Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle sits on Castle Rock, the core of an extinct volcano, and has dominated the city for centuries. Inside its walls are the Honours of Scotland, the oldest crown jewels in the British Isles, St Margaret's Chapel, the city's oldest building, and the One O'Clock Gun, fired daily except on Sundays.

From the castle gate the Royal Mile runs downhill through the Old Town to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, past narrow closes, kilt shops and street performers. In August the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Military Tattoo fill the city.

Edinburgh is about four and a half hours from London by train. Book the castle ahead in summer and arrive early to see the crown jewels before the crowds.