Explorer Pass
If you’re planning a trip to Scotland, explore over 5,000 years of history with one pass!
How it works
Our Historic Scotland Explorer Pass is the perfect way to dive into Scotland’s fascinating history and heritage and explore many of our properties over a fortnight.
The pass is valid for 14 consecutive days and is your key to Historic Scotland sites across the country. It includes entry to Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, Urquhart Castle, Skara Brae, Fort George, and many more. We recommend buying your Explorer Pass online and booking your visits in advance to avoid disappointment.
Visit more, save more!
Pass prices
There are two pass prices. One covers our summer season and other is for our winter season. A discount is applied in winter.
The summer season pass is currently on sale. Winter passes will go on sale later in the year.
1 April to 31 October 2026 | Category | Price |
|---|---|---|
Adult | Aged 16–64 years | £48 |
Concession | Aged 65yrs+, full-time students (with valid ID) and unemployed (proof required) | £39 |
Child | Aged 7-15yrs. Under 7s free. Children must be accompanied by an adult | £29 |
Family | 2 adults and up to 3 children, 7-15yrs | £100 |
From 1 April to 31 October, you can use your Explorer Pass to visit these sites.
- Aberdour Castle and Gardens
- Arbroath Abbey
- Blackhouse, Arnol
- Balvenie Castle
- Biggar Gasworks Museum
- Bishop's and Earl's Palaces, Kirkwall
- Blackness Castle
- Bothwell Castle
- Bonawe Historic Iron Furnace
- Broch of Gurness
- Caerlaverock Castle
- Cairnpapple Hill
- Castle Campbell
- Corgarff Castle
- Craigmillar Castle
- Crossraguel Abbey
- Dirleton Castle
- Doune Castle
- Dryburgh Abbey
- Duff House
- Dumbarton Castle
- Dundrennan Abbey
- Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel
- Edinburgh Castle
- Edzell Castle and Garden
- Elcho Castle
- Elgin Cathedral
- Fort George
- Glenluce Abbey
- Hackness Battery and Martello Tower
- Hermitage Castle
- Huntingtower Castle
- Huntly Castle
- Inchcolm Abbey
- Inchmahome Priory
- Iona Abbey and Nunnery
- Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement
- Jedburgh Abbey
- Kildrummy Castle
- Kinneil House
- Kisimul Castle
- Linlithgow Palace
- Lochleven Castle
- Maeshowe Chambered Cairn
- Meigle Sculptured Stone Museum
- Melrose Abbey
- New Abbey Corn Mill
- Newark Castle
- Rothesay Castle
- Skara Brae
- Smailholm Tower
- Spynie Palace
- St Andrews Castle
- St Vigeans Sculptured Stones Museum
- Stanley Mills
- Stirling Castle
- Sweetheart Abbey
- Tantallon Castle
- Tolquhon Castle
- Trinity House
- Urquhart Castle
From 1 November to 31 March, you can use your Explorer Pass to visit these sites. A discount applies during our winter season.
- Aberdour Castle and Gardens
- Arbroath Abbey
- Blackhouse, Arnol
- Blackness Castle
- Bothwell Castle
- Caerlaverock Castle
- Craigmillar Castle
- Dirleton Castle
- Doune Castle
- Dryburgh Abbey
- Duff House
- Dumbarton Castle
- Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel
- Edinburgh Castle
- Elgin Cathedral
- Fort George
- Huntingtower Castle
- Huntly Castle
- Iona Abbey and Nunnery
- Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement
- Jedburgh Abbey
- Kinneil House
- Linlithgow Palace
- Maeshowe Chambered Cairn
- Melrose Abbey
- New Abbey Corn Mill
- Rothesay Castle
- Skara Brae
- St Andrews Castle
- Stirling Castle
- Tantallon Castle
- Urquhart Castle
Get a 20% discount on audio tours
Good to know
Sites not covered by the Explorer Pass
Some sites, such as those in the care of private trusts, are not included in the pass. This includes:
The Palace of Holyrood House and Holyrood Abbey, Calanais Visitor Centre and Kinnaird Head Lighthouse
Properties in the care of The National Trust for Scotland
Members of the Historic House Association
Other key information
Your Explorer Pass is valid for 14 consecutive days from your selected start date
The pass is valid for one visit per property
Pre book your visit online before your visit for guaranteed entry
Carers are not required to purchase an Explorer Pass when accompanying a visitor. They can book a free carer ticket for each site they are visiting
The 20% audio tour discount is available at Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Glasgow Cathedral
Where will your pass take you?
Majestic cathedrals, imposing castles, ancient monuments, elegant palaces...
Your Explorer Pass gives you entry to all kinds of historic places, all over Scotland. Head to our collection of features and itineraries for inspiration on where to go first.
Things to see and do
