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Book Edinburgh Castle Tickets
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
- Experience the riveting history of Scotland unraveled on a 90-minute guided tour of the iconic Edinburgh Castle.
- Bypass the bustling crowds with seamless fast-track entry, and uncover the castle's sights like the Chapel of Saint Margaret, the city's oldest building.
- See the sword and the scepter, the oldest crown jewels in the British Isle, and admire the city views from the Castle Rock volcano.
- Tailor the experience to your comfort with your preferred language, English or Spanish, and steep in 3,000-year-old Scottish history.
- Experience the riveting history of Scotland unraveled on a 90-minute guided tour of the iconic Edinburgh Castle.
- Bypass the bustling crowds with seamless fast-track entry, and uncover the castle's sights like the Chapel of Saint Margaret, the city's oldest building.
- See the sword and the scepter, the oldest crown jewels in the British Isle, and admire the city views from the Castle Rock volcano.
- Tailor the experience to your comfort with your preferred language, English or Spanish, and steep in 3,000-year-old Scottish history.
Inclusions
- 90-min guided tour of Edinburgh Castle
- Skip-the-line entry
- English/Spanish-speaking guide
- Tip: Keep an eye out for the One O'Clock Gun – it fires every day except Sunday, Good Friday, and Christmas Day.
- Guide dogs are allowed on this experience.
- Flash photography and tripods are not allowed on this experience.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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Snapshots from our guests
4.5
38 ratings
28
5
2
1
2
What our guests say
Robert
Jun 2024Verified booking
The guide was fantastisc and gave a lot of details about the history of Scotland and England. We really enjoyed the tour. The guide, Jennifer, explained everything with a lot of humour.
Sharon
May 2024Verified booking
Richard the tour guide was very good He explained everything in the castle so we were interested on entire tour Funny great body language to tell the story Our highlight of edinburgh
Vanessa
May 2024Verified booking
Stunning scenery and architecture. The guide, Richard, was really super good and engaging. Definitely recommended!
View original review in Italian
ludmila
May 2024Verified booking
El storytelling del guia habla hispana, un genio! Te hace meterte de lleno en la historia del lugar y ves todo desde otra perspectiva
Alison
Jan 2024Verified booking
The best thing about our experience was our guide Sarah!! She was so detailed, animated, funny and knowledgeable about the history of Edinburgh. She made this tour for our family!!
Dario
Sep 2024Verified booking
Our guide Conchi was very informative and helpful
Michael
Sep 2024Verified booking
Everything was wonderful. I live in America an this was a lifetime experience. I hope to be able to return.
Mary
Aug 2024Verified booking
Very knowledgeable tout guide. I love the history that was told during the walking tour of the castle.
Fernando
Jul 2024Verified booking
Conchi's guide. Great. She tells a lot of interesting stories and is super nice.
View original review in Spanish
Karin
Mar 2024Verified booking
Sonia tour guide was knowledgeable, funny, entertaining. Learned a lot of interesting information
Galina
Feb 2024Verified booking
The guider was super! I loved the way he spoke and presented the castle history.
Cliquot
Jan 2024Verified booking
Very nice tour I will recommend, Tommy was great with his explanations and stories.
Ana
Jan 2024Verified booking
Very complete all the info provided by the guide Jesus. Very interesting and enjoyable!
View original review in Spanish
JULIO
Dec 2024Verified booking
Sirinya
Oct 2024Verified booking
Louise
Sep 2024Verified booking
MARIA
Sep 2024Verified booking
Mitul
Aug 2024Verified booking
Mihalcea
Aug 2024Verified booking
Katherine
Jul 2024Verified booking
Richa
Jun 2024Verified booking
David
May 2024Verified booking
Laurence
Apr 2024Verified booking
Marta
Mar 2024Verified booking
Antonio
Mar 2024Verified booking
Hop-on Hop-off Tours Edinburgh
Edinburgh: Royal Attractions Tickets + 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Routes
Timeline
Map
1
Waterloo Place
Get direction
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
Calton Hill
1 min walk
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
6 min walk
2
St. Andrew Square
Get direction
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
St. Andrew Square Gardens
2 min walk
Scott Monument
5 min walk
3
Lothian Road
Get direction
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
Usher Hall
2 min walk
Traverse Theatre
1 min walk
4
Grassmarket
Get direction
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
Grassmarket Square
1 min walk
Victoria Street
6 min walk
5
Lawnmarket
Get direction
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
1 min walk
Writers’ Museum
1 min walk
6
John Knox House
Get direction
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
National Museum of Scotland
2 min walk
Bedlam Theatre
2 min walk
7
Holyrood
Get direction
3 attractions
Nearby things to do
Palace of Holyroodhouse
1 min walk
Scottish Parliament Building
Holyrood Park
8 min walk
8
Our Dynamic Earth
Get direction
