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Edinburgh Castle

@edinburghcastle

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A mighty fortress, dominating the skyline for centuries, defender of the nation.
Part of @histenvscot House Rules & links: linktr.ee/edinburghcastle

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Did you know that within the Royal Palace at the castle is the Royal Birthing Room, a small bed-closet where Mary, Queen of Scots supposedly gave birth to her only child, James VI.

In 1566, Mary came to the safety of the castle while heavily pregnant. Earlier that year, her secretary David Riccio had been murdered in front of her eyes by a group of nobles. Later that year, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy and named him James.

The people of Scotland rejoiced at the arrival of a male heir. Yet for Mary, the birth marked the beginning of another difficult chapter. Just 13 months later, she was deposed in favour of her infant son.

If you visit the Royal Palace today, you can still peek inside the tiny chamber where the future king was born. Look carefully and you'll see decoration that survives from later alterations by King James VI.

#MaryQueenOfScots #JamesVI #ScottishHistory Historic wooden chamber with painted ceiling and walls, marking the birthplace of James VI in 1566 by Mary, Queen of Scots. by @edinburghcastle

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7 hours ago

Good Morning🥰

Have you ever caught the sunrise or sunset over the castle? The castle's silhouette and the city skyline create a truly breathtaking view.

There really is no better sight👀

Now that we are soon to head into the October holiday period, here’s a quick reminder: if you’re planning on visiting us make sure to head over to our website and book your tickets in advance!

Link to book tickets in our bio 🔗

#EdinburghCastle #Edinburgh #AutumnInEdinburgh by @edinburghcastle

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3 days ago

By order of the traitors, you have been murdered... 🗡️😲

If the infamous Black Dinner had taken place today, this is likely the message that celebrities of their day William Douglas, 6th Earl of Douglas and his younger brother David would’ve received as they sat down to dine at Edinburgh Castle.

Unfortunately for them, in 1440 the signifier that their murder was imminent was a blood-soaked black bull’s head placed before them. They were then taken from the table to Castle Hill where they were executed.

Many more traitorous tales have taken place at the castle over the centuries, but this one is perhaps the most villainous, and the most fitting with the launch of @thetraitorsukofficial Celebrity Traitors!

For those wanting to prove their faithfulness, or perhaps deflect attention from their nefarious activities, then we’ve dubbed Medieval Monk Bear ‘Traitor Bear’ due to their fetching traitor looking robe! You can purchase this nefarious companion in our online shop, link in bio🔗

#EdinburghCastle #Edinburgh #Castle #ScottishHistory #TraitorsUK White teddy bear dressed in a black hooded cloak standing against a stone wall next to a vintage-style note signed by 'The Traitors'. by @edinburghcastle

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5 days ago

We’re entering our dramatic season where we get to don the incredible autumnal hues. Get ready for a lot of pictures of us framed by the turning leaves – we can’t wait! 🍂🏰😍

As we move into October we also move to our Autumn and Winter opening times, so make sure you check before you travel so you arrive in the right season!
Thursday 1 October to Wednesday 31 March 📆
Open daily between 9.30am and 5pm, with last entry at 4pm ⏰

If you’re planning to visit us over the Christmas period, our opening hours will be slightly different 🎄
On Thu 24 December we open 9.30am to 4pm, with last entry at 3pm
On Friday 1 Jan we open at the later time of 11am.
On Fri 25 and Sat 26 December we will be closed so our wonderful team can open their presents 🎁

For more information and to prebook your autumnal and winter adventures head to our website and get planning from the link in our bio 🎟️

Please note that tickets are only available to book until the end of January, we will release February & March tickets at a later date.

#EdinburghCastle #Edinburgh #EdinburghInAutumn Historic stone castle perched atop a rocky hill under a clear blue sky with autumn foliage in the foreground. by @edinburghcastle

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7 days ago

Things are little different once night falls at the castle.....this Halloween you can experience the castle in a whole new light... or lack of it!

Enjoy an evening tour of the castle that is not for the faint-hearted. Be prepared, as things might go bump in the night! 😱
This tour reveals the darker side of the castle, where echoes of the past linger long after dusk.

📆Wednesday 28 October now the only date left!!
⌚6pm, 6.30pm, 7.30pm, 8pm
Friday 30 & Saturday 31 night are sold out.

Enter if you dare...See link in bio to book your place!🔗
❗Whispers After Dark is strictly for over 18s due to tour content and enters dark, enclosed spaces with uneven terrain and staircases.

📸Rob McDougal

#EdinburghCastle #Edinburgh #Halloween #Autumn Silhouette of a person holding a glowing lantern inside a stone archway at night. by @edinburghcastle

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9 days ago

Today is World Tourism Day, a day to celebrate the importance of tourism around the world. This makes our exciting news even more special on this day......

