Edinburgh Castle
Historic Environment Scotland · Edinburgh
Perched dramatically on volcanic rock, Edinburgh Castle captivates children with crown jewels, cannons, and tales of sieges. The One O'Clock Gun never fails to impress.
Why families love it
- The One O'Clock Gun fires daily at precisely 1pm, and even when you're expecting it, the boom still makes everyone jump with excitement.
- The Crown Jewels of Scotland glitter behind thick glass, and children love spotting the ancient crown that's actually older than the English one.
- Mons Meg, the gigantic medieval cannon, sits ready for inspection with cannonballs children can actually stand next to for brilliant photo opportunities.
Best for
Families with children who love castles, history, and dramatic settings, especially those happy to tackle steep cobbled paths and lots of stairs.
Good to know
Arrive before 11am to avoid the worst crowds, especially in summer when tour groups descend en masse. The audio guide is genuinely excellent for older children and adds so much context without being dry. Wear proper shoes because the cobbles are unforgiving, and the whole site involves significant uphill walking and stone staircases. The café is expensive and underwhelming, so we'd recommend eating before or after your visit in town.
Practical info
- Age guidance
- Best suited for children aged five and up who can manage steep slopes and stairs, with under-fives entering free but likely finding it tiring.
- Typical cost
- Adult tickets cost around £19.50, children aged five to fifteen pay roughly £11.70, and a family ticket for two adults and three children runs about £50.
- How long to allow
- Plan for three to four hours if you want to explore properly without rushing, though you could dash through the highlights in two hours at a push.
- Last checked
- May 2026