Estimates of how long and how physically taxing for Edinburgh Sites

I was in and out of Edinburgh Castle in a little over an hour because I just didn't like it that much. I thought it was kind of boring, but I'm not a big fan of military history, and that's pretty much what it is.

Stirling Castle, on the other hand, was really wonderful. I spent probably four hours there. Part of that was on the free guided tour they give every hour on the hour starting at 10:00 am. I highly recommend those. The guides are very funny and very knowledgeable, and I really enjoyed them.

And don't forget to add some time for the town of Stirling itself. It's really quaint and very charming. The Church of the Holy Rude, which goes back to the 1400's, is where a lot of kings and queens of Scotland were baptized. And you might like to stop at the Darnley House Cafe. It was originally Lord Darnley's house, who was married to Mary, Queen of Scots, and is now a cafe that a lot of locals frequent. I stopped there and had a really nice lunch with tea and then some coffee. I really enjoyed it, and it makes a nice stopping point if you're tired and you want to take a break after visiting the castle.

St. Giles, you could be in and out in an hour or 2. It's a cathedral, so it depends on what you want to see, but it is very lovely. If you're familiar with John Knox and are interested in him, you might want to look at his grave, which is under parking place number 23 in the car park outside St. Giles. 😊

I didn't go to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, as that was closed when I was there, and I also didn't go on a Scottish Parliament tour, so I can't help you there.

I do recommend visiting the National Museum of Scotland, which was really wonderful (and FREE). Dolly, the cloned sheep, is there on display, and they had lots of really interesting and incredible pieces there. Well worth a visit. You could spend as little or as long as you like. I think I was there for two to three hours, though, because I was fascinated by some of the exhibits. And it has some of the Lewis chess pieces there, which I just love. I've seen them in the British Museum. I've also saw a few on display on Lewis and Harris, and then I saw the ones here. I think they're just so beautiful.

I don't think there is any way to estimate how long another person would want to spend in any tourist attraction. I agree with the earlier suggestion to consider renting a wheelchair or mobility scooter for your mother for the duration of the trip. Or invest in a cane that folds out into a little seat so she can rest. Failing that, she should take advantage of free wheelchairs wherever they are offered.

Well, I just saw that you were also looking for information on how physically demanding they are. Edinburgh Castle is uphill, and I'm sure you know that, but even when you get to the top, it's a little difficult because there's a lot of people around and there's a lot of different places to go to. Then you have to go in these little tunnels and rooms. Like I said, it didn't appeal to me, so I didn't go every place, but I would say, on a scale of 1 to 10, in terms of how physically taxing it would be, I would probably maybe put it at a 6 or 7.

Stirling Castle isn't too bad. I know there are some steps here and there, but I'm sure they've addressed that in the mobility section of their website, so I would definitely take a look at that if you haven't yet

I don't know if you're planning on walking down or taking a cab down, but if you wanted to stop in the town, you could always have it drop you off at Holy Rude Church, and then there are other things on the way down like Darnley House Cafe and so on. But it may be too much for her, so you might just want to take a cab all the way down to the train station. But she would probably be interested in the Holy Rude Church, which is pretty historic.

The National Gallery of Scotland is very accessible. There's elevators all over the place, so that wouldn't be a problem, and there's also places to sit in each room if she gets tired.

St. Giles Cathedral wasn't too bad, either. I'm sure there are some steps going in, at least I think there are, but I think that's it. There might be some levels in there, but I don't remember really going up into them. I think I just stayed on the one level, and it was easy to get around.

Getting to the castles on foot as I recall was a bit of an uphill/up-stair hike.

I don't think there is any way to estimate how long another person would want to spend in any tourist attraction.

I do agree with that. I put an estimate of my time there, but honestly, you could spend as little as 30 minutes or as much as five hours. It just depends on how much you and she like it.

And yes, there is a steep hill going up to the Edinburgh Castle, but I'm assuming that Jules knows that.

I can only comment on Edinburgh Castle and Holyroodhouse Palace. The official websites for both sites have very good Accessibility sections. The walk up to Edinburgh Castle, and the walk inside the Castle to the top would be very taxing for someone with reduced mobility. A taxi can get you up to the esplanade, just outside the main entrance. There is a pre-bookable van that can take mobility impaired guests and their caregiver to the upper reaches of the Castle. But that still leaves some areas that can only be reached by stairs of varying lengths. We spent about 2 hours there, and while we took the van up, I was able to walk down to the esplanade.

