Edinburgh Castle
- Telephone 0131 225 9846
- Opening times 1 Apr–30 Sep 9.30am–6pm; 1 Oct–31 March 9.30am–5pm.
- Website www.edinburghcastle.scot
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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. There are also various guided tours to make the most out of your visit: you can take the Morning or the Afternoon tour, the Royal Route or the Military March. If you get hungry or feel like getting a nice cup of tea, the Redcoat Café has lighter snacks while The Tea Rooms offers a more elegant surrounding for your refreshments. And what better way to finish your time in the castle than to pop in to one of the various gift shops and surprise yourself with some traditional Scottish culinary items or a lovely tartan scarf.
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. 1 April - 30 September 9.30am to 6pm and 1 October - 31 March 9.30am to 5pm. As Easter follows early in 2016 the summer opening times will be 25 March - 30 September 9.30 am - 6pm. Last tickets sold 1 hour 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 ★★★★★
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Events at this venue
There are 15 events at this location
Sorted by title / date & time
Bolts and Bodkins
Join castle archer, Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow. Learn about different types of arrowheads and how arrow wounds were treated. Get dressed for battle and join the garrison!
Brother against Brother
Not all Scots followed Bonnie Prince Charlie. Come hear from one Scot loyal to King George and find out why he chose to stand against the fearsome Jacobite tide.
Crime and Punishment
Gilbert Savage', the Executioner! An Englishman, a prisoner of the Scots, who, given the choice of either to kill or be killed, is now the Executioner. Resplendent in black and equipped with 'heading axe', ropes, knives, and all the other 'tools' of his gruesome trade, he recounts the nature of crime & punishment…
Gun Salutes
We will be hosting a series of 21 gun salutes to mark the following special occasions. Each gun salute unless otherwise stated takes place at 12 noon. For more information on gun salutes including their occasions and dates visit www.royal.uk/gun-salutes Accession of HM Queen Elizabeth to the Throne Birthday of HM…
Thu 6 Feb
Free with admission / 0131 225 9846
Tue 21 Apr
Free with admission / 0131 225 9846
Tue 2 Jun
Free with admission / 0131 225 9846
In Memoriam – A Forgotten Story
The Scottish National War Memorial was opened in 1927. The top artistic talent of the day were employed for its interior decoration and amongst these was Alice Meredith Williams who made a most significant contribution. Her role in this magnificent building is largely forgotten, but today the record will be set straight.
Inglis' Amazons
They smoke, they wear trousers, and they have driver’s licences! Meet a member of Dr. Elsie Inglis’ Scottish Women’s Hospital fundraising in Edinburgh and hear the tales of this incredible all-female medical unit as they save lives at the front and fight prejudice at home.
Medieval Fashion
Meet Lord and Lady Brechin, Earl and Countess of Angus as they guide you through how fashion of the Kings court here in Edinburgh Castle changed through the medieval period for both men and women.
Music through the Ages
Meet King James V’s musician. He has been asked by the King to explain some of the music and instruments that the King expects in his court. He will also tell tales of these instruments, some of which may even be true!
Rebels and Redcoats
The Jacobite war of 1745 was one of the most turbulent in Scottish history. Come along and learn what role the castle played in this great conflict and meet characters from the period. This presentation includes a weapons and costume demonstration.
The Road to Bannockburn
Meet one of Robert the Bruce’s men who served under the command of Thomas Randolph during the capture of the Castle in 1314. Learn about the medieval weapons and tactics of a Scottish foot soldier.
Rob Roy MacGregor
Often remembered by some as a hero and by others as a rogue. Come hear stories of Rebellion, clan warfare and self-preservation.
Schiltron!
Edinburgh Castle is steeped in war. From the Wars of Independence through to the Civil Wars of the seventeenth century, Scots relied on pikes in battle. Come along, find out what a Schiltron was, how pikes were used and have a go yourself. One for the whole family to get involved in and enjoy!
The Script
Mainstream indie pop in the vein of Snow Patrol and Maroon 5 from The Voice judge Danny O'Donoghue. They are currently touring with their latest album Sunset & Full Moons.
Fri 17 Jul
£54.45 / 0131 225 9846
Their Name Liveth
The fighting is over by a decade and the Scottish War Memorial is open for the first time. Hear the true stories of of a veteran as they recount their tales of service across four years of war and many battlefields and continents.
Trebuchets and Trickery
In March 1314, the forces of King Robert the Bruce captured Edinburgh Castle. Meet the commander, Thomas Randolph and hear how he used guile and local knowledge to capture this almost impregnable fortress. Learn of the weapons and equipment in use and find out what Bruce did to the castle afterwards.
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