Prices and opening times
Following the Scottish Governments announcement, the castle will reopen on Friday 30 April (tickets on sale now). Find out more about our COVID response.
Admission
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 social 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.
Book tickets nowCategory | Reduced admission price | Normal admission price |
Adult (16-64yrs) | £15.50 | £17.50 |
Concession (65yrs+ and unemployed) | £12.40 | £14.00 |
Child (5-15yrs) | £9.30 | £10.50 |
Family (1 adult, 2 children) | £31.00 | n/a |
Family (2 adults, 2 children) | £45.00 | n/a |
Family (2 adults, 3 children) | £53.00 | n/a |
Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 5 go free, but they must have a ticket booked for them.
Concession price: this applies if you can show proof that you’re aged 65+ or unemployed.
Admission prices are subject to change.
Free and discounted admission
- Historic Scotland members must book their tickets online and show their ticket and valid membership on entry. Not a Member? Join now to start enjoying the benefits
- English Heritage, Manx and Cadw members get half price entry in your first year and free entry for renewal and life members. You must book online in advance.
- Carers who accompany visitors with disabilities receive free entry. The ticket for the person they are caring for must be purchased online, then please contact ticketing@hes.scot with your order number and your carer ticket can be sent to you.
- Have a Young Scot card? Pay just £1 to visit the castle in 2021. You must book your ticket in advance and show your valid Young Scot card on arrival (children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult). Tickets will be available soon.
What will be open during your visit
Due to social distancing and the overall safety of our visitors and staff, some areas of the castle will remain closed. A one-way system will be operating within the castle. Staff here will control the flow of visitors, and can provide any additional assistance.
- 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
- 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.
Opening times
30 April to 30 September:
Daily, 9.30am to 5pm
1 October to 31 March:
Daily, 10am to 4pm
You should set aside at least 2 hours to see the main attractions at Edinburgh Castle.
Opening times for the independent museums at the castle may vary.
Closed
25 and 26 December
1 January
Unexpected closures
Adverse weather or other reasons beyond our control may cause a site to close at short notice.
Before you travel, you can view current unexpected closures.