How Many Visitors Visit Edinburgh Castle?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The number of visitors to Edinburgh Castle in Scotland fell to a low of

277 thousand

in 2020 as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, visitor numbers increased steadily over the period in question, and reached over 2.2 million visits in 2019.

How many tourists visited Edinburgh in 2019?

International travellers visited Edinburgh and Lothians

2.3 million times

in 2019, which means that the region was either the main destination or part of a wider journey for two in three international visits to Scotland.

What is the most visited site in Scotland?


Edinburgh Castle

was the most visited paid attraction in Scotland in 2019, with approximately 2.17 million visits, followed by the Edinburgh bus tours with approximately 615 thousand visitors.

Why is Edinburgh Castle a tourist attraction?

Perched high atop a dramatic black basalt outcrop, Edinburgh’s spectacular castle

affords magnificent views of many

of the city’s most interesting places to visit, including the Royal Mile, Princes Street, and the long green swath of Princes Street Gardens.

Can you see Northern Lights in Scotland?

The

Highland regions of Sutherland and Caithness

are prime areas for spotting the northern lights in Scotland. … Over in Caithness on the most northerly tip, there is a great sighting spot in Castletown and also John O’Groats, the most northerly town in Scotland.

What is the most popular food in Scotland?

  1. Haggis. Haggis represents the best of Scottish cooking, using every part of the animal and adding lots of flavour and spices. …
  2. Fresh fish. The fish and seafood that Scotland’s waters have to offer are just sensational. …
  3. Lobster. …
  4. Grouse. …
  5. Cullen skink. …
  6. Cured meat and cheese. …
  7. Gin. …
  8. Whisky.

Can you walk around Edinburgh Castle for free?

4 answers. You can walk in front of the castle, but there is not much to see. …

The outside of the castle is free

, but entry fees applies if you enter the castle.

How much does it cost to visit Edinburgh Castle?

Category Reduced admission price Normal admission price
Adult (16-64yrs)


£15.50


£17.50

Concession (65yrs+ and unemployed)


£12.40


£14.00

Child (5-15yrs)


£9.30


£10.50
Family (1 adult, 2 children) £31.00 n/a

Does anyone live in Edinburgh Castle?

Edinburgh Castle is a tourist attraction owned by Ministers of the Scottish Government and operated by Historic Scotland. It is also the Headquarters of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

No-one actually lives in Edinburgh Castle today

, but it has had many residents over the years.

Can you see northern lights in Isle of Skye?

Skye is home to no less than

nine

Dark Sky Discovery Sites making it one of the best places in Scotland for stargazing, as well as hunting for the northern lights.

What is the best time of year to see the northern lights in Scotland?

When are you most likely to see the northern lights in Scotland? The auroras are most likely to be seen in Scotland

between mid-October and mid-March

, and for best chances you want to avoid any times where there is going to be a full moon.

Where can I see the Milky Way in Scotland?

  • Galloway Forest Park, Dumfries and Galloway.
  • Isle of Coll, Inner Hebrides.
  • Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides.
  • Melrose, Scottish Borders.
  • Taransay, Outer Hebrides.
  • Glen Nevis Visitor Centre, Fort William.
  • Eriska, Argyll and Bute.
  • Royal Observatory, Edinburgh.

Do and don’ts in Scotland?

Do try the malt whiskies (in moderation!).

Do visit museums and theatres in the major cities

. Do get out into the countryside and appreciate Scotland’s unspoiled beauty. Don’t confuse Scotland with England; the whole country is properly referred to as Great Britain or the United Kingdom.

What is the most popular drink in Scotland?

The

Irn-Bru 32 energy drink

variant was launched in 2006. Irn-Bru has long been the most popular soft drink in Scotland, with Coca-Cola second, but competition between the two brands has brought their sales to roughly equal levels as of 2003.

What is Scotland’s national dish?

Scotland’s national dish is

haggis

, a savoury meat pudding, and it’s traditionally accompanied by mashed potatoes, turnips (known as ‘neeps

Is it worth paying for Edinburgh Castle?

Yes! While the tickets are not cheap,

you do get good value for your money at Edinburgh castle

. The castle has many different buildings that are worth seeing and the view from Edinburgh Castle may be the best in the city.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.