Edinburgh Castle

About Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle dominates Scotland's capital city from its great rock. Its story has helped shape the nation's story.

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

Schiltron!

23rd February 2019

Come along to Edinburgh Castle and find out what a Schiltron was, how pikes were used and have a go yourself!

Schiltron!

24th February 2019

Come along to Edinburgh Castle and find out what a Schiltron was, how pikes were used and have a go yourself!

The Road to Bannockburn

25th February 2019

Meet one of Robert the Bruce’s men who served under the command of Thomas Randolph during the capture of Edinburgh Castle in 1314.

The Road to Bannockburn

26th February 2019

Meet one of Robert the Bruce’s men who served under the command of Thomas Randolph during the capture of Edinburgh Castle in 1314.

The Road to Bannockburn

27th February 2019

Meet one of Robert the Bruce’s men who served under the command of Thomas Randolph during the capture of Edinburgh Castle in 1314.

The Road to Bannockburn

28th February 2019

Meet one of Robert the Bruce’s men who served under the command of Thomas Randolph during the capture of Edinburgh Castle in 1314.

Rebels and Redcoats

4th March 2019

Rebels and Redcoats - Learn about the role Edinburgh Castle played in the Jacobite war and meet one of the characters from the period.

Rebels and Redcoats

5th March 2019

Rebels and Redcoats - Learn about the role Edinburgh Castle played in the Jacobite war and meet one of the characters from the period.

Rebels and Redcoats

6th March 2019

Rebels and Redcoats - Learn about the role Edinburgh Castle played in the Jacobite war and meet one of the characters from the period.

Rebels and Redcoats

7th March 2019

Rebels and Redcoats - Learn about the role Edinburgh Castle played in the Jacobite war and meet one of the characters from the period.

Music Through the Ages

8th March 2019

Meet King James V's musician as he explain some of the music and instruments played in court at Edinburgh Castle.

Schiltron!

9th March 2019

Come along to Edinburgh Castle and find out what a Schiltron was, how pikes were used and have a go yourself!

Schiltron!

10th March 2019

Come along to Edinburgh Castle and find out what a Schiltron was, how pikes were used and have a go yourself!

The Other Mary

12th March 2019 - 13th March 2019

Come along and hear the remarkable and often overlooked story of Mary of Guise at Edinburgh Castle this November.

Women of Independence

14th March 2019

Hear how during the Wars of Independence, women were among some of Bruce's strongest and bravest supporters.

Kilts and Captivity

16th March 2019

Find out why the Jacobite Risings of 1715 and 1745 failed as you meet a Highlander held prisoner in Edinburgh Castle.

Kilts and Captivity

17th March 2019

Find out why the Jacobite Risings of 1715 and 1745 failed as you meet a Highlander held prisoner in Edinburgh Castle.

Women of Independence

18th March 2019

Hear how during the Wars of Independence, women were among some of Bruce's strongest and bravest supporters.

In Memoriam - A Forgotten Story

20th March 2019

Hear how Alice Meredith Williams made a most significant contribution to the Scottish National War Memorial.

In Memoriam - A Forgotten Story

21st March 2019

Hear how Alice Meredith Williams made a most significant contribution to the Scottish National War Memorial.

Music Through the Ages

22nd March 2019

Meet King James V's musician as he explain some of the music and instruments played in court at Edinburgh Castle.

Rebels and Redcoats

23rd March 2019

Rebels and Redcoats - Learn about the role Edinburgh Castle played in the Jacobite war and meet one of the characters from the period.

Rebels and Redcoats

24th March 2019

Rebels and Redcoats - Learn about the role Edinburgh Castle played in the Jacobite war and meet one of the characters from the period.

Women of Independence

25th March 2019

Hear how during the Wars of Independence, women were among some of Bruce's strongest and bravest supporters.

Schiltron!

30th March 2019

Come along to Edinburgh Castle and find out what a Schiltron was, how pikes were used and have a go yourself!

Schiltron!

31st March 2019

Come along to Edinburgh Castle and find out what a Schiltron was, how pikes were used and have a go yourself!

Paul Weller

11th July 2019

Castle Concerts is delighted to announce that one of the UK’s most enduring music greats, Paul Weller, will be playing at Edinburgh Castle on 11th July.

Kylie Minogue

14th July 2019

International pop star Kylie Minogue announces a series of special shows for summer 2019, bringing her globally-celebrated talent as a live performer to Edinburgh for the first time since 1991.

The Proclaimers

20th July 2019

The Proclaimers have announced four Summer shows across Scotland in 2019 including a night at Edinburgh Castle on Saturday 20th July!

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

2nd August 2019 - 24th August 2019

With the iconic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, the four corners of the globe will meet in a kaleidoscope of music, dance and entertainment making the Edinburgh Tattoo an event like no other!

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