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.

We take every opportunity to ensure the details for Edinburgh Castle are accurate, if any of the above information is incorrect we would appreciate if you could take a minute to suggest an edit.

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

History

Edinburgh Castle Gun Salutes

Selected dates between 6th May 2024 - 14th November 2024

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

Edinburgh Castle hold a number of gun salutes throughout the year to mark various special occasions!

Music

Manic Street Preachers + Suede

10th June 2024

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

Two of the UK’s most influential and iconic rock bands Manic Street Preachers + Suede have announced a massive co-headline tour for summer 2024 with a date at Edinburgh Castle on 10th July!

Music

Madness

5th July 2024

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

Madness have announced a series of outdoor UK and Ireland shows for summer 2024, including a date at Edinburgh Castle on Friday 5th July!

Music

JLS - The Summer Hits Tour 2024

9th July 2024

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

Castle Concerts are delighted to announce that JLS will bring The Summer Hits Tour 2024 to Edinburgh Castle Esplanade on Tuesday 9th July!

Music

The National

11th July 2024

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

Castle Concerts are delighted to announce that one of the world’s biggest indie-rock bands The National, will be playing at the castle on Thursday 11 July 2024!

Music

Skipinnish: Celebrating 25 Years

12th July 2024

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

Castle Concerts are delighted to announce that Scotland's celebrated Celtic rock band Skipinnish will play at the castle to celebrate their 25th anniversary, on Friday 12th July!

Music

Paul Weller

13th July 2024

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

Paul Weller, one of the UK’s most enduring music greats, will play Edinburgh Castle on Saturday 13 July!

Music

Harry Potter & the Philosopher’s Stone In Concert with the RSNO

14th July 2024

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra will perform Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in Concert on Sunday 14th July in the spectacular setting of Edinburgh Castle!

Nights Out

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

2nd August 2024 - 24th August 2024

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo returns from 2nd to 24th August 2024!

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

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.

History and Culture

Linlithgow Palace

Linlithgow Palace Kirkgate, Linlithgow EH49 7AL

Explore the magnificent ruins of the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Linlithgow Palace was built and added to over two centuries by the Stewart kings, resulting in a superb Renaissance residence.

History and Culture

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.

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

Surgeons Hall Museums

Surgeons Hall Museums Nicolson Street, Edinburgh South EH8 9DW

Surgeons' Hall Museums is home to one of the largest and most historic collections of surgical pathology in the World, open to the public since 1832.

History and Culture

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.

History and Culture

Greyfriars Kirk

1 Greyfriars, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2QQ

Welcome to Greyfriars Kirk, a worshipping congregation of the Church of Scotland in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town where a church has stood since 1620.

History and Culture

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!

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

John Knox House

43 - 45 High Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1SR

Dating back to 1470 John Knox House is one of Scotland's greatest cultural treasures and is associated with the most dramatic events in Scotland's turbulent history!

History and Culture

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!

History and Culture