Edinburgh Castle
- Telephone 0131 225 9846
- Opening times 1 Oct–31 Mar daily 9.30am–5pm; 1 Apr–30 Sep daily 9.30am–6pm.
- Admission £14.50–£16 (£11.60–£13; under 16s £8.60–£9.20)
- Website www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk
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Sitting atop the volcanic Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle dominates the city skyline and is the most popular paid visitor attraction in Scotland. Events at the castle include regular re-enactments of events from its history, occasional concerts by big-name performers, and in August, the Castle Esplanade is the venue for the world-famous Military Tattoo. Other attractions include James IV's famous cannon, Mons Meg, the One O'Clock Gun with its own exhibition, lots of military silverware and, of course, The Stone Of Destiny, used to crown Scottish kings since time began.
A proud and majestic symbol of Scotland, famous the world over. Unmissable highlights of Edinburgh Castle’s wealth of treasures are the crown jewels, The Honours of Scotland, which are amongst the oldest in Europe and The Stone of Destiny. The Great Hall has a striking arms and armour display. Also off Crown Square is the Royal Palace including the birthing chamber where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth. Don’t miss St Margaret’s Chapel, Edinburgh’s oldest building. The Scottish National War Memorial, a moving experience, is the shrine to those who gave their lives in conflict. Ask our team about our recommended 10 highlights.
Enjoying a Visit A free tour by one of our experienced guides will help make the most of your visit. Audio guides in eight languages are also available for hire. A children’s trail is specially designed for our youngest visitors.
Gifts & refreshments • The castle’s three gift shops sell a wide range of high quality souvenirs, books and gifts • The Redcoat Café offers a hot carvery, light meals, sandwiches and drinks. The Queen Anne Café is a stylish venue which provides distinctive Scottish cuisine and afternoon teas
Visit… • In Edinburgh at the top of the Royal Mile • Open all year. 21 March - 30 September 9.30am to 6pm and 1 October - 31 March 9.30am to 5pm. Last tickets 45 mins before closing. Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Please note that opening times for the independent museums may vary • We recommend at least 2 hours to see the major attractions within the castle • Parking for drivers with a blue disabled badge • Steep inclines and steps - courtesy vehicle available • VisitScotland grading ★★★★★
Text supplied by third party.
Event times
There are 11 events at this location
Sorted by title / date & time
Hands on History
See history in a closer and more interactive light in the Great Hall, where you can get to grips (literally) with some of Scotland's past.
Tue 21 May
Times vary / Included in admission / 0131 225 9846
Fri 24 May
Times vary / Included in admission / 0131 225 9846
Tue 28 May
Times vary / Included in admission / 0131 225 9846
Jessie J
The urban pop diva and TV talent show 'coach' belts out the hits on this arena tour.
Wed 17 Jul
£38.50 / 0131 225 9846
Kilts and Captivity
Hear about the rebellions of the 17th and 18th centuries first-hand (well, kinda) from two Jacobite soldiers involved in the uprisings.
Wed 22 May
Included in admission / 0131 225 9846
Wed 29 May
Included in admission / 0131 225 9846
Wed 5 Jun
Included in admission / 0131 225 9846
Paul Weller
The Modfather performs material from throughout his 30-year career, including his latest Mercury Music Prize-nominated album Wake Up the Nation.
Sun 21 Jul
£40–£45 / 0131 225 9846
- 18:45 Edinburgh Castle Paul Weller
Pirates and Patriots
Meet an American prisoner who's holed up in the depths of the castle's vaults and learn about the American War of Independence and what life was like once you'd been captured.
Thu 23 May
Included in admission / 0131 225 9846
Thu 30 May
Included in admission / 0131 225 9846
Thu 6 Jun
Included in admission / 0131 225 9846
Renaissance Music
Learn about the pop charts of old and see if you can figure out how a hurdy gurdy or renaissance rackett was played.
Sat 1 Jun
Included in admission / 0131 225 9846
Fri 28 Jun
Included in admission / 0131 225 9846
Sat 29 Jun
Included in admission / 0131 225 9846
Sun 30 Jun
Included in admission / 0131 225 9846
The Rough Wooing
Two castle soldiers tell the story of the Earl of Hertford's 1544 attempt to destroy Edinburgh and its castle.
Thu 30 May
Included in admission / 0131 225 9846
Fri 21 Jun
Included in admission / 0131 225 9846
Sat 22 Jun
Included in admission / 0131 225 9846
Thu 27 Jun
Included in admission / 0131 225 9846
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
This unique event that draws crowds (and performers) from all over the world celebrates the Year of Natural Scotland with massed pipes and drums, massed military bands, display teams, dancers and the haunting lament of the Lone Piper set against the magnificent backcloth of Edinburgh Castle.
Fri 2 Aug
Times vary / £24–£58 / 0131 225 1188
Sat 3 Aug
Times vary / £24–£58 / 0131 225 1188
Sun 4 Aug
Times vary / £24–£58 / 0131 225 1188
Saint and Sinner
Listen to the story of Malcolm Canmore, who ran off to invade England leaving his poor wife Margaret all alone in the castle.
Tue 18 Jun
Included in admission / 0131 225 9846
Swords of the Righteous
Partially dramatised explanation of how and why Cromwell's army came to lay siege to Edinburgh Castle, and how it was successful.
Mon 27 May
Included in admission / 0131 225 9846
Mon 17 Jun
Included in admission / 0131 225 9846
Wed 26 Jun
Included in admission / 0131 225 9846
Trebuchets and Trickery
Despite the fact that good ol' Edinburgh Castle was considered impregnable in the 1300s, that wily Sir Thomas Randolph managed to take control – and he didn't even have any fancy machinery. Meet the sly fox himself and find out more.
Sat 25 May
Included in admission / 0131 225 9846
Sun 26 May
Included in admission / 0131 225 9846
Sat 8 Jun
Included in admission / 0131 225 9846
Reviews & features
A guide to Edinburgh Castle
16 Feb 2011
The capital's most iconic landmark is a must-see for any visitor
Castle Rock, the plug of an extinct volcano, is estimated to be 350 million years old. Archaeologists say that its grassy shoulders were the site of a settlement at least as early as 900bc, and by ad600 there was probably a feasting hall on the…
Take Me Out
2 Apr 2009
From cycling, pirate ships, dolphin watching and woodland walks to face-painting, castles, beaches and alien designs, Anna Millar handpicks some of the finest days out and events this Easter, whether you’re a big or a little kid
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