Edinburgh, EH1 2NF |
0.1 | Edinburgh | 5*G | |
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Apex International Hotel Rooms from: £125.00* |
0.2 | Edinburgh | 4* | |
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Apex City Hotel Rooms from: £90.00* |
0.2 | Edinburgh | 4* | |
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The Grassmarket Hotel Rooms from: £54.50* |
0.2 | Edinburgh | 2* | |
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Hotel Missoni Rooms from: £135.00* |
0.3 | Edinburgh | 5* | |
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Novotel Edinburgh Centre Rooms from: £119.00* |
0.3 | Edinburgh | 4* | |
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Castle View Guest House Rooms from: £40.00* |
0.3 | Edinburgh | 3*G | |
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Mercure Edinburgh Point Hotel Rooms from: £85.00* |
0.3 | Edinburgh | 3* | |
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Caledonian Hilton Edinburgh Hotel Rooms from: £124.00* |
0.3 | Edinburgh | 5* | |
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Best Western Edinburgh City Hotel Rooms from: £71.20* |
0.3 | Edinburgh | 3* | |
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Frederick House Hotel Rooms from: £55.00* |
0.3 | Edinburgh | 4*G | |
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The Roxburghe Hotel Rooms from: £80.75* |
0.3 | Edinburgh | 4* | |
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Ramada Edinburgh Mount Royal Rooms from: £85.00* |
0.3 | Edinburgh | 3* | |
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Tigerlily Rooms from: £120.00* |
0.3 | Edinburgh | 4* | |
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The Rutland Hotel Rooms from: £125.00* |
0.3 | Edinburgh | 4* | |
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53 Frederick Street Edinburgh Rooms from: £80.00* |
0.4 | Edinburgh | 3*G | |
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Tailors Hall Hotel Rooms from: £57.85* |
0.4 | Edinburgh | 2*G | |
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Old Waverley Hotel Rooms from: £75.00* |
0.4 | Edinburgh | 3* | |
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Ricks Rooms from: £85.00* |
0.4 | Edinburgh | 4*G | |
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The Hudson Hotel Rooms from: £109.00* |
0.4 | Edinburgh | 4* | |
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Le Monde Boutique Hotel Rooms from: £295.00* |
0.4 | Edinburgh | 4* | |
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The George Hotel Rooms from: £92.65* |
0.4 | Edinburgh | 4* | |
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Hotel Du Vin Edinburgh Rooms from: £135.00* |
0.4 | Edinburgh | 4* | |
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The Scotsman Rooms from: £140.00* |
0.4 | Edinburgh | 5* |
Find More Hotels Near Edinburgh Castle >
Check Availability of Edinburgh Castle Hotels

Useful Edinburgh Castle Links
Edinburgh Castle
The official web site for Edinburgh Castle.
Edinburgh Bed & Breakfast
Listings of guest houses and hotels in Edinburgh.
Hotels in Edinburgh
Listings of Edinburgh hotel accommodation.
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