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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
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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.


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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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'.

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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.

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More History and Culture in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Street Historians

The High Street Wellhead Old Assembly Close, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1QX

The Edinburgh Street Historians are a group of local, Edinburgh-based tour guides, who want to tell the story of the city in a way which is different from other tour companies.

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Museum of Childhood Edinburgh

42 High Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1TG

The Museum of Childhood has a place in the hearts of millions. The first museum in the world dedicated to the history of childhood, it displays toys and...

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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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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.

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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.

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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

Blackness Castle

Blackness Castle , Blackness EH49 7NH

Blackness Castle stands by the Firth of Forth, at the port that served the royal burgh of Linlithgow in medieval times.

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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!

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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.

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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

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

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!

READ MORE
All History and Culture listings in Edinburgh

Sponsored Links

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

Sponsored Links

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

Popular Events

War Horse
The National Theatre’s global smash-hit production of War Horse returns to the Festival Theatre in October 2025!
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Terror Scream Park, Edinburgh’s most intense 18+ horror event, launches for the very first time this autumn at Conifox Adventure Park.
The Wiggles Tree of Wisdom Spectacular!
The Wiggles will bring their most magical live show experience to date, the Tree of Wisdom Spectacular, to Edinburgh's Usher Hall on Monday 6th April!
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Nearly Combs, the Luke Combs Tribute show, has announced a show at Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Murrayfield on Thursday 20th November!
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)!

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