Holyroodhouse Palace is accessible, with free wheelchairs and lifts. IIRC, the only place I didn't get to was Mary Queen of Scots Chambers because of the steep, narrow stairs to and from it. We spent about an hour inside and another hour on the grounds.

I like your Mom already if she can linger at museums. We loved Stirling Castle and spent about 5 hours there, it is a long walk uphill from the train station so plan ahead. We weren't as thrilled with Edinburgh Castle and only spent 3 hours there but it could be a whole day if you looked at everything. It's not as challenging to get to as Stirling but if I remember correctly, once you're inside there are plenty of slopes and stairs. I don't recall St Giles being difficult at all. I can't help with the other two.

In 2023, we spent about 2 hours exploring the Royal Yacht Britannia. There is a shore-side elevator/lift that you can take between decks.

Jules, I suggest you look at each sights website to see if they offer information for those with mobility issues.

Here is the info for Edinburgh Castle, for example. If you scroll down, you'll get information such as special entrances, number of steps in various areas and more.

While we didn't tour the Parliament Building, we popped in to use the facilities while waiting for an Uber. Be prepared for airport style security screening.

You don't mention the Royal Mile, which connects the castle, St. Giles' and Holyroodhouse - the [long] walk from one end to the other is a tourist attraction in itself, and is on an upward incline to the castle. Navigating it may prove challenging.

https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/edinburgh-royal-mile

I agree with Mardee's recommendation for the National Museum - if your mother enjoys reading every word, she'll be in heaven.

My mother is fairly mobile. She lives alone in a split level house. She does stairs daily. She couldn't do a lot of them and would need a railing, but we will see how it goes. Her stamina is more the issue and she does walk very slowly. I will keep the idea of a wheel chair in mind, though I feel like she'd be popping in and out frequently. I have a folding cane and I've told mom she needs hiking shoes. I think those two ideas will help with uneven pavement, etc. The main objective for my post is to aid me in grouping the sites in terms of visiting.

It doesn't sound like Edinburgh Castle should be high on our sightseeing list relative to other sites, but I bet the views are great. We'll see how things go. Absolutely Stirling, that's a given.

@Gerry, perhaps I should have worded my request differently. I do understand everyone is different and will spend a different amount of time at a museum. That said, I have gotten to know forum people a bit. So, I have an idea how they travel. We take more time than most people. Just from reading Allan's posts, I have an idea of how long he would spend, and I think his estimates are probably good, at least for my husband (who's not going) and myself. I have met Mardee. My son and DIL have spent time in Scotland. They absorb information quickly, and I know I'd probably need double the time they needed at sites. Ann C is always a good one for me to compare to, she typically would take a bit more time than we would.

@Markcw and GPB, I plan to start at the top of the Royal mile and walk down hill as much as she is up for.

@JeanM, absolutely, I've been reading the disability information on the websites. I've never looked for disability information before, but I have to say, I am quite impressed with the detail some of these sites provide. I saw that there is a shuttle at the castle, starting from Crown Square. What I don't know is how close I can get on Uber or similar. However, looking at the RS guidebook, it does seem like there are viewpoints and other things mom may want to see leading up to Crown Square, so she may be up for walking a bit to see the sites.

@CJean, Thank you for the details. VERY helpful

@Estimated Prophet, I'm not sure I read about the elevator between floors. That is so good to know!

@Mardee, you are a wealth of information! I know you have at least one trip report posted of the forum. I have a note to look for it. Thank you for the castle info. I also am not into military stuff, and I've seen my fill of armaments. Absolutely, the museum. I didn't include it because I felt like I have a handle on it. What is really helpful is that its free so we can come and go depending on time and stamina. My mother loves museums. I was told that Stirling is a don't miss, so we definitely will go there. The information will be helpful, I'm very pleased there is a tour. Sounds like I need to check on whether Holyroodhouse is even open. Holy Rude Church was not on my radar, so it sounds like I have some research to do. No idea of who John Knox is, I will do some digging. Usually, my knowledge of history is quite good.

Jules, some things to keep in mind.

Stairs may be uneven, especially in older buildings. We've come across handrails that were basically bulky ropes in some castles.

How is your mother for standing for several minutes at a time? That can sometimes be harder than walking. Here's a post you might find useful.

Lightweight, packable seat for standing around

We did an excellent "walking" tour, Secrets of the Royal Mile, with Mercat Tours. It's a relatively slow meander along the Royal Mile ending at the castle with lots of stops along the way with history and storytelling. With advance notice, they can provide portable stools that are also walking aids.

