Edinburgh : The towering Medieval Castle

The Scottish capital has plenty to offer, but one sight stands out more than others: the towering Medieval Castle.

Easy to spot from the windows of Edinburgh hostels , the castle stands high on a hill above the city, dominating the landscape and providing an awe-inspiring view.

History

The current castle's site has been important to people across the ages with the first signs of human habitation at the hilltop fort thought to date back to the 9th Century BC.

Having a site this old, means that its history is as rich and varied as can be. Much of the early information about the castle from the Dark Ages is still buried deep underground – with experts still looking to dig beneath the Scottish soil for any hidden secrets.

It was not until the 11th and 12th Centuries that the castle's place in Scottish history started to take shape. The castle was the home of King Malcolm III whose wife would become St Margaret and go on to be recognised by the addition of St Margaret's Chapel – which visitors can still see to this day.

The first meeting of Scottish Parliament took place in the castle in 1140 and the structure was also the site of several battles in the First War of Scottish Independence.

Statues of Scottish heroes Robert the Bruce and William Wallace now stand at the entrance of the castle and visitors can step inside to view some of the well-preserved rooms such as the Great Hall and the Crown Room.

Hogmanay

The castle hosts a number of spectacular events throughout the year, with the premier event being Hogmanay.

The traditional New Year's Eve party is attended by thousands of people each year and the party atmosphere is second-to-none, with the entertainment often spilling down the hill and into Edinburgh hostels.

Do be warned, however, that Edinburgh hostels can fill up quick over the festival period, meaning that it is essential to book a room in advance.

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place at the castle in August. Traditional music is played as pipers and drummers perform marching routines in front of crowds of over 200,000 people.

Out of happy coincidence, the tattoo takes places during the Edinburgh Festival giving visitors added reason to book a hostel and plan a trip to the city.