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Edinburgh Castle

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

Edinburgh Castle

About Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle Castlehill, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2NG
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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.


Upcoming Events at Edinburgh Castle

Whispers of the past

Selected dates between 4th October 2025 - 1st November 2025

Join our guide for a journey through the grounds of this ancient site to explore the veiled past of Edinburgh Castle!

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Great Big Living History Week

11th October 2025 - 26th October 2025

Especially for the October Holidays sites all over Scotland will be hosting characters throughout history including Edinburgh Castle.

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The Mythical Mystery Hunt

11th October 2025 - 2nd November 2025

This autumn, follow Historic Environment Scotland's family trails to discover some of the magical and mystical creatures of Scottish folklore.

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Edin-boo! Castle: Halloween Shenanigans

25th October 2025 - 26th October 2025

Some special guests await you in the Great Hall at Edinburgh Castle and they have a story to tell!

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Edinburgh Castle Gun Salutes

Selected dates between 9th November 2025 - 14th November 2025

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

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Castle Of Light

21st November 2025 - 4th January 2026

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

25th January 2026

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

10th July 2026

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

12th July 2026

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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Snow Patrol

18th July 2026

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

7th August 2026 - 29th August 2026

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo returns from 7th to 29th August 2026 with the show 'A Call To Gather'.

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Related 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.

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More History and Culture in Edinburgh

The Real Mary Kings Close

2 Warriston's Close, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1PG

Edinburgh's deepest secret, the Real Mary King’s Close is buried deep beneath the Royal Mile... a warren of hidden streets that has remained frozen in time since the 17th Century!

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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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Canongate Kirk

153 Canongate, Edinburgh Old Town EH8 8BN

Canongate Kirk is the parish church of Canongate in Edinburgh’s Old Town and a congregation of the Church of Scotland.

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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.

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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!

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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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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.

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

Rosslyn Chapel

Rosslyn Chapel Chapel Loan, Roslin EH25 9PU

Owned by The Earl and Countess of RosslynRosslyn Chapel was founded in 1446 as a place of worship and services continue to be held here weekly. The Chapel...

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Newbattle Abbey

NA Newbattle Road, Dalkeith EH22 3LL

Newbattle Abbey is set in 125 acres of beautiful parkland just outside Edinburgh and contains a wealth of Scottish history.

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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

National Museum of Scotland

National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1JF

Connecting Scotland to the world and the world to Scotland.

READ MORE
All History and Culture listings in Edinburgh

Sponsored Links

Open Pass Scotland
Hilton Glasgow
Murrayfield Experience
Hilton Glasgow
Renfrewshire Council
Fayre Play
Murrayfield Experience
Murrayfield Experience
Children's Classic Concerts
Wonder & Co
Renfrewshire Council
Edinburgh Street Historians
Escape The Past
Murrayfield Experience

Sponsored Links

Open Pass Scotland
Hilton Glasgow
Murrayfield Experience
Hilton Glasgow
Renfrewshire Council
Fayre Play
Murrayfield Experience
Murrayfield Experience
Children's Classic Concerts
Wonder & Co
Renfrewshire Council
Edinburgh Street Historians
Escape The Past
Murrayfield Experience

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