at our iconic historical sites
As the temperatures drop and the daylight hours get shorter, breathe in the fresh air around our castles, cathedrals and abbeys.
Wrap up warm to take in Scotland’s history, cosy up in a great hall or enjoy a hot drink in one of our cafés.
Castle of Light once again brightens up the Defender of the Nation and our festive events are here to cheer you up this season.
We can't wait to welcome you.
Take a look at our full list of exciting autumn and winter events coming up, book now for Castle of Light at Edinburgh Castle as it returns for its 5th year.
Check out our events programmeDon’t miss out! To avoid disappointment, we recommend booking tickets online in advance to guarantee entry to our sites. This is essential when planning a visit to some of our busiest sites including Blackness Castle, Doune Castle, Edinburgh Castle, Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, Skara Brae, Stirling Castle, and Urquhart Castle.
Explore iconic sites and Scotland's fascinating history with our Explorer Pass - a great and easy way to visit many of our properties! The pass is valid for 14 consecutive days. The pass includes entry to the sites mentioned below. Visits must be booked in advance.
We are pleased that many of our sites are open again. While some of the buildings may be closed, the grounds can still be enjoyed by all. Please check individual listings for more information. For our ticketed sites, we do recommend booking in advance to guarantee entry.
The grounds and visitor centre (exhibition, shop & toilets) are open. The abbey is closed while conservation works take place.
We recommend booking online in advance to guarantee entry.
There is currently no visitor access to the West range, outer stair and North West and East towers.
Some restrictions in place
There is currently no visitor access to the Guard House, South Entrance and De Vaux range
We recommend booking online in advance to guarantee entry
Free of charge, donations welcome
Some restrictions in place
Book tickets
Tickets often sell out in advance. Book your tickets online in advance for the best price and to guarantee entry.
Book tickets
Open, some restrictions in place
Access to the Abbey Church is through the east processional door.
Some restrictions in place
Visits by guided tour only. Due to limited capacity, it is recommended to reserve your visit online to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment.
The abbey grounds, cloister and museum are open. There is currently no visitor access to the abbey church
There is no access to foretower
The grounds of the cathedral are open, free of charge. St Rule's Tower and the Museum are currently closed.
Visit by appointment only Autumn/Winter
We recommend booking online in advance for the best price and to guarantee entry.
There is currently no visitor access to the east tower and doocot.
We recommend booking online in advance for the best price and to guarantee entry.
From standing stones to castle grounds, many of the sites in our care are open to visit for free. Be sure to check a site is open before you travel.
Find a place to visit
Take a look at our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about visiting our sites
Find out more