Edinburgh Castle Tours and Activities

Things to do near Edinburgh Castle

While visiting Edinburgh Castle, immerse yourself in the rich cultural scene surrounding it, featuring art galleries, vibrant theatre performances, and exciting festivals. Don't miss the chance to explore various offers that highlight the castle's historical significance and stunning views. This iconic landmark serves as a gateway to experiencing Scotland's captivating heritage and lively atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for any tourist.

Shopping

At Edinburgh Castle, enjoy shopping at The Hub and Tartan Weaving Mill, both just 322m away, offering unique gifts and souvenirs. Princes Mall, located 644m from the castle, features a lively atmosphere with various shops. If you're up for a drive, explore more options in the city centre.

Recreation

At Murrayfield Stadium, immerse yourself in vibrant sports energy, perfect for adrenaline enthusiasts. The Royal Commonwealth Pool offers a family-friendly aquatic experience, ideal for relaxation and fun. For outdoor enthusiasts, The Braid Hills golf course provides a serene environment to enjoy nature while playing a round of golf.

Adventure

Experience winter thrills at Midlothian Ski Centre, located 644m from Edinburgh Castle, perfect for skiing enthusiasts. For adrenaline seekers, Skirmish Edinburgh Paintball, 3.2km away, offers an exciting paintball adventure, while Bedlam Paintball, 1.1km away, provides a lively and adventurous atmosphere.

Nightlife

In Edinburgh, Camera Obscura and World of Illusions offers a fun-filled adventure atmosphere just 322m from the castle. Greyfriar's Bobby, a cozy pub 644m away, provides a romantic setting for drinks. The Royal Lyceum Theatre, also 322m away, showcases cultural performances for the whole family.

Find the best attractions near Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle offers a rich blend of history and culture, making it a must-visit for tourists. Explore nearby attractions like the historic college and galleries, perfect for families and culture enthusiasts alike. Don’t miss the chance to discover other fine castles in Edinburgh, and enjoy the vibrant city centre with its numerous hotel options. This captivating destination is sure to provide unforgettable experiences during your visit.

• Princes Street: A vibrant shopping and dining hub, Princes Street offers stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and the beautiful Princes Street Gardens. It's a perfect place to experience the city's energetic atmosphere while enjoying boutique shops and cafés.
• University of Edinburgh: As one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world, the University of Edinburgh boasts magnificent architecture and rich history. Wander through its historic grounds and soak in the cultural vibe that has shaped many great thinkers.
• Grassmarket: This lively area is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and outdoor markets. With its charming cobblestone streets, Grassmarket is ideal for enjoying a meal al fresco, exploring local shops, or soaking up the vibrant community spirit.

Best time to go to Edinburgh Castle

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	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

To save money on your visit to Edinburgh Castle, consider travelling during the cheaper months of January to March, and avoid the peak summer season. Book your accommodation about a month in advance for the best rates, particularly on Tuesdays, which are the least expensive days. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and package offers that combine hotels, flights, and activities for added savings. Don't forget to explore free activities around the castle and take advantage of public transport options to further minimize costs.

• 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, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
• 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: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the best prices and deals, be sure to sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• 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.