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

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

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

Gladstones Land

477b Lawnmarket, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2NT

Gladstone's Land, the house of wealthy merchant and landlord Thomas Gledstanes showcases high-rise living, 17th-century style, at the beating heart of Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile!

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

Newhailes House and Gardens

Newhailes House and Gardens Newhailes Road , Musselburgh EH21 6RY

Discover 300 years of Scottish history through the magnificent and carefully conserved neo-Palladian villa that is Newhailes House and Gardens!

History and Culture

Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens Princes Street, Edinburgh New Town EH2 2HG

Princes Street Gardens lies at centre of Edinburgh's World Heritage Site, within New Town and Old Town Outstanding Conservation Areas.

History and Culture

Rosslyn Chapel

Rosslyn Chapel Chapel Loan, Roslin EH25 9PU

Owned by The Earl and Countess of RosslynRosslyn Chapel was founded in 1446 as a place of worship and services continue to be held here weekly. The Chapel...

History and Culture

Blackness Castle

Blackness Castle , Blackness EH49 7NH

Blackness Castle stands by the Firth of Forth, at the port that served the royal burgh of Linlithgow in medieval times.

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

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

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