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

In light of updated Scottish Government advice regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), we have taken the decision to close public access to our staffed properties and offices until further notice. All planned public events will also be postponed until further notice – full details of these can be found on our Events page in the coming days: historicenvironment.scot/whats-on.

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.

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. We take every opportunity to ensure the details for Edinburgh Castle are accurate, please contact us at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk if any of the above information is incorrect.

Upcoming Events at Edinburgh Castle

British Sign Language Tours - POSTPONED

4th July 2020

Explore Edinburgh Castle and Edinburgh's Deaf history with Deaf tour guide John Hay, whose BSL tour will be translated into English by interpreter Linda Duncan.

Stereophonics - CANCELLED

23rd July 2020

Stereophonics, one of the countries best loved bands, will be performing at Edinburgh Castle on Tuesday 23nd July.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - CANCELLED

7th August 2020 - 29th August 2020

With the iconic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, 2020 sees The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo celebrate its 70th anniversary with ‘The Platinum Edition’.

British Sign Language Tours - POSTPONED

19th September 2020

Explore Edinburgh Castle and Edinburgh's Deaf history with Deaf tour guide John Hay, whose BSL tour will be translated into English by interpreter Linda Duncan.

Gun Salutes

14th November 2020

Join us at Edinburgh Castle for a number of gun salutes throughout the year. Each gun salute, unless otherwise stated, takes place at 12 noon.

The Script - RESCHEDULED DATE

16th July 2021

The Script, one of the hottest bands of the British/Irish music scene, will play Edinburgh Castle on Friday 16th July 2021.

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