It was almost like stepping back in time! Here are buildings built as long ago as 1100 AD.

With headphones to guide us along, we learned about the history of the castle---from royal residency to military fortress and the many sieges.

Constant repairs, improvements and new buildings were made in the castle grounds for over 900 years.

We got to see where Queen Mary gave birth to King James VI. We got to see the The Honours of Scotland (the crown, the sword and the sceptre from about 1500 AD). We even got to see the tiny uniforms Sir William Wallace and other soldiers wore back then---they sure were small people!

To this day, Edinburgh Castle serves as headquarters for the Scottish Division, and regimental headquarters for The Royal Scots and Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, and the army School of Piping---as well as a memorial.

Plan to spend a lot of time there! There are several buildings within the castle walls (many which have been turned into museums, or a restaurant, or a bookstore) ---and some 900 years of history.

If you happen to be there in Aug., I understand the Edinburgh Military Tattoo performed within the castle grounds is spectacular.

It's hard to believe you can stand in a building that's older than the country of the United States of America!

Edinburgh Castle defines this city. Built on the top of an extinct volcano, the castle radiates strength and beauty that is echoed in the city around it. Each fall the Military Tattoo is performed here and draws thousands to the city, but I like touring it in the blustery (when isn't it) Spring.

The Castle includes the National War Museum and the Scottish National War Memorial that was built after WWI. You can view the Stone of Destiny, the rock that the Scottish Kings were crowned over and recently returned after 700 years in England, and the Honors of Scotland, otherwise known as the Scottish Crown Jewels, which is the oldest surviving crown jewels in Europe and the room where James VI of Scotland was born to Mary Queen of Scots. Listen for the firing of the One O'Clock Gun, but not too hard or your ears will ring! You can set your watch by it. Speaking of cannons, don't miss the huge 15th century gun Mons Meg.

Talk about royal houses. Edinburgh Castle is not only majestic, beautiful, and magnificent, but it also holds the crown jewels for the British Isles. Upon entering the castle area it seems that all streets lead to the castle. Just inside the entrance you can rent individual audio tour recorders. This is highly recommended since you get all the facts about what it is that you are seeing. Once inside the castle a Highlander suitably dressed in his kilt gave a demonstration on how to wrap the kilt and its purpose. He also demonstrated the use of the long sword that was not designed for cutting. Due to its heavy weight it was used to break the collar bone of an opponent, thus rendering him incapable of retaliating. This was all very fascinating and led to a need to try out the kilt wrapping on the part of our 12 year old. There is a central back courtyard area that is surrounded by buildings that house the Crown Jewels of Britain. You can file past the Queen's robe and specter used during her corination and marvel at the thickness of the steel doors into this room. There is even information about a ghost that lives in the castle.

The castle is in a wonderful location with a breathtaking view of the city. There is so much history there. We've read a lot about it, so we didn't purchase the audio guide, and I was glad about that. I think those guides take the age and mystery away from a place. The admission charge was steep - 8 pounds per person, plus 3 per person for the audio guide.

The oldest part of the castle was built in the early 1100's, and is a small chapel commissioned by Queen Margaret. It was partly destroyed when Robert the Bruce had the castle burned instead of letting it go to the English. He felt bad about the chapel and had it restored. I can't tell you how it feels to walk in a building that old, and full of Scottish history, which we are both in love with.

We found a small sandwich shop off of high street, and purchased fresh sandwiches, drinks, and dessert for only 5 pounds! We needed that, because we have been over the budget constantly so far. We sat on the sidewalk and ate lunch, then walked high street some more. The shops there are definitely for tourists, full of kilts, wool, and Celtic jewelry. The street is small, and the buildings old and very tall. It's a romantic stretch of road, if you can look past the throngs of people walking and driving about.

WHAT TO DO with the rest of the day? If you have several hours, take a lovely stroll in the morning along the Waters of Leith to the Botanical Gardens. Then head to the castle and join the crowd. After that, Gladstone's Land is just a stone's throw away.

Eidenburgh castle is a magnificent and wonderous place. It is situated high above the town and you can see for miles and miles as you look out over the great stone walls. You can spend hours marveling over the great cannons, the beautiful halls and enchanting stonework. You feel as if you are in a different time. Eidenburgh castle is the most wonderful place i have ever been, the history and setting takes you back as you touch the great stone walls and see the huge indentations from long past cannon fire. It is a must see!