Top 7 Castles around Old Town

Old Town is rich in historical sites, man-made monuments, and castles, reflecting various eras and architectural styles. You can explore everything from ancient ruins to grand palaces. For instance, Holyrood Palace is the official British royal residence in Scotland, while Cammo House Ruins and Tower offer a glimpse into a former estate with a fascinating, albeit tragic, history.

Among the most popular sites is Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano offering commanding views across the region. Visitors also highly appreciate Holyrood Palace, the historic royal residence, and Dalkeith Palace and Gazebo, known for its extensive parkland. These sites have collectively received over 1,200 upvotes and more than 800 photos from explorers.

Yes, you can visit the Cammo House Ruins and Tower. This former estate, built in 1693, was later bequeathed to the National Trust for Scotland before being damaged by vandals. Today, it's maintained as a Wilderness Park by the City of Edinburgh Council and is thought to have inspired the 'House of Shaws' in Robert Louis Stevenson's novel Kidnapped.

Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano, provides stunning panoramic views across the Edinburgh region and the Firth of Forth. Dalkeith Palace is set within over 1,000 acres of beautiful parkland, perfect for exploring. Additionally, the Bronze Horse Statue at Dalmeny House offers a viewpoint within a scenic setting just west of Edinburgh.

Several sites are great for families. Holyrood Palace is a family-friendly historical site where you can explore the royal residence. Dalkeith Palace and Gazebo offers over 1,000 acres of parkland with outdoor activities and opportunities to meet animals, making it fun for all ages. Even Arthur's Seat has routes suitable for 'little legs' and future Munro baggers.

The area around Old Town offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including options for touring bicycles and gravel biking. There are also dedicated MTB trails. For example, you can explore routes like the 'Glencorse Reservoir loop' for cycling or the 'Auld Reekie ride out' for gravel biking. Many of these routes pass through scenic areas and near historical sites. You can find more details on these activities in the Cycling around Old Town, Gravel biking around Old Town, and MTB Trails around Old Town guides.

Yes, several cycling routes allow you to explore the area's castles and historical sites. For instance, the 'Edinburgh to Hartington via Dalkeith Park' route takes you past Dalkeith Palace and Gazebo. You can find more cycling options, including touring and gravel biking routes, in the Cycling around Old Town and Gravel biking around Old Town guides.

The duration of your visit depends on which sites you choose to explore. For a site like Holyrood Palace, you might spend 1-2 hours. Exploring the parklands of Dalkeith Palace could take half a day or more, especially if you enjoy outdoor activities. A hike up Arthur's Seat typically takes 1-2 hours for the ascent and descent, depending on your pace and chosen route.

Yes, for example, Dalkeith Country Park, home to Dalkeith Palace, features a great cafe and shops at its Restoration Yard, with The Kitchen opening daily from 9:30 and The Store from 10:00. For other locations, amenities may vary, but Old Town itself is well-equipped with cafes and pubs.

When planning to hike up Arthur's Seat, it's recommended to wear stable shoes as the path can be uneven. Bring plenty of water and something warm to wear, as it can be windy and cold at the summit. A hat and scarf are also advisable. For general castle visits, comfortable walking shoes are always a good idea, as you'll likely be exploring historical grounds.

The castles and historical sites around Old Town can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring the extensive parklands of places like Dalkeith Palace and hiking up Arthur's Seat. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter can offer a dramatic, atmospheric experience, though paths might be colder and windier, especially at higher elevations. Check specific opening times for indoor attractions, as these can vary seasonally.

Edinburgh Castle is a prominent landmark in the region, dominating the skyline from its volcanic rock perch. It offers a deep dive into Scottish history, housing the Scottish Crown Jewels and St. Margaret's Chapel. For detailed visitor information, including opening hours and ticket booking, you can visit the official Historic Environment Scotland website: historicenvironment.scot.