Scotland

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is a world-famous symbol of Scotland and part of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site.

It was recently named the UK’s best heritage attraction at the British Travel Awards and is Scotland’s most popular paid tourist destination.

This famous Scottish castle has a complicated history. The oldest part, St Margaret’s Chapel, dates from the 12th century; the Great Hall was built by James IV in about 1510; the Crescent Chapel by Regent Morton in the late 16th century; and the Scottish National War Memorial after the First World War.

The castle houses Scotland’s jewels (coronation jewels), the Stone of Destiny, the famous 15th century Mons Meg cannon, the One O’Clock Cannon and the Scottish National War Museum.

In addition to guided tours by castle staff, an audio guide is available in eight languages. The audio tour takes visitors around the castle, showing its architecture and telling its dramatic history. This guide is available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Mandarin.

The Crown Jewellery shop in the Royal Suites offers exclusive, specially designed jewellery.

A courtesy vehicle (provided by the Bank of Scotland) takes disabled visitors to the top of the castle. Ramps and a lift provide access to the Coronation Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and the associated exhibition; and ramps provide access to the War Memorial. A free Braille guide for the visually impaired and tactile models of the Coronation Jewels with Braille text are available.

The property may close at short notice due to bad weather or other reasons beyond our control.

Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most important historic sites and was once the favourite residence of the Stewart kings and queens, who held great celebrations at the castle.

Knights, noblemen and foreign ambassadors once flocked to Stirling Castle to enjoy its splendour, fine statues and beautiful gardens. It was a favourite residence of Stewart kings and queens, who held ceremonies from christenings to coronations.

Today, meet the costumed characters who welcome you into 16th century life as bodyguards, court officials, courtiers and servants. Families can have fun in the palace cellars, where children can try on period costumes and medieval instruments. Don’t miss a guided tour with knowledgeable staff who will bring the castle’s infamous characters and history to life in detail.

Other attractions include the Great Hall, the Royal Chapel, the Castle Exhibition, the Regimental Museum, the Great Kitchens, the Tapestry Studio and nearby Argyll’s Lodging, a 17th century town house.

Van egy étterem, az Unicorn Café, amely forró és hideg italokat és ételeket kínál. Csodálja meg a tetőteraszról nyíló lenyűgöző kilátást, miközben egy frissen készített skót ételt élvez.

There is a restaurant, the Unicorn Café, which serves hot and cold drinks and snacks. Admire the stunning views from the roof terrace while enjoying a freshly prepared Scottish meal.

There are also three gift shops offering a wide range of souvenirs.

With beautiful gardens to relax in, costumed performers to bring history to life and friendly staff, the award-winning Stirling Castle is a must-see for every family.

Very rarely the property may be closed at short notice due to adverse weather conditions or other reasons beyond our control.

Staying open:

1 April – 30 September daily 9.30 – 18.00 (last entry 17.15) 1 October – 31 March daily 9.30 – 17.00 (last entry 16.15) The last ticket will be sold 45 minutes before closing time. Last entry to the Military Museum 45 minutes before closing. For Christmas and New Year opening hours, please visit our website.

The nearby Stirling bus station is also served by this taxi rank. However, Mitchells Coaches operates an hourly service to the castle throughout the year. The service departs from Station 14 every 39 minutes on the hour and takes approximately 10 minutes to reach the castle. If you want to walk to the castle, allow 15-20 minutes and follow local signs. However, the road is uphill, so it may not be suitable for everyone.

Blair Castle

Explore Blair Castle, the ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl and home to Europe’s last remaining private army, the Atholl Highlanders.

Blair Castle is set in the dramatic Highland Perthshire countryside and has been home to 19 generations of the Stewarts and Murrays of Atholl. Unique among Scottish castles, the story told here will take you from the visit of Mary Queen of Scots to the Civil War, from the Jacobite affair to the Culloden disaster, followed by Bonnie Prince Charlie’s stay at Castle Charlie. You’ll learn how the fortunate inheritance of an island full of smugglers helped transform the castle into a comfortable home, and how Queen Victoria’s visit led to the creation of Europe’s only surviving private army, the Atholl Highlanders.

