The Castle

Learn more about the castle's history and secrets.

History of the castle

Edinburgh Castle is alive with exciting tales of its time as a military fortress, royal residence and prison of war. When you climb Castle Hill, you will walk in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens – and even the odd pirate or two.

History

Detail of the door of a prison cell in the Argyle Tower with a hand holding a bar

The latest news from the castle

All blog posts

A man and a women browse a table laden with cakes and other treats

Luscious lemon cake

A soldier preparing to fire the One O'Clock gun at Edinburgh Castle

What did Charles Piazzi Smyth do for us?

Costumed performer dressed as Mary Queen of Scots

The castle's characters

Discover the characters which make up Edinburgh Castle's history.

The characters