[Part 1] Crown & Cannon: The Heart of Edinburgh Castle
It was still early when we arrived at Edinburgh Castle. The sun hadn’t yet burned through the morning haze, and the air felt fresh and ancient all at once.
Standing by the drawbridge before the crowds arrived, I thought — this must be what it felt like centuries ago, waiting for the gates to open to royalty.
Kimchi was already skipping ahead, camera in hand, saying, “Mum, hurry up!”
I smiled — because for her, every castle is another fairy tale waiting to unfold.
The Crown Jewels — Scotland’s Sparkling Heart
Inside the Crown Room, silence fell. The Crown, Sceptre, and Sword of State glimmered softly under the lights.
Kimchi pressed her face close to the glass. “Are they real, Mummy?” she whispered.
“Yes,” I said, “and they’ve seen more drama than any Netflix series ever could.”
Tip: Go here first thing after entering. It’s the most popular spot — arriving early means you can enjoy the jewels before the crowds flood in.
The Great Hall — Echoes of Banquets and Battles
The Great Hall was breathtaking. Sunlight poured through stained glass windows, glinting off hundreds of weapons displayed on the walls.
You could almost hear laughter and music from feasts long gone.
Kimchi spun around pretending to curtsy like a princess, while my husband — always the patient photographer — captured her twirl mid-air.
Tip: Don’t forget to look up — the oak hammer-beam roof was built without a single nail. It’s one of the finest examples of 16th-century craftsmanship.
Mons Meg & The One O’Clock Gun — Thunder Over Edinburgh
Outside, the Mons Meg cannon stood proudly, massive and dark against the sky. I ran my hand along its cold surface, imagining the soldiers who once loaded her in battle.
We made our way to the Half Moon Battery for the famous One O’Clock Gun.
By 12:50 pm, the area was buzzing. I told Kimchi, “Hold your ears!”
Then — BOOM!
The cannon fired, echoing across the city. She jumped, then laughed so hard I couldn’t help laughing too.
Tip: Get there 10 minutes early to find a spot. The firing is loud but unforgettable — especially for kids.
As we left, smoke from the gun drifted above the castle walls like a whisper of the past.
And I thought — Edinburgh Castle doesn’t just tell history; it performs it.
Next: Part 2 — Secrets Beneath the Stone Walls: Prisons, Escape Stories & Ghostly Legends