The rock was formed 70 million years ago.

Edinburgh Castle is an ancient fortress which, from its position atop

Castle Rock, dominates the sky-line of the city of Edinburgh, and is Scotland’s second most visited tourist attraction

Opening Times:

Open all year 7 days a week.
1 April to 31 October 9.30am – 6.00pm Last admission 5.15pm
1 November to 31 March 9.30am-5.00pm
Last admission 4.15pm Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day.
Admission Cost:

Adults £11.00 Children £5.50 Concession £9.00
Address:

Castle Hill
Edinburgh
EH1 2NG. Scotland.
Telephone:

+44 (0)131 225 9846

It occupies the summit of an ancient plug of volcanic rock towering 260ft or 80m above the city it dominates, and is visible for tens of miles in every direction.

Edinburgh Castle started to develop into a royal fortress during the reign of David I from 1124 to 1153. Edward I of England took the castle after a three day siege in 1296. The Scots retook it in 1314 by scaling the rock at night, but the English were back in possession by 1335, only to lose it once more to the Scots by stealth in April 1341.
Edinburgh Castle
In 1715 the Jacobites very nearly captured Edinburgh Castle by scaling the rock, as Robert the Bruce’s men had done 401 years earlier

Edinburgh Castle remains a military base today. Direct administration of the castle by the Ministry of Defence only came to an end in 1915 when the army moved to the city’s Redford Barracks. Nevertheless, the Castle continues to have a strong connection with the Army. Sentries still stand watch at the castle gatehouse between 6pm and 9am,

York in the north of England is a lovely place to visit. It is a historical city and is also known as the walled city of England. The city is about 200 years old and the history lovers will find lots of places of interest in this lovely city.

York is surrounded by medieval wall built between 1240 and 1340 and you just can’t miss viewing these walls. Due to this reason only York is known as the city of walls.

One major attraction the Jorvik Viking centre in York. You can experience the actual lives of Vikings in this place. The life of Viking is portrayed in this town and you can experience the sound, smell and sites of the Vikings. The streets of this town were built at the time of Vikings only, during AD975.

Another attraction is the York Minster, the biggest medieval building in the whole of England. It is the most important gothic cathedral in whole of Europe. You can see the whole city from the top of the Cathedral tower. Feel the history of the places while visiting the underground crypt and museum.

The Clifford’s tower built by William the Conqueror in the year 1069 is also not a sight to be missed. The original tower was built in woods was destroyed in a fire. King Henry III rebuilt it again in the year 1245.

A boat trip on the River Ouse is a must while visiting this great city. The boat starts from the Lendal Bridge or from Kings Staith, view the city from the boat and have a relaxing day.

Another way to view the city is by taking the tour from the open top double Decker bus. You can visit the historical sights of the city from this bus.