There are fewer places more drenched in history than the city of Edinburgh in Scotland. A trip to the city could prove to be a lot cheaper than jetting off abroad and can still offer you just the same amount of culture and excitement.
And with so many Edinburgh hostels to choose from, there really is no reason not to visit the beautiful city this year- and while you are there, why not take a trip to the world famous Edinburgh Castle?
After saving money on cheap accommodation, visitors will have plenty of cash leftover to head to the castle, which is one of the city’s biggest tourist draws.
Wandering around the ancient castle can give you a real sense of the history of the city – and the castle has certainly been at the centre of many of the big events which have defined Scotland in the history books.
Perched high above the city on Castle Hill, the castle is a designated World Heritage Site and there are records of human settlement on the mound as far back as 900 BC.
You might not know that the fortress is actually on top of a dormant volcano, which further adds to its magical feel.
The first historical records of the castle refer to the impressive structure as Din Eidyn, which means a fortress on a rock. This stronghold has passed between Scots and English many times in the chequered history of the two countries and the last monarch to stay in the castle was Charles I.
However, once he was overthrown by Oliver Cromwell, the castle passed into other hands.
Other famous monarchs to have called the castle home are Mary Queen of Scots, who gave birth to her son – King James I – within its walls.
If you have a particular interest in the history of Scotland, then April could be the perfect time to head to an Edinburgh hostel and visit the castle, as during this month it hosts World Heritage Day, aimed at teaching visitors all about the Romans in the country.
