We’re delighted to be welcoming back The Three Inch Fools to perform in our beautiful gardens this summer at Lauriston Castle!
Get ready for King Arthur and the Holy Fail – a brand new comedy packed to the brim with medieval mayhem. Expect heroic exploits, questionable chivalry, live music, and a lively flock of fire-breathing swans.
Saddle up – things are about to get legendary! For all the family!
As #Edinburgh‘s beautiful cherry trees burst into bloom, join us at Lauriston Castle this coming Saturday and Sunday for our varied and exciting programme of Japan #Sakura events!
Click on the link for a full and varied programme:
Join us for our Japan Sakura @ Lauriston Castle – a festival spanning 2 weekends (Sat 18/Sun 19 & Sat 25/Sun 26 April), celebrating the blossom at Lauriston Castle.
To celebrate 100 years since the Castle was gifted to the nation by the Reids, this year’s programme has a strong 1920s theme.
The centenary programme was officially launched with a visit from Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, who joined colleagues and volunteers at the castle to mark the beginning of a year-long celebration.
Featuring an exciting and varied selection of events, the programme will include talks, creative workshops, film screenings, and family fun activities. Highlights include:
Immersive heritage experiences inspired by different periods of the castle’s past
Interactive outdoor activities and themed trails for families
Seasonal festivals celebrating culture, craft and community
Costumed interpretation and live performances
Creative workshops, talks and special tours
A highlight of the year will be the original murder mystery plays, composed and performed by Edinburgh Living History, where guests can use their sleuthing skills to uncover the culprit.
In August, the 1920s-inspired scavenger hunt, reflecting popular leisure activities of the era, will have guests following the clues to meet some characters from the past whilst enjoying the beauty of the grounds.
Visitors will be able to enjoy the return of much-loved Japan Sakura, offering another weekend of fun, with the opportunity to take part in traditional crafts and hands-on activities for all ages.
To mark the centenary, guests can also watch a series of film screenings of titles both made and set in the 1920s starting with ‘The General’ (1926).
Many events will be free to attend, with some ticketed experiences available through advance booking. Details of all events are listed on the Culture Edinburgh website.
Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “Lauriston Castle is one of Edinburgh’s most treasured sites, and the centenary is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate both its past and its future.
“This programme brings together heritage, creativity and community in a way that reflects the spirit of Mr and Mrs Reid’s generous gift.
“We look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors to discover everything that Lauriston has to offer in 2026.”
We are delighted this week to launch our centenary programme, celebrating 100 years since the Reids left Lauriston Castle to the nation.
We have over 120 events for you to explore and book, and for you to enter our magic. This year we have a strong nod to the 1920s to celebrate 100 years with lectures, talks, tours, creative workshops, family events and festivals, film screenings, theatre, Murder Mysteries, accessible days, community days and costumed events.
Join us at Lauriston Castle on Sunday 5 October to celebrate Silver Sunday.
Silver Sunday is the national day for older people, which is co-ordinated by Age UK.
Age UK’s Silver Sunday is a national day where people of all generations can come together by hosting fun and free activities for older people. It is a day where older people can meet new people, visit new places, try new activities and connect with their local communities and the generations around them.