We’ve been awarded Best UK Attraction in The Independent Travel Awards 2026🥳

These awards have been voted for by approximately 17,000 readers!!!🤩

A huge thank you to everyone who voted, all our visitors, and our amazing staff who work so hard to keep the castle the best of the best!

📸3rd image by Lee Howard
#EdinburghCastle #Edinburgh #Scotland #BestUKAttraction2026 #WorldTourismDay Historic stone castle entrance with flags flying atop and visitors walking through the arched gateway under a clear sky. by @edinburghcastle

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10 days ago

Did you know that from best viewpoints in Edinburgh you can't see the castle? Well, you can, but you need to look down! 🏰🤫

Looking out from our battlements you can see vast vistas of our incredible city, and then turn around and see the phenomenally stunning castle in all its autumnal glory. 🍂

If you're planning a trip to Edinburgh this October, make sure you book your castle ticket in advance so you don't miss out the best views and best day out the city has to offer.

Tickets can be booked from the link in our bio, don't leave it to the last minute!

📸Edinburgh Castle Image ©Lee Howard
📸 Canon & One O'Clock Gun images ©Mark Pratchett Photography

#EdinburghCastle #HistoricScotland #VisitScotland #Edinburgh #Castle Edinburgh Castle silhouetted against a golden sunset with city rooftops and church spires in the foreground. by @edinburghcastle

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14 days ago

Ever get that feeling someone might be lurking around when your visiting the castle?😱

Join our daytime Halloween tours "Whispers from the past" and journey through the grounds of our ancient site to explore the veiled past of the Castle, as well as tales of the shadows and whispers which have been left behind.

❗Recommended for 18 years+, due to the content discussed throughout the tour.

Link in bio to boooo-ok tickets 🔗🎃
#EdinburghCastle #Edinburgh #Halloween #WhispersOfThePast

📸Rob McDougall Person holding a lantern inside a dim stone room, illuminating a cloaked figure standing by a window with colored light filtering through. by @edinburghcastle

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15 days ago

Did you know that on this day in 1832, Sir Walter Scott passed away?

While Scott is best known as a writer, his connection to the castle goes beyond the pages of his books.

In 1818, he was part of the commission that witnessed the reopening of the sealed Crown Room. Inside was a locked chest containing the Honours of Scotland – the Crown of Scotland, Sceptre and Sword of State – which had not been seen since 1707.

Now 208 years later, you can view the Crown, Sword of State and Sceptre! So make sure to add a visit to the Crown Room on your next visit so you don't miss your chance to see these magnificent objects.

You can find out more about Sir Walter Scott on the @historicscotland blog page.

#SirWalterScott #EdinburghCastle #HonoursOfScotland #OnThisDay Ornate royal crown with red velvet, gold detailing, and white fur trim displayed against a dark background. by @edinburghcastle

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16 days ago

There’s still time to make your summer go down in history by collecting the ‘Summer of Champions’ History Hunt card! 🃏

This limited edition card will only be available to collect until Tuesday 22 September, so top off a memorable trip to visit us with a shiny memento to add to your collection.

History Hunt cards are exclusively available to @HistoricScotland members, so If you want to start your collection with a unique card, sign up today! You'll also get free entry to the castle with your membership card, just book online.

#EdinburghCastle #HistoryHunt #HistoricScotland #VisitScotland Stone fortress perched atop rugged rocky cliffs under a clear blue sky. by @edinburghcastle

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20 days ago

Autumn is on the horizon, and we are getting ready to welcome you all through the castle doors for some autumnal adventures! 🍂🏰

We know lots of you have been waiting for us to announce this, so we are excited to say (drum roll please🥁)............

Tickets are now on sale for castle visits from Thursday 1 October through to March 2027🥳
❗Please note that our Festive and Easter dates will be released at a later date.

It is time to grab your cosy clothes and get a pumpkin spiced latte and visit us up here on castle rock!

We are looking forward to seeing you all!🥰 get your tickets from the link in our bio.

#EdinburghCastle #AutumnAdventures #ScotlandTravel by @edinburghcastle

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21 days ago

😍Wow thanks to thoma.graphy for capturing one of our favorite views of the castle!
Same view just different times of the day!🌞🌙

📸Where is your favorite place to photograph the castle?

📍The Vennel Viewpoint is located just off the Grassmarket.
#EdinburghCastle #Edinbrugh #VennelViewPoint #Grassmarket View down a stone stairway in an old town with Edinburgh Castle towering on a rocky hill under a cloudy sky. by @edinburghcastle

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22 days ago