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.

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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

Tour

Whispers of the past

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

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

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

Family and Kids

Great Big Living History Week

11th October 2025 - 19th October 2025

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

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

Family and Kids

The Mythical Mystery Hunt

11th October 2025 - 2nd November 2025

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

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

Days Out

Edin-boo! Castle: Halloween Shenanigans

25th October 2025 - 26th October 2025

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

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

History

Edinburgh Castle Gun Salutes

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

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

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

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!

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!

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

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.

History and Culture

John Gray Centre

15 Lodge Street, Haddington EH41 3DX

The John Gray Centre brings together East Lothian Council’s Archaeology, Museum, Archive and Local History Services, alongside Haddington’s branch library.

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

Hopetoun House

Hopetoun House Hopetoun, South Queensferry EH30 9SL

Situated on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Hopetoun is a place of outstanding natural beauty, which has Scotland's finest stately home at its heart.

History and Culture

John Knox House

43 - 45 High Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1SR

Dating back to 1470 John Knox House is one of Scotland's greatest cultural treasures and is associated with the most dramatic events in Scotland's turbulent history!

History and Culture

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.

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

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.

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

Edinburgh Street Historians

The High Street Wellhead Old Assembly Close, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1QX

The Edinburgh Street Historians are a group of local, Edinburgh-based tour guides, who want to tell the story of the city in a way which is different from other tour companies.

History and Culture