Edinburgh Castle
- Telephone 0131 225 9846
- Opening times 1 Apr–30 Sep 9.30am–6pm, 1 Oct–31 March 9.30am–5pm. As Easter is early in 2016 the summer opening times will be 25 Mar–30 Sep daily 9.30am–6pm
- Admission £16.50; (£13.20; children 5–15 £9.90)
- 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. 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 ★★★★★
Text supplied by third party.
Events at this venue
There are 9 events at this location
Sorted by title / date & time
Burns for Beginners
Ever wondered why people make so much fuss about Robert Burns? Come and find out in this informal introduction to the bard.
Wed 24 Jan 2018
Included in castle admission / 0131 225 9846
- 11:15
- 12:15
- 14:00
- 15:00
Thu 25 Jan 2018
Included in castle admission / 0131 225 9846
- 11:15
- 12:15
- 14:00
- 15:00
Fri 26 Jan 2018
Included in castle admission / 0131 225 9846
- 11:15
- 12:15
- 14:00
- 15:00
Christmas Lunch
Who says you have to have Christmas dinner on Christmas day? Thanks to Edinburgh Castle, you could have several. The cost of the lunch includes free admission to the castle.
Mon 11 Dec
£40 (£20; Adult member £34; Child member £17) / 0131 225 9746
- 12:30 – 16:00
Tue 12 Dec
£40 (£20; Adult member £34; Child member £17) / 0131 225 9746
- 12:30 – 16:00
Wed 13 Dec
£40 (£20; Adult member £34; Child member £17) / 0131 225 9746
- 12:30 – 16:00
Crime and Punishment in Georgian Scotland
Thomas Turlis the hangman tells you about punishment in Georgian Scotland.
Sat 3 Feb 2018
Included in castle admission / 0131 225 9846
- 11:15
- 12:15
- 14:00
- 15:00
Sun 4 Feb 2018
Included in castle admission / 0131 225 9846
- 11:15
- 12:15
- 14:00
- 15:00
Mon 5 Feb 2018
Included in castle admission / 0131 225 9846
- 11:15
- 12:15
- 14:00
- 15:00
David's Tower
King David II explains some of the history of the castle.
Sat 4 Nov
Included in castle admission / 0131 225 9846
- 11:15
- 12:15
- 14:00
- 15:00
Sun 5 Nov
Included in castle admission / 0131 225 9846
- 11:15
- 12:15
- 14:00
- 15:00
The King's Cannon
Hear the story of King James II's fascination with siege cannons.
Sat 18 Nov
Included in castle admission / 0131 225 9846
- 11:15
- 12:15
- 14:00
- 15:00
Sun 19 Nov
Included in castle admission / 0131 225 9846
- 11:15
- 12:15
- 14:00
- 15:00
They Called It Passchendaele
Find out about the hell that was Passchendaele in this interactive event.
Mon 6 Nov
included in castle admission / 0131 225 9846
- 11:15
- 12:15
- 14:00
- 15:00
Tue 7 Nov
included in castle admission / 0131 225 9846
- 11:15
- 12:15
- 14:00
- 15:00
Wed 8 Nov
included in castle admission / 0131 225 9846
- 11:15
- 12:15
- 14:00
- 15:00
Thu 9 Nov
included in castle admission / 0131 225 9846
- 11:15
- 12:15
- 14:00
- 15:00
Traditions and Tales of Christmas
Find out more about the origins of our Christmas traditions in this investigation of the history of carols, the card and the cracker.
Tue 19 Dec
Included in admission price / 0131 668 8885
- 11:15
- 12:15
- 14:00
- 15:00
Wed 20 Dec
Included in admission price / 0131 668 8885
- 11:15
- 12:15
- 14:00
- 15:00
Thu 21 Dec
Included in admission price / 0131 668 8885
- 11:15
- 12:15
- 14:00
- 15:00
Fri 22 Dec
Included in admission price / 0131 668 8885
- 11:15
- 12:15
- 14:00
- 15:00
A Very Mary Christmas
Find out how Mary Queen of Scots celebrated Christmas with her courtiers. Let's hope Lord Darnley lays off the mulled wine.
Sat 23 Dec
Free / 0131 668 8885
- 11:15
- 12:15
- 14:00
- 15:00
Sun 24 Dec
Free / 0131 668 8885
- 11:15
- 12:15
- 14:00
- 15:00
Wed 27 Dec
Free / 0131 668 8885
- 11:15
- 12:15
- 14:00
- 15:00
Wine and Dine
Seasonal dining in the majestic surroundings of Edinburgh Castle. Arrive from 12.30pm for a 1pm sitting.
Sun 17 Dec
£75 (Members £70) / 0131 225 9746
- 12:30
Reviews & features
Preview: Deep Time – 'We're trying to make it as epic an experience as we can'
2 Aug 2016
After the phenomenal success of its opening event in 2015, the Edinburgh International Festival is kicking off with another big bang
Ten thousand people were expected to show up on Lothian Road last year for the International Festival's landmark opening extravaganza, The Harmonium Project. Instead, twice the number came out, proof if any were needed that public spectacles of this…
The Best Activities for Kids and Families in Edinburgh
3 Mar 2015
Places to go and things to do in Auld Reekie
Visitors have been climbing to the top of Camera Obscura’s rooftop chamber for over 150 years, so they must be doing something right. Up there, you can view Edinburgh through a giant periscope, ‘pick up’ a bus or person on a piece of paper, and learn…
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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