Edinburgh Castle

Prices and opening times

The castle is now open and we are delighted to welcome you back.

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 now

From 26 June to 17 August, tickets to our sites are free for all children under 16 as part of the Get Into Summer campaign. Please note that all children must be accompanied by an adult. 

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

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. Both the tickets for the cared-for person and carer must be booked online, and are limited to two carers per transaction.
• 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).  
• Current members of the British Armed Forces receive free entry to Edinburgh Castle (as well as Stirling Castle and Fort George). Please make an online booking using HM Forces from the list of ticket types. 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.

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
• St Margaret’s Chapel
• Mons Meg
• One o’Clock Gun
• Prisons of War exhibition (one vault remains closed)
• Honours of Scotland (Crown Jewels & Stone of Destiny)
• Prisons of War vaults (exhibition is closed)
• Scottish National War Memorial
• National War Museum
• 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
• Takeaway offering outside the Redcoat Café (view menu). Open daily, 9.30am to 4pm
• Queen Anne Tea Room (open 10am to 3pm)
• 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

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

Advance booking required

1 April to 30 September:
Daily, 9.30am to 6pm

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.