Historic Sundays FAQs

Is the Historic Sundays offer coming back for 2026?

Yes, Historic Sundays will run on the first Sunday of each month during the period Sunday 4 October 2026 to Sunday 7 March 2027. The offer applies to Scottish postcode holders only. Tickets must be booked online in advance. The offer is only available until the allocation of tickets per day has been used.

When do Historic Sundays tickets go live?

Tickets will go live on a monthly basis ahead of each of the Historic Sundays dates. Please keep an eye on our website for ticket availability.

How have tickets sold out so quickly?

We have a set allocation of free tickets for Scottish residents for each site on each of the Historic Sundays dates to ensure we adhere to the capacity for each site. Please keep an eye on our website for ticket availability.

How can I find out when next month’s Historic Sundays tickets are available to book?

Please keep an eye on our website for ticket availability, updates will be shared on this page.

Can I join a Historic Sunday waiting list for tickets?

No, we have no waiting list for Historic Sundays tickets.

How many tickets are free for each Historic Scotland site on Historic Sundays?

We have a set allocation of free tickets for Scottish residents for each site on each of the Historic Sundays dates. Capacity varies at each participating site. Please keep an eye on our website for ticket availability.

Why aren’t all tickets free for all Historic Scotland sites on Historic Sundays?

Free tickets are only available to Scottish Residents on Historic Sundays dates, as part of a wider initiative encouraging those who have never visited a site before to experience for free. Any paid for tickets outside of this allocation help to ensure the support and conservation of our heritage sites.

When does the offer run?

Tickets are available free of charge on the first Sunday of each month during the period Sunday 4 October 2026 to Sunday 7 March 2027. The offer applies to Scottish postcode holders only. Tickets must be booked online in advance.

The offer is only available until the allocation of tickets per day has been used.

Are there certain dates and times to visit?

Tickets are only valid for the date and property stated on the ticket. Information on our site opening hours can be found on our individual site listings. Entry to our sites is managed by a timed ticketing system with capacity limits for all time slots. Advance online booking is required.

How long can I stay?

On occasion we may need to limit the amount of time available at our car parks to allow as many visitors as possible the opportunity see our sites.

Additionally, a small number of our sites operate visitor access through guided tours only, or may require additional travel to reach, such as on boats (which operate to set schedules).

Some of our smaller sites may close fully, or partially, over the lunchtime period.

Please check individual site listings for further information.

Are cafes and shops available at all sites?

Cafés are available at a number of our larger sites, including at Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, Urquhart Castle, and Fort George. Many of our sites without a café have coffee machines and snacks available to purchase from the shop.

At some sites we may not be accepting cash payment. In this event purchases can be made by card payments only. At Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle both cash and card payments are accepted.

Please check individual site listings for further information.

Can I bring my dog?

Please check individual site listings to see whether your furry friend can join you on your visit.

Will there be parking available at sites?

Some of our sites do have parking however each site is different, please check the information on the individual site listings for the site you wish to visit.

Will there be Blue Badge Parking?

We do have blue badge spaces at some of our sites. Please check the information on the individual site listings for the site you wish to visit.

Are there any facilities for cyclists?

Please check the information on the individual site listings for the site you wish to visit.

I can’t book my tickets online; can I book over the phone?

Advance online booking is required. For any ticketing issues please contact ticketing@hes.scot

How many people can I book free tickets for?

A maximum of 2 adults and 6 children can be booked per transaction.

Do I have to book in advance?

Yes, advance online booking is required. Children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied by an adult, aged 16 years or over.

Can I buy tickets on-site?

No, Historic Sundays is an online only offer. Advance online booking is required.

How will I receive my tickets?

Your tickets will be attached in your email confirmation as a PDF document. Please print your tickets and bring them with you for entry. You can also opt to collect your tickets on arrival and print them at the designated ticket collection points. We offer the option of an e-ticket for some of our sites, which you can either add to your Apple Wallet or print. If you have not received your tickets via email please contact ticketing@hes.scot with your booking details (name on booking, email address used and site visiting).

Can tickets be posted to me?

No, we are unable to post tickets. Tickets will be emailed to you.

I have not received an email confirmation?

Your email confirmation email should arrive shortly after booking. If you have not received this, please check your junk folder in the first instance. If you have not received this please contact ticketing@hes.scot with details of your booking (name on booking, email address used and site visiting) and they will investigate and get back to you as soon as possible.

I am on the ticket page but can’t see the ticket options, what do I do?

If the web page is not displaying correctly, we advise you to clear the cache/cookies on your browser then close the browser and reopen it. The ticketing page should now load correctly. If this doesn’t work the time slot you wish may be sold out – please check for an alternative time. If no timeslots are available, the Historic Sundays date selected has sold out, please return to the webpage and select a different site to visit, or wait until our next Historic Sundays date is available to book.

I have deleted my email confirmation in error, can I get it resent?

If you cannot find your email confirmation please email ticketing@hes.scot with your booking details (name on booking, email address used and site visiting).

What does my ticket time mean?

The time on your ticket is when you should arrive on site for your visit. Please check our individual site listings for further information. If you miss your chosen timeslot your entry to the property cannot be guaranteed.

Can I show my email confirmation/tickets on my phone?

Not all sites have the facilities so if you have selected Print at Home as your delivery method, please print your tickets and bring them with you for entry. You can also opt to collect your tickets on arrival and print them at the designated ticket collection points.

How will visitors have to show their booking?

Visitors arriving at our sites will have their tickets scanned for entry by staff. Valid proof of address (e.g. utility bill) will also be required with tickets. The Historic Sundays offer applies to Scottish postcode holders only.

Can I arrive earlier than the time shown on my ticket?

No, the time shown is the earliest you can arrive, and you can arrive at any point within your chosen time slot. If you miss your chosen timeslot your entry to the property cannot be guaranteed.

What if I miss my time slot?

If you miss your chosen timeslot your entry to the site cannot be guaranteed. We’ll do our best to fit you in if we can, but if we’ve reached capacity for the time slot when you arrive, you will have to wait until the next available time slot.

What will happen if the weather is bad?

We advise checking ahead if the forecast is poor or you are making a long journey. Short-term closures are listed on our HS closures webpage and ticket holders will receive an email and SMS informing of a closure. If you have an urgent enquiry related to a site closure and your booking over the weekend please contact the ticketing team.

If I am unable to attend, can I swap for another date?

Unused tickets cannot be exchanged for any other visit date and there is no cash alternative.

Can I become a member?

Yes, membership can be purchased online. You must take your membership confirmation email with you as proof of membership (printed or on your phone).