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 | |
| 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.
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
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!
READ MORE
Celebrating Burns
Come along to Edinburgh Castle on 25th January to find out more about the bard and some of his works!
READ MORE
Callum Beattie
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!
READ MORE
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!
READ MORE
James Taylor
Castle Concerts, presented by Seat Unique, are delighted to announce that James Taylor will play Edinburgh Castle on Tuesday 14th July!
READ MORE
Deacon Blue
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!
READ MORE
Snow Patrol
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
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo returns from 7th to 29th August 2026 with the show 'A Call To Gather'.
READ MORERelated 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
Barnton Bunker
R4, ROTOR Complex, Barnton Bunker 35 Clermiston Road North,
Edinburgh West EH4 7BN
Hidden within the affluent Edinburgh suburbs Barnton Bunker complex is a unique setting steeped in history!
READ MORE
John Gray Centre
15 Lodge Street,
Haddington EH41 3DX
The John Gray Centre brings together East Lothian Council’s Archaeology, Museum, Archive and Local History Services, alongside Haddington’s branch library.
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
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.
READ MORE
Traquair House
Traquair House ,
Innerleithen EH44 6PW
Traquair is a unique piece of living history welcoming visitors from all over the world. Enjoy the house, extensive grounds, maze, craft workshops, Garden Cafe and the famous Brewery!
READ MORE
Hopetoun House
Hopetoun House Hopetoun,
South Queensferry EH30 9SL
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
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.
READ MORE
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
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!
READ MORE
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.
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.
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
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
Barnton Bunker
Hidden within the affluent Edinburgh suburbs Barnton Bunker complex is a unique setting steeped in history!
READ MORE
John Gray Centre
The John Gray Centre brings together East Lothian Council’s Archaeology, Museum, Archive and Local History Services, alongside Haddington’s branch library.
READ MORE
The Peoples Story Museum
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
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
Traquair House
Traquair is a unique piece of living history welcoming visitors from all over the world. Enjoy the house, extensive grounds, maze, craft workshops, Garden Cafe and the famous Brewery!
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
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
The Cadies & Witchery Tours
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!
READ MORE
Preston Mill and Phantassie Doocot
Preston Mill is an architectural oddity that will beguile visitors as much as it delights painters and photographers.
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
Scott Monument
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 MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links