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
Our Dynamic Earth
The Queen’s Gallery
6 min walk
1
Waterloo Place
Get direction
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
Calton Hill
1 min walk
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
6 min walk
2
St. Andrew Square
Get direction
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
St. Andrew Square Gardens
2 min walk
Scott Monument
5 min walk
3
Charlotte Square
Get direction
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
The Georgian House
Princes Street Gardens
9 min walk
4
Lothian Road
Get direction
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
Usher Hall
2 min walk
Traverse Theatre
1 min walk
5
Grassmarket
Get direction
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
Grassmarket Square
1 min walk
Victoria Street
6 min walk
6
Lawnmarket
Get direction
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
1 min walk
Writers’ Museum
1 min walk
7
John Knox House
Get direction
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
National Museum of Scotland
2 min walk
Bedlam Theatre
2 min walk
8
Holyrood
Get direction
3 attractions
Nearby things to do
Palace of Holyroodhouse
1 min walk
Scottish Parliament Building
Holyrood Park
8 min walk
9
Our Dynamic Earth
Get direction
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
Our Dynamic Earth
The Queen’s Gallery
6 min walk
1
Waterloo Place
Get direction
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
Calton Hill
1 min walk
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
6 min walk
2
Holyrood
Get direction
3 attractions
Nearby things to do
Palace of Holyroodhouse
1 min walk
Scottish Parliament Building
Holyrood Park
8 min walk
3
St. Andrew Square
Get direction
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
St. Andrew Square Gardens
2 min walk
Scott Monument
5 min walk
4
Royal Botanic Garden
Get direction
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
1 min walk
Inverleith House
5
Newhaven
Get direction
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
Newhaven Harbour Lighthouse
2 min walk
Newhaven Fish Market
2 min walk
6
The Shore
Get direction
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
The Shore
1 min walk
Nelson Monument
12 min walk
7
Ocean Terminal
Get direction
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
Royal Yacht Britannia
4 min walk
Ocean Terminal Mall
7 min walk
8
Bonnington Rd
Get direction
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
The Edinburgh Gin Distillery at The Arches
10 min walk
Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop
5 min walk
Palaces, panoramas, and pounds saved! Edinburgh’s best sights in one cost-saving combo.
- Edinburgh's royal sights are yours to see on this 48-hour hop-on hop-off tour with direct access to 3 popular attractions – your wallet will thank you later.
- Discover royal history at Edinburgh Castle and Holyroodhouse Palace and tour the floating Royal Yacht Britannia, all easily accessible on your HOHO route.
- Marvel at medieval rooms, precious jewels, and Mary, Queen of Scots' living spaces and peek into the Queen's private rooms and fancy tea areas.
- Explore Edinburgh your way with the flexible HOHO pass. Three routes and 50+ well-placed stops let you see top sights like the Parliament and the Botanic Garden.
- Catch a double-decker every 30 mins and pick from various language audio guides or enjoy lively English commentary on the green route.
Palaces, panoramas, and pounds saved! Edinburgh’s best sights in one cost-saving combo.
- Edinburgh's royal sights are yours to see on this 48-hour hop-on hop-off tour with direct access to 3 popular attractions – your wallet will thank you later.
- Discover royal history at Edinburgh Castle and Holyroodhouse Palace and tour the floating Royal Yacht Britannia, all easily accessible on your HOHO route.
- Marvel at medieval rooms, precious jewels, and Mary, Queen of Scots' living spaces and peek into the Queen's private rooms and fancy tea areas.
- Explore Edinburgh your way with the flexible HOHO pass. Three routes and 50+ well-placed stops let you see top sights like the Parliament and the Botanic Garden.
- Catch a double-decker every 30 mins and pick from various language audio guides or enjoy lively English commentary on the green route.
Inclusions
Royal Attractions
- Entry to Edinburgh Castle (Close to stop 6, Red route & stop 8, Green route)
- Entry to Royal Yacht Britannia (Close to stop 14, Blue route)
- Entry to Palace of Holyroodhouse (Close to stops 11 & 13, Red route, stops 13 & 15, Green route & stop 3, Blue route)
- Audio guide in 30 languages (Royal Yacht Britannia)
- Audio guide in 9 languages (Palace of Holyroodhouse)
Edinburgh HOHO
- 48-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off tour
- Access to Red, Green & Blue routes
- Audio guide in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, Scottish & Portuguese (Red & Blue routes)
- Horrible Histories children’s commentary
- English-speaking guide (Green route)
- Headphones
- Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking
Please click here for detailed route maps and boarding points.
You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.
Red route
- First bus: 8:50am from Waterloo Place
- Last bus: 4:20pm from Waterloo Place
- