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 | |
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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.
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!
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Celebrating Burns
Come along to Edinburgh Castle on 25th January to find out more about the bard and some of his works!
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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!
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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!
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James Taylor
Castle Concerts, presented by Seat Unique, are delighted to announce that James Taylor will play Edinburgh Castle on Tuesday 14th July!
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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!
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Snow Patrol
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
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo returns from 7th to 29th August 2026 with the show 'A Call To Gather'.
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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.
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More History and Culture in Edinburgh
Traquair House
Traquair House ,
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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!
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The Peoples Story Museum
163 Canongate ,
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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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Gladstones Land
477b Lawnmarket,
Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2NT
Gladstone's Land, the house of wealthy merchant and landlord Thomas Gledstanes showcases high-rise living, 17th-century style, at the beating heart of Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile!
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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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Lauriston Castle
2 Cramond Road South,
Edinburgh West EH4 6AD
When you step inside Lauriston Castle, you see it just as it was in 1926, when it was left to the nation by the last private owner, Mrs Reid.
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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.
READ MORE
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!
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.
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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!
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The Edinburgh Dungeon
31 Market Street,
Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1DF
The Edinburgh Dungeon is the ultimate underground journey through Edinburgh's darkest history as you see, hear and errr smell Edinburgh’s murky past!
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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
The Georgian House
7 Charlotte Square,
Edinburgh New Town EH2 4DR
The Georgian House, Robert Adam's masterpiece of urban architecture with its elegant furnished interior, is located at No. 7 Charlotte Square in the centre of Edinburgh!
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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
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
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
Gladstones Land
Gladstone's Land, the house of wealthy merchant and landlord Thomas Gledstanes showcases high-rise living, 17th-century style, at the beating heart of Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile!
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 MORE
Lauriston Castle
When you step inside Lauriston Castle, you see it just as it was in 1926, when it was left to the nation by the last private owner, Mrs Reid.
READ MORE
Greater Grassmarket
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.
READ MORE
Craigmillar Castle
Step inside Edinburgh's other castle, once a rural retreat from Scotland's capital!
READ MORE
Trinity House
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
Curious About Edinburgh Tour
Have fun discovering Edinburgh with two self-guided, heritage walks with an optional treasure hunt... buy or instantly download & get curious!
READ MORE
The Edinburgh Dungeon
The Edinburgh Dungeon is the ultimate underground journey through Edinburgh's darkest history as you see, hear and errr smell Edinburgh’s murky past!
READ MORE
Prestongrange Museum
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
The Georgian House
The Georgian House, Robert Adam's masterpiece of urban architecture with its elegant furnished interior, is located at No. 7 Charlotte Square in the centre of Edinburgh!
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