The Edinburgh Castle floor plan is a fascinating blueprint that unveils the intricate layout and key attractions of this iconic Scottish fortress. As a castles touring enthusiast, exploring the intricate details of this historic site is a must-do experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the various elements that make up the Edinburgh Castle floor plan, providing you with a deeper understanding of this remarkable architectural marvel.
The Detailed Edinburgh Castle Floor Plan
The Edinburgh Castle floor plan encompasses several key attractions and facilities that contribute to the castle’s rich history and captivating ambiance. Let’s explore these elements in detail:
Portcullis Gate
The Portcullis Gate is a formidable feature of the Edinburgh Castle, serving as a strong, heavy grating that slides up and down in vertical grooves to block the gateway to the fortress.
Argyle Battery
The Argyle Battery is a six-gun battery, strategically positioned within the castle’s defenses.
One O’Clock Gun
The One O’Clock Gun is a daily tradition at Edinburgh Castle, with a gun being fired at precisely 1 pm, except on Sundays.
Governor’s House
The Governor’s House is a significant building within the castle, serving as an important part of the castle’s history and administration.
New Barracks
The New Barracks are a crucial component of the castle’s military infrastructure, providing accommodation and facilities for the castle’s garrison.
St Margaret’s Chapel
The St Margaret’s Chapel is the oldest structure still standing within the Edinburgh Castle, having been used by the Royals as a private place of prayer up until the 16th century.
Mons Meg
The Mons Meg is a formidable, 6-ton, muzzle-loading cannon capable of firing gunstones weighing 150 kg nearly 2 miles.
Half Moon Battery
The Half Moon Battery is a defensive structure within the Edinburgh Castle, contributing to the overall fortification of the site.
Accessibility at Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is committed to providing an accessible experience for all visitors. The castle offers an access guide with pictures of staff, castle spaces, and facilities to help visitors with accessibility needs plan their visit. The guide includes information on carers’ tickets, parking, approach to the site, and facilities such as adapted toilets and mobility vehicles.
Additional Information
To help you plan your visit to Edinburgh Castle, here are some additional details:
Opening Hours
Edinburgh Castle is open from 9:30 am to 6 pm from April to September and from 9:30 am to 5 pm from October to March.
Ticket Prices
Ticket prices vary depending on the time of year and visitor age. For example, an adult ticket costs £17.50 in peak season and £14.50 in off-peak season.
Audio Guides
Audio guides are available for hire or can be accessed via a mobile app, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the castle’s history and features.
Facilities
The Edinburgh Castle offers a range of facilities for visitors, including cafes, shops, and toilets.
As a castles touring enthusiast, exploring the intricate details of the Edinburgh Castle floor plan is a must-do experience. This comprehensive guide has provided you with a deeper understanding of the key attractions, accessibility, and additional information to help you plan your visit to this iconic Scottish fortress.
References:
- National Library of Scotland. (1754). [Edinburgh Castle]; Plan of Ground floor; Plan of Second floor; Plan of the Barrack Design’d to be Built in the Year 1755. Retrieved from https://maps.nls.uk/military/rec/54
- Edinburgh Castle. (n.d.). Route Map. Retrieved from https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/media/1473/route-map.pdf
- Edinburgh Castle ARP. (n.d.). Layout. Retrieved from http://edinburghcastlearpitashehani.weebly.com/layout.html
- World History Encyclopedia. (2021). Plan of Edinburgh Castle. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/13829/plan-of-edinburgh-castle/
- Edinburgh Castle. (n.d.). Orientation Map. Retrieved from https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/media/fpanlfr2/orientation-map.pdf.