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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

The Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse Canongate, Edinburgh East EH8 8DX

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, commonly referred to as Holyrood Palace, is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland.

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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 Cadies & Witchery Tours

84 West Bow, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2HH

The award-winning Cadies & Witchery Tours invite you to join their fearless phantoms for a suspenseful and mirth-filled tour of Edinburgh's Old Town!

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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...

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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.

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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.

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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.

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House of the Binns

House Of The Binns Binns View, Linlithgow EH49 7NA

Set in beautifully landscaped parkland overlooking the River Forth, this fascinating laird’s house near Linlithgow has been the home of the Dalyells for over 400 years.

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Craigmillar Castle

Craigmillar Castle Craigmillar Castle Road, Edinburgh South EH16 4SY

Step inside Edinburgh's other castle, once a rural retreat from Scotland's capital!

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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.

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Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh

9 Queen Street, Edinburgh New Town EH2 1JQ

The RCPE is an independent standard-setting body and professional membership organisation. Our aim is to improve and maintain the quality of patient care.

READ MORE

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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Sponsored Links

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Murrayfield Experience
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Hilton Glasgow
Escape The Past
Renfrewshire Council
Murrayfield Experience
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Sponsored Links

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

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