Edinburgh Castle

Welcome back!

We're delighted to welcome you back. We have introduced limits on visitor numbers to help keep everyone safe, and you will not be able to visit without booking online in advance.

Due to physical distancing and the overall safety of our visitors and staff, some areas of the castle will be closed and we have reduced the admission price to reflect this.

How to book tickets

If you are a Member your ticket will be free, but you must book in advance.

We will be updating our social media channels as more dates are available to pre-book, but to be among the first to hear sign up to our newsletter.

Daytime admission tickets Historic Scotland Members English Heritage, Cadw & Manx Members

Although things may be a little different, we hope that you will have an enjoyable visit and will be greeted with a warm and friendly smile by staff.

While some areas may be closed, we will have additional interpretation available on-site so you don't miss out. This may include QR codes so make sure your mobile can read these when visiting.

What will be open during your visit

All external spaces with visitor access
The mobility vehicle is available to use (a face covering must be worn). Please ask a member of staff who can organise this for you
Great Hall
Palace Apartments, the Laich Hall and Antechamber are open (The Mary Room and The Birthing Room will be closed)
St Margaret’s Chapel
Mons Meg
One o’Clock Gun
Prisons of War vaults (exhibition is closed)
Scottish National War Memorial
National War Museum
The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Shop (museum remains closed)
Audio guides available to hire from the ticket office
- due to essential maintenance on the ticket office, audio guides will be unavailable until 3 Oct
The Redcoat Café (view our menu)
Ice cream van on the esplanade
The Portcullis Shop and The Whisky and Finest Food Shop
- Please note that the shops will be capacity managed and there will be a one way system in place throughout. In line with current Scottish Government guidelines you must wear a face covering when visiting the shops
Toilets available in the Lower Ward (just over the drawbridge), Hospital Square and the National War Museum
Accessible toilet available in the Queen Anne Building (Queen Anne Tea Room remains closed)

Some areas/facilities will remain closed for now, we have a phased approach to re-opening while we work to make them safe.

What to expect from your visit

Safety measures:

Our staff have been trained in hygiene and physical distancing and have been provided with the necessary PPE
Signage is on site to guide visitors, including one way systems and marked areas that are currently closed to visitors
We have introduced enhanced cleaning measures, including our toilet facilities, to make visitors feel comfortable while visiting

Face coverings:

In line with Scottish Government legislation and guidance, face coverings are now mandatory if you are visiting any indoor/enclosed spaces at our sites including retail and catering areas (subject to some exceptions).
Masks will not be provided, so make sure you bring one with you
Face shields (e.g. visors) no longer count as face coverings on their own. They can only be worn in conjunction with other face covering
Face coverings are not required while visiting external areas of the sites
If you feel wearing a face covering at all times during your visit (including in external areas) will make you more comfortable, then please wear one, as we want you to enjoy your visit as much as possible