Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle
Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG
  • 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

Jump to times, articles or comments

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

…and 5 more dates until 14 Jun

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.

…and 2 more dates until 19 Jun
back to top

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

back to top

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.

…and 2 more dates until 20 Jun

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.

The Rough Wooing

Two castle soldiers tell the story of the Earl of Hertford's 1544 attempt to destroy Edinburgh and its castle.

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

…and 20 more dates until 24 Aug

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.

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.

back to top

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.

…and 2 more dates until 16 Jun

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

Comments & ratings

Post a comment
RSS feed of these comments