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

Castle of Light

14th November 2019 - 22nd December 2019

Expect wonder, enchantment and a spectacle of colour this festive season as Edinburgh Castle, the defender of the nation, becomes the ‘Castle of Light’!

The Prince’s Trusted Man

9th December 2019 - 13th December 2019

Come along to Edinburgh Castle and hear how John Roy Stewart raised his Edinburgh Regiment for Prince Charlie and the part he played in rebellion.

Christmas Lunch at Edinburgh Castle

12th December 2019 - 22nd December 2019

Make Christmas 2019 special with a three course lunch in the opulent Queen Anne Room at Edinburgh Castle, and enjoy a dining experience fit for royalty.

Bolts and Bodkins

13th December 2019

Join castle archer Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow.

Bolts and Bodkins

14th December 2019

Join castle archer Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow.

Schiltron!

14th December 2019

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

Schiltron!

15th December 2019

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

Bolts and Bodkins

15th December 2019

Join castle archer Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow.

Bolts and Bodkins

16th December 2019

Join castle archer Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow.

Traditions and Tales of Christmas

19th December 2019 - 21st December 2019

Learn about the traditions and tales of a Victorian Christmas at Edinburgh Castle from 20th - 22nd December.

A Very Mary Christmas

22nd December 2019 - 24th December 2019

Come and join in the fun and see how Mary Queen of Scots celebrates the Twelve Days of Christmas with her courtiers.

Music Through the Ages

27th December 2019

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

Trebuchets and Trickery

28th December 2019

In March 1314, the forces of King Robert the Bruce captured Edinburgh Castle. Meet the commander, Thomas Randolph and hear how he used guile and local knowledge to capture it.

Trebuchets and Trickery

29th December 2019

In March 1314, the forces of King Robert the Bruce captured Edinburgh Castle. Meet the commander, Thomas Randolph and hear how he used guile and local knowledge to capture it.

Bolts and Bodkins

30th December 2019

Join castle archer Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow.

Bolts and Bodkins

31st December 2019

Join castle archer Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow.

Trebuchets and Trickery

1st January 2020

In March 1314, the forces of King Robert the Bruce captured Edinburgh Castle. Meet the commander, Thomas Randolph and hear how he used guile and local knowledge to capture it.

Trebuchets and Trickery

2nd January 2020

In March 1314, the forces of King Robert the Bruce captured Edinburgh Castle. Meet the commander, Thomas Randolph and hear how he used guile and local knowledge to capture it.

In Memoriam - A Forgotten Story

3rd January 2020

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

A Most Royal Rebellion

4th January 2020

Hear the forgotten story of Scotland’s own version of the war of the roses, between father and son King James III and the future James IV.

A Most Royal Rebellion

5th January 2020

Hear the forgotten story of Scotland’s own version of the war of the roses, between father and son King James III and the future James IV.

Head and Shoulders Above the Rest!

6th January 2020 - 9th January 2020

Find out the part Grenadiers would play in the history of Edinburgh Castle and the eventual defeat of the Jacobites at Culloden.

Bolts and Bodkins

13th January 2020

Join castle archer Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow.

Bolts and Bodkins

14th January 2020

Join castle archer Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow.

Bolts and Bodkins

15th January 2020

Join castle archer Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow.

Music Through the Ages

16th January 2020

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

Music Through the Ages

17th January 2020

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

Schiltron!

18th January 2020

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

Schiltron!

19th January 2020

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

21st January 2020

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

22nd January 2020

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

23rd January 2020

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

24th January 2020

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

Burns for Beginners at Edinburgh Castle

25th January 2020 - 31st January 2020

Come along for a light-hearted introduction to the bard and some of his works at Edinburgh Castle.

Medieval Fashion

1st February 2020 - 2nd February 2020

See how fashion of the Kings court here in Edinburgh Castle changed through the medieval period for both men and women.

Crime and Punishment in Medieval Scotland

7th February 2020 - 13th February 2020

Listen as Gilbert Savage, the Executioner, recounts the nature of crime & punishment during the turbulent times in Medieval Scotland.

Music Through the Ages

15th February 2020

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

Music Through the Ages

16th February 2020

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

Rob Roy MacGregor

17th February 2020

Rob Roy MacGregor - Hear stories of Rebellion, clan warfare and self-preservation at Edinburgh Castle.

Rob Roy MacGregor

18th February 2020

Rob Roy MacGregor - Hear stories of Rebellion, clan warfare and self-preservation at Edinburgh Castle.

Rob Roy MacGregor

19th February 2020

Rob Roy MacGregor - Hear stories of Rebellion, clan warfare and self-preservation at Edinburgh Castle.

Rob Roy MacGregor

20th February 2020

Rob Roy MacGregor - Hear stories of Rebellion, clan warfare and self-preservation at Edinburgh Castle.

Schiltron!

22nd February 2020

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

Schiltron!

23rd February 2020

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

In Memoriam - A Forgotten Story

25th February 2020

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

In Memoriam - A Forgotten Story

26th February 2020

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

In Memoriam - A Forgotten Story

27th February 2020

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

In Memoriam - A Forgotten Story

28th February 2020

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

Trebuchets and Trickery

1st March 2020

In March 1314, the forces of King Robert the Bruce captured Edinburgh Castle. Meet the commander, Thomas Randolph and hear how he used guile and local knowledge to capture it.

The Road to Bannockburn

2nd March 2020

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

3rd March 2020

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

4th March 2020

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

5th March 2020

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

Schiltron!

7th March 2020

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

Schiltron!

8th March 2020

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

Their Name Liveth

14th March 2020

Come and hear the story of the role Sir Robert Lorimer played in the building of the Scottish National War Memorial.

Their Name Liveth

15th March 2020

Come and hear the story of the role Sir Robert Lorimer played in the building of the Scottish National War Memorial.

Schiltron!

21st March 2020

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

Schiltron!

22nd March 2020

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

Rebels and Redcoats

23rd March 2020

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 2020

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

25th March 2020

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

26th March 2020

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

Inglis’ Amazons

28th March 2020

Inglis’ Amazons: hear the tales of this incredible all-female medical unit as they save lives at the front.

Inglis’ Amazons

29th March 2020

Inglis’ Amazons: hear the tales of this incredible all-female medical unit as they save lives at the front.

Rob Roy MacGregor

30th March 2020

Rob Roy MacGregor - Hear stories of Rebellion, clan warfare and self-preservation at Edinburgh Castle.

Rob Roy MacGregor

31st March 2020

Rob Roy MacGregor - Hear stories of Rebellion, clan warfare and self-preservation at Edinburgh Castle.

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