More than 30 rooms are on display, full of Scottish cultural history, architectural design, period furniture, family portraits, landscapes and a colourful military history. Highlights include the Victorian Ballroom, adorned with 175 pairs of antlers, the Entrance Hall, which displays the weapons used at the Battle of Culloden, the classic Georgian-style Picture Hall and the splendour of the Drawing Room and State Dining Room.

To commemorate the centenary of the First World War and the year of Scotland’s homecoming, an exciting new exhibition has been added to the castle tour, which highlights the war involvement of the Duke of Atholl and his family. Discover how the prince’s three sons were sent to fight, how his daughters helped the war effort and how the ballroom was transformed into a Red Cross hospital. The exhibition includes letters, photographs and documents from the Prince’s sons; a section on the use of the ballroom as a hospital; and information on the fundraising efforts of the National War Memorial.

The gardens Within the grounds of the castle is a stunning 9-hectare walled garden, recently restored to its original Georgian design, with fruit trees and vegetables, a Chinese bridge, Gothic follies and a pathway of contemporary and 18th century sculptures. A peaceful wooded grove of some of Britain’s tallest and most beautiful trees sits beside the ruins of St Brides Kirk, the final resting place of Jacobite leader Bonnie Dundee. In the area, visitors can observe local wildlife and enjoy beautiful views of Highland Perthshire, while younger visitors can explore the adventure playground and Red Deer Park.

Holyroodhouse

Visit Holyroodhouse Palace, which was the official residence of Her Majesty the Queen in Scotland. At the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, this beautiful palace is the home of Scottish royal history.

At Holyroodhouse Palace, visitors can explore 14 stunning historic and state apartments, the romantic ruins of 12th century Holyrood Abbey and the remarkable royal gardens, all with a free audio tour. Best known as the home of Mary Queen of Scots, the palace was the scene of many dramatic events during her short reign.

The state apartments were regularly used by the Queen for state ceremonies and official entertaining.

The Queen’s Gallery at Holyroodhouse Palace is home to the Royal Collection’s changing exhibitions.

This is the first exhibition dedicated to Scottish art in the Royal Collection, bringing together paintings, drawings and miniatures collected by monarchs from George III to Queen Victoria.

It includes works by painters who were born in Scotland and travelled abroad, such as Allan Ramsay and Sir David Wilkie, as well as those who found inspiration in their homeland, such as Alexander Nasmyth and James Giles.

In particular, the exhibition highlights the importance and influence of artists whose work was shaped by the ideas of the Scottish Enlightenment.

Palace opening hours: November – March 09:30-16:30 (last entry 15:15) | April – October 09:30-18:00 (last entry 16:30) Holyroodhouse Palace will be closed on 23 September (from 11am) and 25-26 December 2015.

Royal Yaht

The Royal Yacht United Kingdom has hosted some of the world’s most famous people, but above all it has been home to the British Royal Family for over 40 years. Now it is anchored in Leith, Edinburgh, where you can discover the heart and soul of this special royal residence.

A really warm welcome to the United Kingdom Visitor Centre in the Ocean Terminal before boarding this famous ship. Learn about the history of royal yachts and see the United Kingdom exhibitions and historic photographs of its fascinating past.

‘The most translated tour in the world’. The audio hand-held tour, available in 27 languages (including a special children’s version and a British Sign Language tablet), is included in the price of admission and is available from United Kingdom covers the decks of five people. He starts at the bridge, explores the royal suites, tours the crew quarters and finishes at the power station. From here you can visit the Royal Racing Yacht Bloodhound and the Royal Sailing Exhibition. The route is fully accessible with lifts and ramps.

Enjoy stunning waterfront views from the Royal Deck Tea Room-where friendly waiters serve special teas and coffees, delicious homemade scones, soups and sandwiches, all prepared on board. Complete the United Kingdom experience with a visit to the Gift shop-in the Ocean Terminal, where you can enjoy exclusive United Kingdom you’ll find souvenirs, china, toys, souvenir food and nautical items.

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