CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Edinburgh Castle

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

Edinburgh Castle

About Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle Castlehill, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2NG
01312259846
Edinburgh Castle Website
Follow edinburghcastle on Twitter
Facebook information can be found here
Follow edinburghcastle on Instagram

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.


Upcoming Events at Edinburgh Castle

Whispers of the past

Selected dates between 4th October 2025 - 1st November 2025

Join our guide for a journey through the grounds of this ancient site to explore the veiled past of Edinburgh Castle!

READ MORE

Great Big Living History Week

11th October 2025 - 26th October 2025

Especially for the October Holidays sites all over Scotland will be hosting characters throughout history including Edinburgh Castle.

READ MORE

The Mythical Mystery Hunt

11th October 2025 - 2nd November 2025

This autumn, follow Historic Environment Scotland's family trails to discover some of the magical and mystical creatures of Scottish folklore.

READ MORE

Edin-boo! Castle: Halloween Shenanigans

25th October 2025 - 26th October 2025

Some special guests await you in the Great Hall at Edinburgh Castle and they have a story to tell!

READ MORE

Edinburgh Castle Gun Salutes

Selected dates between 9th November 2025 - 14th November 2025

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

READ MORE

Castle Of Light

21st November 2025 - 4th January 2026

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!

READ MORE

Celebrating Burns

25th January 2026

Come along to Edinburgh Castle on 25th January to find out more about the bard and some of his works!

READ MORE

Critical Role Live

12th July 2026

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!

READ MORE

Snow Patrol

18th July 2026

Snow Patrol have announced a run of outdoor gigs next summer, including a date at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade on Saturday 18th July!

READ MORE

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

7th August 2026 - 29th August 2026

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo returns from 7th to 29th August 2026 with the show 'A Call To Gather'.

READ MORE

Related Links

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

More History and Culture in Edinburgh

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.

READ MORE

National Museum of Scotland

National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1JF

Connecting Scotland to the world and the world to Scotland.

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE

Linlithgow Museum

Linlithgow Partnership Centre 93 High Street , Linlithgow EH49 7EZ

A free museum, perfect for locals and visitors alike. Find out about our Royal connections, the trades of the town, the ordinary - and extra-ordinary! - people.

READ MORE

The Royal Yacht Britannia

The Royal Yacht Britannia Ocean Drive, Leith EH6 6JJ

Rated Scotland’s Best Visitor Attraction for 12 years by national tourism agency VisitScotland, Britannia was home to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family for over 40 years.

READ MORE

The Peoples Story Museum

163 Canongate , Edinburgh Old Town EH8 8BN

The People's Story gives an unique insight in to Edinburgh's working class people from the 18th century to the late 20th century.

READ MORE

Rosslyn Chapel

Rosslyn Chapel Chapel Loan, Roslin EH25 9PU

Owned by The Earl and Countess of RosslynRosslyn Chapel was founded in 1446 as a place of worship and services continue to be held here weekly. The Chapel...

READ MORE

Curious About Edinburgh Tour

, Various Locations Edinburgh

Have fun discovering Edinburgh with two self-guided, heritage walks with an optional treasure hunt... buy or instantly download & get curious!

READ MORE

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

READ MORE

Prestongrange Museum

Prestongrange Museum Morrisons Haven, Prestonpans EH32 9RX

Prestongrange is a free open-air museum, that tells 700 years of industrial heritage history. Family friendly, with lots to see and do!

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE

Auld Reekie Tours

45 Niddry Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1LG

Take a journey into the dark side of old Edinburgh's history touring the haunted underground vaults with Auld Reekie Tours!

READ MORE
All History and Culture listings in Edinburgh

Sponsored Links

Murrayfield Experience
Wonder & Co
Open Pass Scotland
Murrayfield Experience
Fayre Play
Escape The Past
Murrayfield Experience
Renfrewshire Council
Murrayfield Experience
Edinburgh Street Historians
Hilton Glasgow
Children's Classic Concerts
Hilton Glasgow
Hostelworld

Sponsored Links

Murrayfield Experience
Wonder & Co
Open Pass Scotland
Murrayfield Experience
Fayre Play
Escape The Past
Murrayfield Experience
Renfrewshire Council
Murrayfield Experience
Edinburgh Street Historians
Hilton Glasgow
Children's Classic Concerts
Hilton Glasgow
Hostelworld

Popular Events

Conifox Terror Scream Park
Terror Scream Park, Edinburgh’s most intense 18+ horror event, launches for the very first time this autumn at Conifox Adventure Park.
Five Sisters Zoo Christmas Illuminations
By popular demand, Five Sisters Zoo's Christmas Illuminations are back this winter with a mesmerizing display of colour and light!
Panto 2025: Jack and the Beanstalk
Join Allan Stewart, Grant Stott and Jordan Young for the GIANT of a pantomime we've all BEAN waiting for!
Crafternoons
Looking for something fun to do with the kids during the October break? Then come along to these FREE arts and crafts sessions at the Scottish Parliament every day (except Sundays)!
Jubilate Children’s Choir
Jubilate is St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral's new junior choir, held every Friday during term time in the Song School on the Cathedral grounds.

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall