Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an evening military show on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, held each August during the city's festival season.
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The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an evening military show on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, held each August as part of Edinburgh's festival season. The show has been staged since 1950. Military bands and pipes and drums from Scotland and abroad perform in the open air, with the lit castle as the backdrop. The 2027 edition runs in Aug 6 – 28, 2027. Tickets are sold through the official Tattoo website, and the organizers set the sale dates for 2027. From Edinburgh Waverley station the Castle is a walk of about 15 minutes uphill. The Esplanade is outdoors and evenings are cold even in summer, so bring layers and a rain jacket. Crowds are heavy across the festival period, so book early. The facts below cover the essentials, and the questions after them cover the details visitors ask about most.
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in short
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is held on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle in Aug 6 – 28, 2027. Book through the official Tattoo website, since sale dates are set by the organizers and crowds are heavy. From Waverley station, allow about 15 minutes uphill on foot.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo guide
What the Tattoo is
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an evening military show staged on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. It has been staged since 1950 and is one of the best-known events in Edinburgh's festival season.
Military bands and pipes and drums take part, including visiting units from abroad. The performance is held after dark, so the lighting and the castle behind the Esplanade are part of the show.
When and how long
The 2027 edition is held in Aug 6 – 28, 2027. Performances take place on most evenings across that period. The official website lists performance times, so check it before you plan your evening.
Because the run covers several weeks, you can pick a night that suits your schedule. Weekend evenings tend to be busiest, so book early if you have a fixed date in mind.
Where it is and getting around
The show is on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, at the top of the Royal Mile. From Edinburgh Waverley station the walk is about 15 minutes uphill. Allow extra time for the climb and for the crowds on the approach.
Edinburgh's city centre is compact, so buses and taxis can get you close to the Old Town. The last stretch to the Castle is on foot, so wear shoes you can walk in on cobbled streets.
Tickets and costs
Tickets are sold through the official Tattoo website. The organizers set the sale dates for 2027, so check the site for when tickets go on sale. Compare seat options on the official site before you buy.
Book early. Crowds are heavy during the festival period, and the best-placed seats are the first to go.
Where to stay
The Old Town and the New Town both sit close to the Castle, and Princes Street runs between them. Staying in either area keeps the walk to the Esplanade short.
Accommodation fills fast during the festival, so reserve well ahead. If you want a quieter base, look a little further out and plan on a bus or taxi for the evening.
Tips for a first visit
Arrive early enough to walk up from Waverley without rushing. Bring layers, because evenings on the Esplanade are cold even in summer, and a rain jacket in case of showers.
Plan the route back before the show ends. Crowds leave the Esplanade at the same time, and the walk down the Royal Mile can be slow.
What else is nearby
The Royal Mile runs downhill from the Castle to Holyrood Palace, the Queen's official residence in Scotland. You can see the Old Town's closes, shops and St Giles' Cathedral on the way.
Arthur's Seat, the extinct volcano above Holyrood, is a steep but rewarding walk. Princes Street Gardens sit between the Castle and the New Town and are a good place for a daytime break.
Where to stay for Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Tours and tickets
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Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo FAQ
Where is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo held?
On the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh. The venue does not move from year to year.
When is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo held?
The 2027 edition runs in Aug 6 – 28, 2027.
How do I buy tickets?
Tickets are sold through the official Tattoo website. The organizers set the sale dates for 2027.
How do I get to the Esplanade from Waverley station?
Walk from Edinburgh Waverley station to the Castle, a walk of about 15 minutes uphill.