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
	Edinburgh Castle Website
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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

Nights Out

Castle Of Light

21st November 2025 - 4th January 2026

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

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!

Talks and Lectures

Celebrating Burns

25th January 2026

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

Come along to Edinburgh Castle on 25th January to find out more about the bard and some of his works!

Music

Callum Beattie

10th July 2026

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

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!

Theatre

Critical Role Live

12th July 2026

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

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!

Music

James Taylor

14th July 2026

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

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

Music

Deacon Blue

17th July 2026

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

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!

Music

Snow Patrol

18th July 2026

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

Snow Patrol have announced a run of outdoor gigs next summer, including a date at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade on Saturday 18th July!

Nights Out

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

7th August 2026 - 29th August 2026

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

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

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

Auld Reekie Tours

45 Niddry Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1LG

Take a journey into the dark side of old Edinburgh's history touring the haunted underground vaults with Auld Reekie Tours!

History and Culture

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!

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

The Tron Kirk

122 High Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1SG

The Tron Kirk, or Christ’s Kirk at the Tron, has stood in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town for almost 400 years.

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

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!

History and Culture

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.

History and Culture

Traquair House

Traquair House , Innerleithen EH44 6PW

Traquair is a unique piece of living history welcoming visitors from all over the world. Enjoy the house, extensive grounds, maze, craft workshops, Garden Cafe and the famous Brewery!

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

Military Museum Scotland

Legion Hall Louis Braille Avenue, Wilkieston , Kirknewton EH27 8EJ

Come and learn about the Scottish involvement in the British military from WW1 to the present day at the Military Museum Scotland!

History and Culture

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!

History and Culture