Edinburgh Castle

About Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle dominates Scotland's capital city from its great rock. Its story has helped shape the nation's story.

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

The Road to Bannockburn

23rd January 2020

Meet one of Robert the Bruce’s men who served under the command of Thomas Randolph during the capture of Edinburgh Castle in 1314.

The Road to Bannockburn

24th January 2020

Meet one of Robert the Bruce’s men who served under the command of Thomas Randolph during the capture of Edinburgh Castle in 1314.

Burns for Beginners at Edinburgh Castle

25th January 2020 - 31st January 2020

Come along for a light-hearted introduction to the bard and some of his works at Edinburgh Castle.

Medieval Fashion

1st February 2020 - 2nd February 2020

See how fashion of the Kings court here in Edinburgh Castle changed through the medieval period for both men and women.

Crime and Punishment in Medieval Scotland

7th February 2020 - 13th February 2020

Listen as Gilbert Savage, the Executioner, recounts the nature of crime & punishment during the turbulent times in Medieval Scotland.

Music Through the Ages

15th February 2020

Meet King James V's musician as he explain some of the music and instruments played in court at Edinburgh Castle.

Music Through the Ages

16th February 2020

Meet King James V's musician as he explain some of the music and instruments played in court at Edinburgh Castle.

Rob Roy MacGregor

17th February 2020

Rob Roy MacGregor - Hear stories of Rebellion, clan warfare and self-preservation at Edinburgh Castle.

Rob Roy MacGregor

18th February 2020

Rob Roy MacGregor - Hear stories of Rebellion, clan warfare and self-preservation at Edinburgh Castle.

Rob Roy MacGregor

19th February 2020

Rob Roy MacGregor - Hear stories of Rebellion, clan warfare and self-preservation at Edinburgh Castle.

Rob Roy MacGregor

20th February 2020

Rob Roy MacGregor - Hear stories of Rebellion, clan warfare and self-preservation at Edinburgh Castle.

Schiltron!

22nd February 2020

Come along to Edinburgh Castle and find out what a Schiltron was, how pikes were used and have a go yourself!

Schiltron!

23rd February 2020

Come along to Edinburgh Castle and find out what a Schiltron was, how pikes were used and have a go yourself!

In Memoriam - A Forgotten Story

25th February 2020

Hear how Alice Meredith Williams made a most significant contribution to the Scottish National War Memorial.

In Memoriam - A Forgotten Story

26th February 2020

Hear how Alice Meredith Williams made a most significant contribution to the Scottish National War Memorial.

In Memoriam - A Forgotten Story

27th February 2020

Hear how Alice Meredith Williams made a most significant contribution to the Scottish National War Memorial.

In Memoriam - A Forgotten Story

28th February 2020

Hear how Alice Meredith Williams made a most significant contribution to the Scottish National War Memorial.

Trebuchets and Trickery

1st March 2020

In March 1314, the forces of King Robert the Bruce captured Edinburgh Castle. Meet the commander, Thomas Randolph and hear how he used guile and local knowledge to capture it.

The Road to Bannockburn

2nd March 2020

Meet one of Robert the Bruce’s men who served under the command of Thomas Randolph during the capture of Edinburgh Castle in 1314.

The Road to Bannockburn

3rd March 2020

Meet one of Robert the Bruce’s men who served under the command of Thomas Randolph during the capture of Edinburgh Castle in 1314.

The Road to Bannockburn

4th March 2020

Meet one of Robert the Bruce’s men who served under the command of Thomas Randolph during the capture of Edinburgh Castle in 1314.

The Road to Bannockburn

5th March 2020

Meet one of Robert the Bruce’s men who served under the command of Thomas Randolph during the capture of Edinburgh Castle in 1314.

Schiltron!

7th March 2020

Come along to Edinburgh Castle and find out what a Schiltron was, how pikes were used and have a go yourself!

Schiltron!

8th March 2020

Come along to Edinburgh Castle and find out what a Schiltron was, how pikes were used and have a go yourself!

Their Name Liveth

14th March 2020

Come and hear the story of the role Sir Robert Lorimer played in the building of the Scottish National War Memorial.

Their Name Liveth

15th March 2020

Come and hear the story of the role Sir Robert Lorimer played in the building of the Scottish National War Memorial.

Schiltron!

21st March 2020

Come along to Edinburgh Castle and find out what a Schiltron was, how pikes were used and have a go yourself!

Schiltron!

22nd March 2020

Come along to Edinburgh Castle and find out what a Schiltron was, how pikes were used and have a go yourself!

Rebels and Redcoats

23rd March 2020

Rebels and Redcoats - Learn about the role Edinburgh Castle played in the Jacobite war and meet one of the characters from the period.

Rebels and Redcoats

24th March 2020

Rebels and Redcoats - Learn about the role Edinburgh Castle played in the Jacobite war and meet one of the characters from the period.

Rebels and Redcoats

25th March 2020

Rebels and Redcoats - Learn about the role Edinburgh Castle played in the Jacobite war and meet one of the characters from the period.

Rebels and Redcoats

26th March 2020

Rebels and Redcoats - Learn about the role Edinburgh Castle played in the Jacobite war and meet one of the characters from the period.

Inglis’ Amazons

28th March 2020

Inglis’ Amazons: hear the tales of this incredible all-female medical unit as they save lives at the front.

Inglis’ Amazons

29th March 2020

Inglis’ Amazons: hear the tales of this incredible all-female medical unit as they save lives at the front.

Rob Roy MacGregor

30th March 2020

Rob Roy MacGregor - Hear stories of Rebellion, clan warfare and self-preservation at Edinburgh Castle.

Rob Roy MacGregor

31st March 2020

Rob Roy MacGregor - Hear stories of Rebellion, clan warfare and self-preservation at Edinburgh Castle.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

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’.

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