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.

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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

Nights Out

Castle Of Light

21st November 2025 - 4th January 2026

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

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!

Talks and Lectures

Celebrating Burns

25th January 2026

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

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

Music

Callum Beattie

10th July 2026

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

Castle Concerts, presented by Seat Unique, are delighted to announce that Callum Beattie (and special guests) will play Edinburgh Castle Esplanade on Friday 10th July!

Theatre

Critical Role Live

12th July 2026

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

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!

Music

James Taylor

14th July 2026

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

Castle Concerts, presented by Seat Unique, are delighted to announce that James Taylor will play Edinburgh Castle on Tuesday 14th July!

Music

Deacon Blue

17th July 2026

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

Scottish pop rock titans Deacon Blue have announced a huge run of outdoor shows for summer 2026, including a date at Edinburgh Castle on Friday 17th July!

Music

Snow Patrol

18th July 2026

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

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

Nights Out

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

7th August 2026 - 29th August 2026

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

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

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

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

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!

History and Culture

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.

History and Culture

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...

History and Culture

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!

History and Culture

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!

History and Culture

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.

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

Greater Grassmarket

Greater Grassmarket Business Improvement District 39 Grassmarket, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2HS

Steeped in some of Edinburgh's greatest history, Greater Grassmarket is only a minutes' walk from the popular Royal Mile and visitor favourite, the National Museum of 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

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.

History and Culture