CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

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
01312259846
Edinburgh Castle Website
Facebook information can be found here
Follow edinburghcastle on Instagram

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

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!

READ MORE

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!

READ MORE

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!

READ MORE

Garbage

11th July 2026

Featuring hometown hero Shirley Manson, American alternative rock band Garbage have announced a headline show at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade on Saturday 11th July!

READ MORE

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!

READ MORE

James Taylor

14th July 2026

Castle Concerts, presented by Seat Unique, are delighted to announce that James Taylor will play Edinburgh Castle on Tuesday 14th July!

READ MORE

Deacon Blue

17th July 2026

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!

READ MORE

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!

READ MORE

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban In Concert with the RSNO

19th July 2026

Experience Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban like never before as the Scottish National Orchestra brings John Williams’ spellbinding score to life live in concert at Edinburgh Castle!

READ MORE

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'.

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE

More History and Culture in Edinburgh

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.

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

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

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.

READ MORE

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!

READ MORE

Barnton Bunker

R4, ROTOR Complex, Barnton Bunker 35 Clermiston Road North, Edinburgh West EH4 7BN

Hidden within the affluent Edinburgh suburbs Barnton Bunker complex is a unique setting steeped in history!

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE

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!

READ MORE

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!

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE

The Royal Yacht Britannia

The Royal Yacht Britannia Ocean Drive, Leith EH6 6JJ

Rated Scotland’s Best Visitor Attraction for 12 years by national tourism agency VisitScotland, Britannia was home to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family for over 40 years.

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE
All History and Culture listings in Edinburgh

Sponsored Links

Local Motive Markets
Open Pass Scotland
WST
Escape The Past
Hilton Glasgow
The Chocolatarium
Wonder & Co
Fayre Play
Hostelworld
Edinburgh Dungeon
ATG

Sponsored Links

Local Motive Markets
Open Pass Scotland
WST
Escape The Past
Hilton Glasgow
The Chocolatarium
Wonder & Co
Fayre Play
Hostelworld
Edinburgh Dungeon
ATG

Popular Events

Panto 2025: Jack and the Beanstalk
Join Allan Stewart, Grant Stott and Jordan Young for the GIANT of a pantomime we've all BEAN waiting for!
Edinburgh’s Christmas: The Polar Ice Bar
Take some time to ‘chill’ at the Polar Ice Bar, the coolest bar in the city, where your table, chairs and glasses are sculpted entirely from ice.
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!
Christmas at the Botanics
Explore the sights and sounds of Christmas in this magical after dark experience when it returns to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh!
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban In Concert with the RSNO
Experience Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban like never before as the Scottish National Orchestra brings John Williams’ spellbinding score to life live in concert at Edinburgh Castle!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall