Edinburgh Castle
- Opening times: 09:30–18:00
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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 • Admission: Prices range from Adult £10.00 - £12.00 Child £5.00 - £6.00 Concessions £7.00 - £9.50 • 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 ★★★★★
Find out more about Edinburgh Castle at historic-scotland.gov.uk
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A guide to Edinburgh Castle
The capital's most iconic landmark is a must-see for any visitor
16 Feb 2011
Events at Edinburgh Castle (Royal Mile, Edinburgh)
| Location | Date | Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| One night in November 1440, the 16-year-old Earl of Douglas and his younger brother David were invited to dinner with James II. They didn't know that it was a plot to destroy their family's power. Over the course of the evening they were accused of trumped-up charges and summarily beheaded, an event which has become known as the Black Dinner. Hear the story of how it happened at this living history event. View full details |
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| Edinburgh Castle | 10 Mar–11 Mar Sat & Sun 11am, noon, 1.30pm & 2.30pm | 0131 225 9846 Price included in castle admission |
| Location | Date | Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh Castle used to be used as a prison, until it dawned on the government that some people were actually managing to escape from there. Hear the story of John Mhor Macgregor, one of the few ever to make it off the rock. View full details |
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| Edinburgh Castle | 3 Mar–4 Mar Sat & Sun 10.15am, 11.15am, noon, 1.15pm, 2.15pm & 3.15pm | 0131 225 9846 £14 (£11; Children £8.20) |
| Location | Date | Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| A highland clansman, or rather a highly trained professional pretending to be a highland clansman, explains his part in the Jacobite uprising of 1745. View full details |
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| Edinburgh Castle | 24 Mar–25 Mar Sat & Sun 11.15am, 12.15pm, 2pm & 3pm | 0131 225 9846 Entry included in cost of Castle admission. |
| Location | Date | Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| Vaguely ska influenced pop from the X-Factor alumnus. View full details |
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| Edinburgh Castle | 20 Jul 7pm | 0131 225 9846 £37.50 |
| Location | Date | Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| Queen Victoria pays a return visit to Edinburgh Castle (her last was in 1886). Find out what she makes of it now at this living history event, which takes place in the Great Hall. View full details |
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| Edinburgh Castle | 17 Mar–18 Mar Sat & Sun 10.30am–1pm & 1.45–3.45pm | 0131 225 9846 £14 as part of castle admission (£11; Children £8.20) |
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