Edinburgh Castle

It all began at the castle. From a medieval fortification, to a temporary prison, seat of parliament, royal residence, and now world-renowned symbol of Scotland, no visitor to Edinburgh can avoid the castle. The views are spectacular, even if the viewpoints can be windy and, on a clear day, there's a 360-degree panorama over the city. There's also more to the castle than royal memorabilia, with a chance to see the Scottish Crown Jewels, the tiny St Margaret's Chapel, the Scottish War Memorial and War Museum, as well as a slightly off the wall 'dog cemetery' for regimental mascots.