Edinburgh Castle

Prices and opening times

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.

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.

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.

Book tickets now

Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 5 go free.

Concession price: this applies if you can show proof that you’re aged 60+ or unemployed.

Admission prices are subject to change.

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Free and discounted admission

• Historic Scotland members must book their tickets online and show their ticket and valid membership on entry. 
• 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.
• Current members of the British Armed Forces receive free entry to Edinburgh Castle. Please make an online booking for the paying members of your party. To book a free ticket, please email us at ticketing@hes.scot, quoting your order number. You will need to bring a valid MOD 90 card when you arrive at site. Please note free entry only applies to the serving member.
• Have a Young Scot card? Pay just £1 to visit the castle in 2020. You must show your valid Young Scot card on arrival. Please visit the Young Scot website for more details.

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.

Open

1 August to 30 September:
Daily, 9.30am to 6pm
Last entry 5pm

1 October to 31 March:
Daily, 9.30am to 5pm
Last entry 4pm

Advance booking required. 

New Year’s Day (1 January): 11am to 5pm (last entry 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.

Redcoat Café opening hours

14-30 September:
Daily, 11am to 5pm

1-4 October: 
Daily, 11am to 4pm

5-26 October: 
Daily, 10am to 4pm

Closed

25 and 26 December

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.