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
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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

History

Edinburgh Castle Gun Salutes

Selected dates between 6th May 2024 - 14th November 2024

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

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

Music

Manic Street Preachers + Suede

10th June 2024

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

Two of the UK’s most influential and iconic rock bands Manic Street Preachers + Suede have announced a massive co-headline tour for summer 2024 with a date at Edinburgh Castle on 10th July!

Music

Madness

5th July 2024

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

Madness have announced a series of outdoor UK and Ireland shows for summer 2024, including a date at Edinburgh Castle on Friday 5th July!

Music

JLS - The Summer Hits Tour 2024

9th July 2024

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

Castle Concerts are delighted to announce that JLS will bring The Summer Hits Tour 2024 to Edinburgh Castle Esplanade on Tuesday 9th July!

Music

The National

11th July 2024

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

Castle Concerts are delighted to announce that one of the world’s biggest indie-rock bands The National, will be playing at the castle on Thursday 11 July 2024!

Music

Skipinnish: Celebrating 25 Years

12th July 2024

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

Castle Concerts are delighted to announce that Scotland's celebrated Celtic rock band Skipinnish will play at the castle to celebrate their 25th anniversary, on Friday 12th July!

Music

Paul Weller

13th July 2024

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

Paul Weller, one of the UK’s most enduring music greats, will play Edinburgh Castle on Saturday 13 July!

Music

Harry Potter & the Philosopher’s Stone In Concert with the RSNO

14th July 2024

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra will perform Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in Concert on Sunday 14th July in the spectacular setting of Edinburgh Castle!

Nights Out

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

2nd August 2024 - 24th August 2024

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo returns from 2nd to 24th August 2024!

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 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

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

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!

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

National Museum of Flight Scotland

National Museum of Flight Scotland East Fortune Airfield, EH39 5LF

Head off on a journey of discovery at this former airfield as you explore the history of aviation from the First World War to the present day

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

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

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

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

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

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