Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
crown (made in 1540 from the gold of Robert the Bruce's 14th-century coronet), sword
and sceptre lay forgotten until they were unearthed at the instigation of the novelist Sir
Walter Scott in 1818. Also on display here is the
Stone of Destiny
.
Among the neighbouring
Royal Apartments
is the bedchamber where Mary, Queen of
Scots gave birth to her son James VI, who was to unite the crowns of Scotland and Eng-
land in 1603.
National War Museum of Scotland
(
www.nms.ac.uk
;
admission incl in Edinburgh Castle ticket; 9.45am-5.45pm Apr-Oct,
to 4.45pm Nov-Mar)
At the western end of the castle, to the left of the castle restaurant, a
road leads down to the National War Museum of Scotland, which brings Scotland's milit-
ary history vividly to life. The exhibits have been personalised by telling the stories of the
original owners of the objects on display, making it easier to empathise with the experien-
ces of war than any dry display of dusty weaponry ever could.
MUSEUM
CHURCH
Highland Tolbooth Kirk
(Castlehill; 9.30am-7pm)
Edinburgh's tallest spire (71.7m) is at the foot of Castlehill
and is a prominent feature of the Old Town's skyline. The interior has been refurbished
and it now houses the Hub (
Click here
)
, the ticket office and the information centre for
the Edinburgh Festival. There's also a good cafe here.
Scotch Whisky Experience
(
www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk
;
354 Castlehill; adult/child incl tour & tasting
£12.50/6.50; 10am-6.30pm Jun-Aug, to 6pm Sep-May)
A former school houses this
multi- media centre explaining the making of whisky from barley to bottle in a series of
exhibits, demonstrations and tours that combine sight, sound and smell, including the
world's largest collection of malt whiskies; look out for Peat the distillery cat! There's
also a restaurant that serves traditional Scottish dishes with, where possible, a dash of
whisky thrown in. It's a short distance downhill from the Castle Esplanade.
EXHIBITION
Camera Obscura
EXHIBITION
