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 | |
| Edinburgh Castle Website | |
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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.
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.
Upcoming Events at Edinburgh Castle
Whispers of the past
Join our guide for a journey through the grounds of this ancient site to explore the veiled past of Edinburgh Castle!
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Great Big Living History Week
Especially for the October Holidays sites all over Scotland will be hosting characters throughout history including Edinburgh Castle.
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The Mythical Mystery Hunt
This autumn, follow Historic Environment Scotland's family trails to discover some of the magical and mystical creatures of Scottish folklore.
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Edin-boo! Castle: Halloween Shenanigans
Some special guests await you in the Great Hall at Edinburgh Castle and they have a story to tell!
READ MOREEdinburgh Castle Gun Salutes
Edinburgh Castle hold a number of gun salutes throughout the year to mark a variety of special occasions!
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Castle Of Light
Make Castle of Light: Fire and Ice part of your festive plans and enjoy the largest annual projection show in the UK when it returns for its sixth year!
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Celebrating Burns
Come along to Edinburgh Castle on 25th January to find out more about the bard and some of his works!
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Critical Role Live
For the first time ever, Critical Role, the global phenomenon in storytelling and tabletop entertainment, is adventuring to Edinburgh with a date at the Castle on Sunday 12th July!
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Snow Patrol
Snow Patrol have announced a run of outdoor gigs next summer, including a date at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade on Saturday 18th July!
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The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo returns from 7th to 29th August 2026 with the show 'A Call To Gather'.
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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.
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More History and Culture in Edinburgh
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Situated on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Hopetoun is a place of outstanding natural beauty, which has Scotland's finest stately home at its heart.
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Trinity House
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Newhailes House and Gardens
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Discover 300 years of Scottish history through the magnificent and carefully conserved neo-Palladian villa that is Newhailes House and Gardens!
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Newbattle Abbey
NA Newbattle Road,
Dalkeith EH22 3LL
Newbattle Abbey is set in 125 acres of beautiful parkland just outside Edinburgh and contains a wealth of Scottish history.
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Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery
Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery High Street,
Dunbar EH42 1ER
Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery: the Town House has been the focus of town life since the 16th century.
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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.
READ MORE
Greyfriars Kirk
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Welcome to Greyfriars Kirk, a worshipping congregation of the Church of Scotland in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town where a church has stood since 1620.
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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.
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The Real Mary Kings Close
2 Warriston's Close,
Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1PG
Edinburgh's deepest secret, the Real Mary King’s Close is buried deep beneath the Royal Mile... a warren of hidden streets that has remained frozen in time since the 17th Century!
READ MORE
The Tron Kirk
122 High Street,
Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1SG
The Tron Kirk, or Christ’s Kirk at the Tron, has stood in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town for almost 400 years.
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Gladstones Land
477b Lawnmarket,
Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2NT
Gladstone's Land, the house of wealthy merchant and landlord Thomas Gledstanes showcases high-rise living, 17th-century style, at the beating heart of Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile!
READ MORE
Linlithgow Palace
Linlithgow Palace Kirkgate,
Linlithgow EH49 7AL
Explore the magnificent ruins of the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Linlithgow Palace was built and added to over two centuries by the Stewart kings, resulting in a superb Renaissance residence.
READ MORE
All History and Culture listings in Edinburgh
Sponsored Links
National War Museum
Discover the story of Scotland at war within the walls of Edinburgh Castle with a visit to the National War Musuem.
READ MORE
Hopetoun House
Situated on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Hopetoun is a place of outstanding natural beauty, which has Scotland's finest stately home at its heart.
READ MORE
Trinity House
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.
READ MORE
Newhailes House and Gardens
Discover 300 years of Scottish history through the magnificent and carefully conserved neo-Palladian villa that is Newhailes House and Gardens!
READ MORE
Newbattle Abbey
Newbattle Abbey is set in 125 acres of beautiful parkland just outside Edinburgh and contains a wealth of Scottish history.
READ MORE
Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery
Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery: the Town House has been the focus of town life since the 16th century.
READ MORENational War Museum
Discover the story of Scotland at war within the walls of Edinburgh Castle with a visit to the National War Musuem.
READ MORE
Greyfriars Kirk
Welcome to Greyfriars Kirk, a worshipping congregation of the Church of Scotland in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town where a church has stood since 1620.
READ MORE
Panmure House
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.
READ MORE
The Real Mary Kings Close
Edinburgh's deepest secret, the Real Mary King’s Close is buried deep beneath the Royal Mile... a warren of hidden streets that has remained frozen in time since the 17th Century!
READ MORE
The Tron Kirk
The Tron Kirk, or Christ’s Kirk at the Tron, has stood in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town for almost 400 years.
READ MORE
Gladstones Land
Gladstone's Land, the house of wealthy merchant and landlord Thomas Gledstanes showcases high-rise living, 17th-century style, at the beating heart of Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile!
READ MORE
Linlithgow Palace
Explore the magnificent ruins of the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Linlithgow Palace was built and added to over two centuries by the Stewart kings, resulting in a superb Renaissance residence.
READ MORESponsored Links
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