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.

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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

Music

Kaiser Chiefs

4th July 2025

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

The Kaiser Chiefs will play Edinburgh Castle on Friday 4th July, celebrating 20 years of 'Employment'!

Music

Marti Pellow

5th July 2025

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

Castle Concerts are delighted to announce Marti Pellow will play Edinburgh Castle on Friday 5th July as part of his Love is All Around Tour.

Music

Ludovico Einaudi

10th July 2025 - 11th July 2025

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

Castle Concerts are delighted to announce Ludovico Einaudi, one of the most successful musicians in the world, will perform at Edinburgh Castle on Thursday 10th and Friday 11th July!

Music

Il Divo

12th July 2025

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

Castle Concerts are delighted to announce Il Divo will play Edinburgh Castle on Saturday 12th July!

Music

Harry Potter & The Chamber Of Secrets In Concert with the RSNO

13th July 2025

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

Edinburgh Castle Concerts presents a unique and immersive experience that combines Harry Potter & The Chamber Of Secrets with the power of live music from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

Nights Out

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

1st August 2025 - 23rd August 2025

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo returns from 1st to 23rd August 2025 with the show 'The Heroes Who Made Us'.

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

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

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

The Peoples Story Museum

163 Canongate , Edinburgh Old Town EH8 8BN

The People's Story gives an unique insight in to Edinburgh's working class people from the 18th century to the late 20th century.

History and Culture

House of the Binns

House Of The Binns Binns View, Linlithgow EH49 7NA

Set in beautifully landscaped parkland overlooking the River Forth, this fascinating laird’s house near Linlithgow has been the home of the Dalyells for over 400 years.

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

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 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

Dirleton Castle

Dirleton Castle , Dirleton EH39 5ER

Dirleton Castle hase some of the oldest castle architecture surviving in Scotland – the de Vaux towers, built around 1240.

History and Culture

Greyfriars Kirk

1 Greyfriars, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2QQ

Welcome to Greyfriars Kirk, a worshipping congregation of the Church of Scotland in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town where a church has stood since 1620.

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

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

Museum of Childhood Edinburgh

42 High Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1TG

The Museum of Childhood has a place in the hearts of millions. The first museum in the world dedicated to the history of childhood, it displays toys and...

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