Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle dominates Scotland's capital city from its great rock. Its story has helped shape the nation's story.

About Edinburgh Castle

	Edinburgh Castle Castlehill, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2NG
	01312259846
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Listed Under Attractions - History and Culture / Attractions - Days Out / Attractions - Museums

Battles and sieges were fought over it, royalty lived and died within its walls, and countless generations have been and inspired by it.

In the 1600s, the castle became a military base. Some buildings were rebuilt and new ones were raised to house a huge garrison - and provide a secure jail for prisoners of war.

The military presence remains unbroken, but over the last 200 years the castle has become a national icon. It is now Scotland's leading tourist attraction, and a key element of the Edinburgh World Heritage Site.

Come to the castle and hear the rest of the story.

We take every opportunity to ensure the details for Edinburgh Castle are accurate, if any of the above information is incorrect we would appreciate if you could take a minute to suggest an edit.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

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Upcoming Events at Edinburgh Castle

History

Edinburgh Castle Gun Salutes

Selected dates between 6th May 2024 - 14th November 2024

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

Edinburgh Castle hold a number of gun salutes throughout the year to mark various special occasions!

Music

Manic Street Preachers + Suede

10th June 2024

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

Two of the UK’s most influential and iconic rock bands Manic Street Preachers + Suede have announced a massive co-headline tour for summer 2024 with a date at Edinburgh Castle on 10th July!

Music

Madness

5th July 2024

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

Madness have announced a series of outdoor UK and Ireland shows for summer 2024, including a date at Edinburgh Castle on Friday 5th July!

Music

JLS - The Summer Hits Tour 2024

9th July 2024

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

Castle Concerts are delighted to announce that JLS will bring The Summer Hits Tour 2024 to Edinburgh Castle Esplanade on Tuesday 9th July!

Music

The National

11th July 2024

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

Castle Concerts are delighted to announce that one of the world’s biggest indie-rock bands The National, will be playing at the castle on Thursday 11 July 2024!

Music

Skipinnish: Celebrating 25 Years

12th July 2024

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

Castle Concerts are delighted to announce that Scotland's celebrated Celtic rock band Skipinnish will play at the castle to celebrate their 25th anniversary, on Friday 12th July!

Music

Paul Weller

13th July 2024

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

Paul Weller, one of the UK’s most enduring music greats, will play Edinburgh Castle on Saturday 13 July!

Music

Harry Potter & the Philosopher’s Stone In Concert with the RSNO

14th July 2024

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra will perform Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in Concert on Sunday 14th July in the spectacular setting of Edinburgh Castle!

Nights Out

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

2nd August 2024 - 24th August 2024

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo returns from 2nd to 24th August 2024!

National War Museum

Edinburgh Castle Castlehill, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2NG

Discover the story of Scotland at war within the walls of Edinburgh Castle with a visit to the National War Musuem.

History and Culture

Preston Mill and Phantassie Doocot

Preston Mill and Phantassie Doocot Preston Road, East Linton EH40 3DS

Preston Mill is an architectural oddity that will beguile visitors as much as it delights painters and photographers.

History and Culture

Canongate Kirk

153 Canongate, Edinburgh Old Town EH8 8BN

Canongate Kirk is the parish church of Canongate in Edinburgh’s Old Town and a congregation of the Church of Scotland.

History and Culture

Trinity House

99 Kirkgate, Leith EH6 6BJ

Trinity House was once the base of the Incorporation of Mariners and Shipmasters and this elegant Georgian house now holds an outstanding collection of maritime treasures.

History and Culture

Panmure House

4 Lochend Close, Edinburgh Old Town EH8 8BL

Panmure House is a 17th-century townhouse located in Edinburgh's Canongate. It is the only surviving residence of renowned Scottish philosopher Adam Smith, who lived there between 1778 and 1790.

History and Culture

National Museum of Flight Scotland

National Museum of Flight Scotland East Fortune Airfield, EH39 5LF

Head off on a journey of discovery at this former airfield as you explore the history of aviation from the First World War to the present day

History and Culture

Newhailes House and Gardens

Newhailes House and Gardens Newhailes Road , Musselburgh EH21 6RY

Discover 300 years of Scottish history through the magnificent and carefully conserved neo-Palladian villa that is Newhailes House and Gardens!

History and Culture

Nelson Monument

32 Calton Hill, Edinburgh New Town EH7 5AA

Nelson Monument is situated on top of Calton Hill, and provides a dramatic termination to the view along Princes Street from the west.

History and Culture

Military Museum Scotland

Legion Hall Louis Braille Avenue, Wilkieston , Kirknewton EH27 8EJ

Come and learn about the Scottish involvement in the British military from WW1 to the present day at the Military Museum Scotland!

History and Culture

Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens Princes Street, Edinburgh New Town EH2 2HG

Princes Street Gardens lies at centre of Edinburgh's World Heritage Site, within New Town and Old Town Outstanding Conservation Areas.

History and Culture

John Gray Centre

15 Lodge Street, Haddington EH41 3DX

The John Gray Centre brings together East Lothian Council’s Archaeology, Museum, Archive and Local History Services, alongside Haddington’s branch library.

History and Culture

Scott Monument

Scott Monument East Princes Street Gardens , Edinburgh Old Town EH2 2EJ

Standing proudly in Princes Street Gardens, the Scott Monument is one of the most iconic Edinburgh landmarks, a must-visit for tourists and locals alike.

History and Culture