Scotland

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is a world famous icon of Scotland and part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site.

It was recently voted top UK Heritage Attraction in the British Travel Awards and is Scotland’s number one paid-for tourist attraction.

This most famous of Scottish castles has a complex building history. The oldest part, St Margaret's Chapel, dates from the 12th century; the Great Hall was erected by James IV around 1510; the Half Moon Battery by the Regent Morton in the late 16th century; and the Scottish National War Memorial after the First World War

The castle houses the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, the famous 15th century gun Mons Meg, the One O' Clock Gun and the National War Museum of Scotland.

In addition to guided tours provided by the castle stewards, there is an audio guide tour available in eight languages. The audio tour takes the visitor on a tour around the castle, explains its architecture, and tells its dramatic history. This guide is available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Mandarin.

The Crown Jewel shop in the Royal Apartments offers exclusive lines of specially designed jewellery.

A courtesy vehicle (provided by the Bank of Scotland) can take visitors with a disability to the top of the castle. Ramps and a lift give access to the Crown Jewels, Stone of Destiny and associated exhibition; and ramps provide access to the war memorial. For those with impaired vision, there is a free Braille guide and hands-on models of the Crown Jewels with Braille texts.

Very occasionally the property has to close at short notice due to adverse weather conditions or other reasons out with our control.

Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland's most historically important sites and was once a favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens who held grand celebrations at the castle.

Knights, nobles and foreign ambassadors once flocked to Stirling Castle to revel in its grandeur with its superb sculptures and beautiful gardens. It was a favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens who held grand celebrations from christenings to coronations.

Today you can meet the costumed characters in the roles of bodyguards, court officials, maids of honour and servants who will welcome you into 16th century life. Families can have fun in the palace vaults where children can try out activities such as dressing in period costume and playing medieval instruments. Don't miss a guided tour with knowledgeable staff who will bring the castle's infamous characters and history to life in great detail.

Other highlights include the Great Hall, Chapel Royal, Castle Exhibition, Regimental Museum, Great Kitchens, Tapestry Studio and the nearby Argyll’s Lodging, a 17th century town house.
 
There is a restaurant, the Unicorn Café, which offers a range of hot and cold drinks and food. Marvel at the spectacular views from the roof top terrace while you enjoy a freshly-prepared Scottish meal.
 
There are three gift shops which stock a wide selection of gifts and souvenirs.
 
With beautiful gardens to unwind in, costumed performers who bring history to life and welcoming staff, the award-winning Stirling Castle is a must-see for all the family.

Very occasionally the property has to close at short notice due to adverse weather conditions or other reasons out with our control.

Open:

1 April - 30 September Daily 9.30am - 6.00pm (last entry 5.15pm)
1 October - 31 March Daily 9.30am-5.00pm (last entry 4.15pm)
Last ticket sold 45 mins before closing. Last entry to Military Museum 45 mins before closing.
For Christmas and New Year opening times visit our website.

Stirling Bus Station, which is close by is also served by this taxi rank. However Mitchells Coaches operate a year-round hourly service to the castle. The service leaves from stand 14 at 39mins past the hour and takes around 10 mins to reach the castle     If you wish to walk to the castle allow 15-20 mins and follow local signage. It is all uphill however so may not be suitable for everyone

Blaire Castle

Discover 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 nestled in the dramatic landscape of Highland Perthshire and has been home to 19 generations of Stewarts and Murrays of Atholl. Unique amongst Scottish castles, the story told here will take you from a visit by Mary Queen of Scots to the Civil War and from the Jacobite cause to the disaster of Culloden following Bonnie Prince Charlie's own stay in the castle. You'll hear how the lucky inheritance of a smuggler-infested island helped turn the castle into a comfortable home and how a visit from Queen Victoria 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 furnishings, family portraits, landscape paintings and a colourful military past. Highlights include the Victorian Ballroom which is decorated with 175 pairs of antlers, the Entrance Hall which features weapons used at the Battle of Culloden, the classic Georgian styling of the Picture Staircase and the granduer of the Drawing Room and State Dining Room.

To commemorate the centenary of WWI and Scotland's Year of Honecoming, an exciting new exhibition demonstrating the involvement of the Duke of Atholl and his family in the war has been added to the castle tour.
Discover how the Duke's 3 sons were sent off to battle, how his daughters helped with the war effort and how the ballroom was transformed into a Red Cross Hospital. The exhibition includes letters, photos and documents belonging to the Duke's sons; a section on the ballroom as a hospital; and information about the fundraising effort for the National War Memorial.

The Gardens
The castle grounds feature a magnificent 9 acre walled garden, recently restored to its original Georgian design, of fruit trees and vegetables, complete with Chinese bridge, gothic folly and a trail of contemporary and 18th Century sculptures. A peaceful wooded grove with some of Britain’s tallest and finest trees sits alongside the ruins of St Brides Kirk, the final resting place of Jacobite leader Bonnie Dundee. Around the grounds, visitors can spot local wildlife and enjoy picturesque views across Highland Perthshire while younger visitors can explore the adventure playground and Red Deer Park.

Holyroodhouse

Visit The Palace of Holyroodhouse, Her Majesty The Queen's official residence in Scotland. Standing at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, this fine palace is the home of Scottish royal history.

At the Palace of Holyroodhouse, visitors can explore 14 magnificent historic and State Apartments, the romantic ruins of the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey and remarkable royal gardens, all with a complimentary audio tour. Best known as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, the Palace was the setting for many dramatic episodes in her short reign. Today, the State Apartments are used regularly by The Queen for State ceremonies and official entertaining.

The Queen's Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse hosts a programme of changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection.

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

It includes the work of painters who were born in Scotland and travelled abroad, such as Allan Ramsay and Sir David Wilkie, and of those whose inspiration remained firmly rooted in their native land, 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 times: November - March 09:30-16:30 (last admission 15:15) | April - October 09:30-18:00   (last admission 16:30)
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is closed on 23 September (from 11am) and 25-26 December 2015.

Royal Yaht

The  Royal Yacht Britannia played host to some of the world’s most famous people, but above all was home for the British Royal Family for over 40 years. Now berthed in Leith, Edinburgh, you can discover the heart and soul of this most special of Royal residences.

You'll receive a truly warm welcome at Britannia's Visitor Centre in Ocean Terminal before you step aboard this famous ship. Learn about the history of Royal Yachts and view displays and historical photographs of Britannia's fascinating past.

'The world's most translated tour'. Our audio handset tour, available in 27 languages (including a special children's version and British Sign Language tablet) is included in admission and covers Britannia's five main decks. You start at the bridge, discover the Royal Apartments, explore the Crew's Quarters and finish at the Engine Room. From here, you can also view Royal Racing Yacht Bloodhound and the Royal Sailing Exhibition. The route is fully accessible with lifts and ramps throughout.

You can also enjoy stunning waterfront views in the Royal Deck Tea Room, as our friendly waiters serve speciality teas and coffees, delicious home-made scones, soups and sandwiches, all made on board. Complete the Britannia experience with a visit to our Gift Shop in Ocean Terminal, where you’ll find exclusive Britannia souvenirs, china, toys, gift food and nautical items.

Tour Highlights:

• Magnificent Royal Apartments and Royal Bedrooms
• The Sun Lounge - The Queen's favourite room
• Sample home-made fudge in the NAAFI sweet shop
• Treat yourself in the stunning Royal Deck Tea Room