How to book and key information

To book a visit with a tour, workshop, craft or trail, including to arrange to collect materials (a meet and greet) please email ec.learning@hes.scot with these details:

• Name of your school or group

• Year group (if school)

• Number of learners

• Number of adult group leaders

• Preferred visit date(s)

• Preferred activity or activities

• Preferred time slot(s)

• Any access needs we should be aware of

The Mary, Queen of Scots: From Palace to Castle tour must be booked through the Royal Collection Trust.

Please get in contact with us at ec.learning@hes.scot to discuss how we can support your learners visiting the castle.

Edinburgh Castle is a large, busy site which sits upon a steep hill. The castle is full of historic buildings with narrow passageways and uneven surfaces.

If you have questions relating to access needs, including parking, mobility services, and sensory backpacks, please see our access guide.

We have limited indoor lunch space available on a first come, first served basis. 

Lunch room bookings are available Monday to Thursday with four time slots:

• 11:30am to noon

• Noon to 12.30pm

• 12.30pm to 1pm

• 1pm to 1.30pm

Please send all lunch room booking requests to our inbox at EC.Learning@hes.scot no later than 14 working days prior to your visit date. We do not offer on the day lunch bookings.

When requesting an indoor lunch space, please include the following:

• date of your visit and time slot preference

• name and size of your group (including adults and children)

• access needs

Your booking is not confirmed unless a member of the learning team has responded with confirmation.

Learning group leaders are responsible for creating their own risk assessment.

To help you complete your risk assessment you can book a free familiarisation visit. Please contact our learning support team at learning@hes.scot with the date and time you wish to visit.

Our Edinburgh Castle site information sheet may be useful. This is not to be used in place of a risk assessment, but to assist group leaders in creating their own.

The Edinburgh Castle learning team has created a map specifically for learning groups, including schools and community groups, to help with wayfinding and to provide helpful, relevant information. Ask for a learner map at the castle.

Scottish schools can apply for help towards the travel costs of visiting heritage sites of national importance via the schools travel subsidy scheme. Find out more about the scheme and if you are eligible below. 

Find out more about the subsidy

Facilitated visits aren't the only way to explore Scotland's past as a learning group. You may wish instead to book a self-led visit.

Find out more about self-led visits