Top of the list for many of our visitors are the highlights of Edinburgh Castle. On your visit, look out for the black shields that draw you towards these key places of interest.

The crown, sceptre and sword of state in the Crown Room in Edinburgh Castle © Historic Scotland
The Great Hall in Edinburgh Castle © Historic Scotland

Great Hall

The Great Hall was completed in 1511, as the nation’s chief place of ceremony and state assembly. An original hammerbeam roof dating from 1511 is just one fascinating feature of the impressive Great Hall. More about the Great Hall.

A castle steward with visitors © Historic Scotland

Guided Tours

All visitors to the castle can join our popular guided tour free of charge. Filled with intriguing tales and castle secrets for all. More about Guided Tours.

The Crown with bonnet, on cushion © Historic Scotland

The Honours of Scotland

Top of the list for many visitors are The Honours of Scotland, the nation’s crown jewels. The crown, sceptre and sword of state are the oldest royal regalia in the United Kingdom. More about the Honours of Scotland.

Mons Meg looking out towards Princes Street © Historic Scotland

Mons Meg

This mighty medieval siege gun is one of the world’s oldest, it could fire a gunstone almost two miles. Built at Mons, Belgium, she represented the cutting edge of military technology. More about Mons Meg.

Display case in the National War Museum of Scotland © National Museums of Scotland

National War Museum Scotland

Discover the story of Scots at war over 400 years, revealed through personal mementoes, photographs and military objects. More about the National War Museum Scotland.

Crowds gathered around the One O'clock Gun © Historic Scotland

One o'clock Gun

The One o’ clock Gun was first fired from the Castle on 7 June 1861, and has continued ever since, six days a week, except during the two World Wars. More about the One o'clock Gun.

Interior of the Prisons of War exhibition © Historic Scotland

Prisons of War Exhibition

A highly acclaimed ‘Prisons of War’ experience in the castle vaults vividly recalls the conditions the 18th century captives endured. More about the Prisons of War exhibition.

The Royal Palace in Crown Square © Historic Scotland

Royal Palace

Its fine rooms were the home of Scotland’s royalty for centuries, where Queen Marie de Guise died in 1560 and her daughter Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to James VI in 1566. Read more Royal Palace.

Display of uniforms © The Royal Scots

Royal Scots Regimental Museum

Closed 16th - 22nd June. Explore the proud and exciting story of one of Scotland's most famous regiments. More about the Royal Scots Regimental Museum.

Scottish National War Museum exterior © Historic Scotland

Scottish National War Memorial

Originally opened in 1927, this is a memorial to Scots who died in both World Wars, and in later campaigns. Their names are listed here in the Roll of Honour. More about the Scottish National War Memorial.

Cavalry trooper and his horse from the First World War in The Regimental Museum Of The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards © The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards

The Regimental Museum Of The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards

An important collection illustrating the history of Scotland's only cavalry regiment and its English and Scottish antecedents dating back to 1678. More about the Regimental Museum of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.

The Stone of Destiny © Historic Scotland

The Stone of Destiny

The Stone of Destiny is an important symbol of Scottish nationhood, and still plays a central role in all British coronations. It was the coronation seat of ancient Scottish kings. More about the Stone of Destiny.

Interior of St Margaret's Chapel © Historic Scotland

St Margaret's Chapel

Take a quiet moment in St Margaret’s Chapel, built by David I around 1130 and the oldest building in Edinburgh. More about St Margaret's Chapel.

Visitors taking photos from Edinburgh Castle © Historic Scotland

Views of Edinburgh

Photo hotspots around the castle - capture stunning views of Edinburgh. More views of Edinburgh.