Thanks JeanM. Now, that stool, looks handy! I love that it's light and has a shoulder strap. Mom may like that for her life besides the trip.

Jules, here's a link to the TR if you want to check it out: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/scotland/solo-in-scotland-trains-cars-and-ferries-and-a-wee-dram-or-two

I think your mom would really enjoy the Stirling Castle tour. Our guide was so funny, and so nice and informative. The tour starts at 10 a.m. each day, and they're every hour on the hour. I got there on time for the first tour, and I was glad because it did get crowded as the day went on. You do not have to sign up for it. There is a meeting place, and you just head there before the hour.

Ha ha, I only knew who John Knox was because I had taken a class at UMD that previous fall about the history of England from the 1500s to the 1700s, and he was featured quite prominently during that period. He was the head of the Scottish Reformation and hated Mary Queen of Scots with a passion because she was Catholic.

By the way, the National Museum of Scotland has three places to eat in there, which might be nice. They have two cafes and one full restaurant, so you can always take a break and have something to eat and drink. I love doing that! 🤣 I know there's one cafe on the first floor, and I think there's another one on one of the other floors, but I'm sure you can find them.

Thanks, Mardee. Your trip reports are always so good! I looked up John Knox last night. I always thought Calvin was kind of the protestant front runner in Scotland. So now I know more! Mary I always puzzles me. She reportedly went to chapel multiple times a day. So, in all her conversations with God, she never was told that her methods were wrong?

Good to know about the museum restaurants. I think mom will want to have a good breakfast in the morning, lunch at 2ish, and probably a light meal in the evening. I figured I'd pick stuff up at a grocery store. My only issue to sort out is keeping things cold. We will likely be staying at all PIs, in a standard room. I'm guessing there are no ice machines and our room won't have a fridge.

BTW, I read this book YEARS ago. I remember it being quite good and an easy read. https://www.amazon.com/How-Scots-Invented-Modern-World/dp/0609809997

Hi Jules, just another plug for touring the Palace of Holyroodhouse and possibly tacking on seeing the exhibition at the King’s Gallery which is right beside it. We loved every minute of our tour there. It may be my favorite palace; there was just an intimacy to it that was appealing. We spent about three hours total in both. There is also a lovely cafe there.

The King’s Gallery has this exhibit on through December. There is an additional fee but we were offered a substantial reduction to enter both places when we bought our tickets the morning we went.

https://www.rct.uk/collection/exhibitions/the-edwardians-age-of-elegance/the-kings-gallery-palace-of-holyroodhouse?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23730382719&gbraid=0AAAAAooe6bgetdE2Y12iQnAVpbuRMPxHD&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkOHg7Pm7lAMVvLNaBR2LVCYqEAAYASAAEgJj0_D_BwE

We will likely be staying at all PIs, in a standard room. I'm guessing there are no ice machines and our room won't have a fridge.

If you get a Premier Plus room, they have Nespresso machines and mini fridges in the room. I think the rooms are a little larger as well, and you get the upgraded Wi-Fi, which is definitely a plus. The regular Wi-Fi isn't all that great. At least if you use it a lot, which I do.

I got a PP room at County Hall when I was in London a couple of years ago, and it wasn't too much more expensive. So you might check at the ones you're looking at to see if they have Premier Plus rooms available. Not all PIs do.

@Mardee, at our PI in London, the WiFi didn't work at all. Ann C. had warned us. PI gave us the upgraded, which wasn't all that great either. I probably would advocate for the upgraded if ours was bad, but for this trip, it probably doesn't matter much. I'm only there for about 11 days so I probably won't even use up the eSIM I buy.

Oh, I wouldn't suggest getting it just for the upgraded wifi, but you mentioned how you wanted a fridge, and the Premier Plus rooms do have fridges in them.

Mardee, I always appreciate your input, and I took your comment to mean, the WiFi is a side benefit.

Jules, we were in London September 2023 when temps were in the 90s. I was always able to get several glasses of ice from the bar at the Premier Inn St. Pancras. That and the AC saved us.

Jeanm, I'll send mom in to the bar to ask!

Mardee, I always appreciate your input, and I took your comment to mean, the WiFi is a side benefit.

Ha ha, I figured you did, I just wanted to make sure that you knew about the fridges. Sometimes I read through stuff and I tend to miss things because I read too fast or I'm skimming through or something like that, but I think you are much better at that than I am, lol!