Edinburgh Castle Tours and Activities

Things to do near Edinburgh Castle

When visiting Edinburgh Castle, be sure to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with live concerts and engaging re-enactments that bring history to life. Additionally, explore the surrounding area, which offers an array of activities, including theatre performances, exciting festivals, and unique shopping experiences. These attractions make for a well-rounded visit to this iconic landmark.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spots to Edinburgh Castle include The Hub and Tartan Weaving Mill, both only 322m away, offering unique gifts. Princes Mall, 805m away, features a variety of family and entertainment options. If you're up for a drive, explore more extensive shopping experiences beyond the city centre.

Recreation

At Murrayfield Stadium, immerse yourself in a vibrant sports atmosphere just 3.2km from Edinburgh Castle. The Royal Commonwealth Pool, located 1.6km away, is perfect for family-friendly aquatic fun. For a serene escape, visit Blackford Hill, 3.2km away, where you can relax and rejuvenate amidst nature.

Adventure

For an adventurous experience near Edinburgh Castle, head to Bedlam Paintball, located 1.1km away, where you can enjoy thrilling paintball matches. For skiing enthusiasts, the Midlothian Ski Centre, only 644m away, offers exciting slopes. If climbing is your passion, explore the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena Ratho, 12.9km away, for outdoor challenges.

Nightlife

In Edinburgh, the vibrant nightlife near the Castle offers unique experiences. Camera Obscura and World of Illusions provides family-friendly adventure, while Greyfriar's Bobby serves up romance in a lively pub atmosphere. For a cultural touch, catch a show at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, all within walking distance.

Find the best attractions near Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle offers a rich tapestry of experiences for visitors, with its historic allure and cultural significance. Explore nearby attractions like the Royal Mile, filled with vibrant streets, museums, and charming cafes. Families can enjoy educational opportunities at the castle, while history buffs delve into its storied past. Don't miss the opportunity to soak in the stunning views and immerse yourself in the local culture while visiting this iconic landmark.

• Princes Street: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Princes Street, a bustling hub filled with shops, cafes, and stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. This iconic street is perfect for shopping and people-watching, all while soaking in the city's lively energy.
• University of Edinburgh: Explore the rich history and culture at the University of Edinburgh, one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world. Wander through its beautiful campus and admire the stunning architecture, which reflects Scotland's educational heritage.
• Grassmarket: Discover the family-friendly charm of Grassmarket, a historic marketplace surrounded by quaint shops and eateries. This outdoor area is perfect for leisurely strolls, offering a glimpse into Edinburgh's past while enjoying a lively atmosphere.

Best time to go to Edinburgh Castle

Visitor numbers around Edinburgh Castle is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Edinburgh Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Edinburgh Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Edinburgh Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	38.5°F (3.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	39.4°F (4.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	41.5°F (5.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	45.1°F (7.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
May	50.0°F (10.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
June	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
July	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	54.3°F (12.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
October	49.5°F (9.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
November	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
December	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Edinburgh Castle

When visiting Edinburgh Castle, consider exploring nearby free attractions like the Royal Mile, Princes Street, and Grassmarket. To save on accommodation, plan your trip between January and March for lower prices, and book about a month in advance. Look for deals on Expedia, especially last-minute offers, and aim for a Tuesday stay for the best rates. Use Expedia’s search tool to find eco-friendly hotels and combine your stay with flights for additional savings. Don’t forget to check for free cancellation options and discounts from local sources.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Edinburgh Castle are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Edinburgh Castle is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Edinburgh Castle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Edinburgh Castle is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to input your budget and preferred destination, among other criteria. You can easily sort your results to display the lowest prices first, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will highlight sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near Edinburgh Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.