Beta Help us improve: share your feedback on our new website.

Edinburgh Castle

Castlehill, Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle logo

Important notice

The castle will open at the later time of 11am on Saturday 27 June.

Edinburgh Castle has witnessed many of the defining events in Scotland’s history. Sieges were fought over the mighty stronghold. Royalty lived and died within its walls. Just the sight of the Castle Rock has terrified and inspired countless generations.

View gallery

Defender of the nation

Perched on a volcanic plug, Edinburgh Castle has dominated the skyline of Scotland’s capital city for centuries. The castle’s royal connections go back 1,000 years and Fierce Iron Age warriors defended a hill fort here long before that. It's been besieged more times than any other castle in Europe.

Edinburgh's oldest building, St Margaret’s Chapel, stands on the site. It was built by David I around 1130 as a tribute to his devout mother. The Great Hall with its impressive late-medieval ceiling was built around 1510 for James IV, just one of the many kings and queens who lived amidst the comfort and splendour of the Royal Palace.

The Half Moon Battery, Western Defences and the mighty Mons Meg siege cannon are reminders of the castle's military's strength. Today they offer unrivalled panoramic views across Edinburgh to the Pentland Hills, the Firth of Forth and many miles beyond.

Along with exhibitions dedicated to the castle's many prisoners of war and the priceless Honours of Scotland, you can also visit the Scottish National War Memorial and three regimental museums. 

The famous One o'Clock gun fires every day, except Sundays and Christmas Day.

Highlights, tours and itineraries

Visitors mill about on the expansive esplanade in front of the imposing walls and entrance to Edinburgh Castle.
Edinburgh Castle perched on Castle Rock, framed by autumn trees and viewed from below under a bright blue sky.
A drone photo of Edinburgh Castle. Perched on a craggy rock, it is towering above other buildings and dominating the city skyline.
Two visitors climb a stone staircase at Edinburgh Castle on a bright, sunny day. There is a clear blue sky over the city behind them.

Go with the flow

Our flexi ticket is valid for entry to the castle at any timeslot on any day within a 7-day period, meaning you can keep your plans flexible
Buy a flexi ticket

An unforgettable setting for saying ‘I do’

The castle can host many different wedding celebrations including grand banquets, regal receptions and intimate ceremonies in St Margaret's Chapel.
Weddings at Edinburgh Castle
Two adults in formal wedding attire standing on a stone bridge in front of a historic castle entrance.

Ready for an adventure?

Use a Membership or Explorer Pass to discover centuries of Scottish history and heritage, all while saving money and supporting our work.

Membership

Ideal for regular visitors and heritage supporters

Unlimited annual pass for all ticketed sites plus daytime events

Two adults, holding hands with two young children, walk through a graveyard, with historical stone ruins in the background. It is a sunny day.
  • Unlimited annual pass for all ticketed sites plus daytime events
  • Discount in our shops and cafés (on site and online)
  • Historic Scotland magazine delivered to your door
  • Free or discounted entry to sites in England, Wales and the Isle of Man
Buy now View details

Explorer Pass

Perfect for short-term trips and sightseeing

Valid for 14 consecutive days

A family walking across a grassy lawn with the New Abbey Corn Mill building in the background.
  • Valid for 14 consecutive days
  • Entry to all ticketed sites, including Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle
  • 20% discount on audio guides at Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Glasgow Cathedral
  • Guaranteed entry when you pre-book online
Buy now View details