Edinburgh Castle

A proud symbol of the Scottish nation
Noteworthy for: This is the birthplace of James VI of Scotland – AKA James I of England.

Word to the wise: Keep an ear open for the world-famous One O’Clock Gun, which has been successfully startling the uninitiated since 1861.
Forever watching over the capital like an overprotective father, Edinburgh Castle is one of the country’s most instantly-recognisable sights – as well as one of its most significant. Built in the 12th century, the beautiful and imposing castle has played host to kings, queens, politicians and revolutionaries, and is a powerful symbol of Scottish independence throughout the ages.

Today, despite being the most visited attraction in the country, its wide variety of fascinating features - from the dank prison and St Margaret's Chapel to the Stone of Scone, which was once used to crown centuries of Scottish kings - means that there's always something new to discover when you return.