Castle of Light At Edinburgh Castle Review
DISCLOSURE – THIS EXPERIENCE WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST/S FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW.
Reviewed by Deb Mackenzie
Castle of Light, Edinburgh is inviting as you walk up towards the castle with lights, lasers and loud music calling you into a wonderland filled with history facts and more.
This magical night out started in 2019 and each year the illuminations have changed to bring a whole new show. As you walk up towards the castle, take your time and pause to watch the display of lights and music. This is an event that you cannot hurry, or you will miss out on interesting facts and the beauty of Edinburgh’s castle lit up showing off its stunning structure that has stood for hundreds of years.
Remember to enjoy a bite to eat at the café, roast marshmallows over a firepit and browse for a keepsake in the store.
Be prepared before you go!
• This is a booked slot event. Please try and arrive at your time slot with your ticket/s ready to be scanned. There is a no suitcase or large rucksack policy, plus nowhere to store these.
• There are special days for those who have additional needs. If you would be more comfortable having an Audio descriptive tour, or BSL tour check for dates. I am excited that there have been Autism friendly timeslots included with special quiet spaces.
• There is no parking at the event (Edinburgh Castle), other than some disabled bays. We parked at the nearby NCP Castle Terrace car park and walked around to the event. However, this is expensive and remember the low emissions rates on top.
Using trains, buses or taxi to get there is a more ideal way to get to the event.
• Comfortable shoes are a must; be prepared for uneven walkways and cobbles. The trail is ramped and those using wheelchairs, scooters or parents with push chairs will manage without problems.
• Dress according to the weather. A warm windproof jacket and/or raincoat to protect you against wind, rain, sleet or snow. Gloves, scarf and beanie are also a must.
• In severe weather conditions the event will shut, and you will be notified via SMS and also on social media outlets. Please check before arriving or travelling into Edinburgh to avoid disappointment.
This year the Defender of the Nation illuminations has some interesting historical figures that have changed the course of history with inventions, medical and political breakthroughs and sport. Scotland is a leading nation when it comes to so many ‘firsts’ and again I say do not race through because it is these icons who have built our nation to what it is today.
There is also the Castle of Lights mascot Rex who shows up in the great hall for having your picture taken. Unfortunately, we missed seeing him as we were unaware of what time the hall was closing, so if you are going at a later slot be sure to watch the time so you do not miss the chance to engrave your visit with a picture that can bring back memories of an unforgettable experience.
This year there were a large variety of interactive areas. These were a huge hit with people as they played music by twanging the lights. Or finding out ‘who are you?’ as you press a button standing in front of the screen waiting to see who you got matched with. These are random selections of famous people (both fictional and real) as well as Grey Friars Bobby.
But my husband really enjoyed being able to ‘fire’ Mons Meg, the large canon, who made me jump with surprise as it banged. This was a hit with the public too as it seemed to be constantly booming into the night over Edinburgh.
We all thoroughly enjoyed our evening as we walked on the grounds that many have trodden before us as we were absorbed in the beautiful light show that taught us history, entertained us with interactive sets and humours videos projected onto the walls of our beautiful and foreboding Edinburgh Castle.
Rated: 4.5/5 stars
https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/whats-on/castle-of-light
Dates: 29 November – 4 January 2025
Times: 4:30pm to 9pm. (last entry between 7:30 and 7:45pm)
Prices: Adult (16 – 64) £22 Concession (65 years upwards) £16 Child (7 – 15 years) £12
For further pricing please refer to the Edinburgh Castle website.
Photo’s taken by D. Mackenzie