2,111,578.
The most-visited staffed site was Edinburgh Castle with 2,111,578 visitors.
Another record-breaking year for Scottish heritage sites.
| Site | Visitor numbers | % increase Year on Year |
|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh Castle | 2,111,578 | 2% |
| Stirling Castle | 605,241 | 7% |
| Urquhart Castle | 518,195 | 6% |
| Glasgow Cathedral | 482,783 | 24% |
How many tourists visit Edinburgh each year?
Favourite UK City:
Latest annual figures show Edinburgh attracts over 3.69 million staying visits*.
How many visitors does Edinburgh Castle get a day?
Edinburgh Castle has come a long way from when it started admitting tourists, from 150 a day to 2.1 million a year!
How popular is Edinburgh Castle?
Two million people visit the Castle every year
It hosts a number of well-known cultural events including the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
How many people visited the castle in 2015 Edinburgh?
Edinburgh Castle continues to be one of the most popular visitor attractions in Scotland. Over the past four years, the number of visitors has increased by over a fifth from 1.31 million in 2011/12 to 1.61 million in 2015/16.
Why is Edinburgh Castle so popular?
Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe. With a long rich history as a royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress, it is alive with many exciting tales. When you climb Castle Hill, you will walk in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens – and even the odd pirate or two.
Why is Edinburgh Castle a tourist attraction?
More than 2 million visitors step inside Edinburgh Castle every year, making it the most visited tourist attraction in Scotland. It is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe with a rich and 900-year long history as a royal residence, military garrison, prison, and fortress.
What is the most visited castle in Scotland?
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle, City of Edinburgh
Perhaps the most famous (and most visited) castle in Scotland is right in the center of the capital city. Perched on top of the city on Castle Rock, this fortress has a strong presence in Edinburgh’s skyline.
How much does Edinburgh Castle make a year?
Edinburgh Castle was by far the most lucrative site, generating £14.7m from its more than 2m visitors, an increase of 15 per cent on the number who came the previous year. Stirling Castle was the second most popular attraction, raising £3.7m from 574,000 visitors.
How much is Edinburgh Castle worth?
1 billion
Edinburgh world heritage site valued at over 1 billion.
Who owns Edinburgh Castle now?
Today, Edinburgh Castle is cared for by Historic Environment Scotland but owned by Scottish Ministers and the UK Ministry of Defence. Major General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich is the Governor of Edinburgh Castle.
What is Edinburgh ranked in the world?
7th in the UK and 26th in the world in the 2022 QS World University Ranking by subject: Sport-related subjects. 1st in Sport Science and 7th in Education in the UK in the 2022 Complete University Guide. 3rd in Education and 7th in Sport Science in the UK in the 2022 Times Good University Guide.
Did Edinburgh Castle ever fall?
During the Lang Siege, David’s Tower was destroyed. The castle, again, witnessed strife when, in 1650, Oliver Cromwell executed Charles I and led an invasion of Scotland. In August of that year, Edinburgh Castle fell into English hands.
Who was the last person to live in Edinburgh Castle?
King Charles I
Crowned king of Scotland at just 13 months old, he became the first monarch of both Scotland and England in 1603. His birth chamber is a highlight for many castle visitors today. King Charles I was the last monarch to stay at the palace.
When did Edinburgh Castle last erupt?
The castle sits atop a volcano
But no need to fear – the volcanic explosion that formed Castle Rock last exploded nearly 340 million years ago. Archaeological evidence suggests humans have been living on Castle Rock since 850 BC.
When was Edinburgh Castle last attacked?
1745
1745 would prove to be the last siege in the history of Edinburgh Castle and the garrison hasn’t witnessed conflict since – that is if we don’t count a near miss by a German Zeppelin bomb in April 1916.
Why does Edinburgh have a 1 o’clock gun?
Ships in the Firth of Forth once set their maritime clocks by the One o’Clock Gun. The firing of the gun dates back to 1861, when businessman John Hewat brought the idea to Edinburgh from Paris. The gun is still fired every day at 1pm, except on Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day.
What is the oldest castle in the world?
The Citadel of Aleppo is the oldest castle in the world, with some parts of the structure dating back to 3000 BC. Built in 1070 AD, Windsor Castle is the oldest castle that is still actively used today. Prague Castle is the largest castle in the world at 70,000 square meters.
Is Harry Potter inspired by Edinburgh?
Harry Potter is a household name across the globe, but did you know that J.K. Rowling penned some of the world’s favourite wizarding stories right here in Edinburgh? As you walk around the city, you can see the streets and sights that many people believe inspired the global sensation.
How many times has Edinburgh Castle been attacked?
Over the centuries around 23 different siege attempts were made on Edinburgh Castle – making it the most besieged place in Europe.
Why is Edinburgh Castle Pink?
The Walk of Fame themed MoonWalk Scotland is being given an added Hollywood touch, as the historic Edinburgh Castle lights up pink. The iconic Edinburgh Castle is to light up pink on the night of Saturday 9th June, in honour of thousands of women, men and young walkers taking part in the 13th MoonWalk Scotland.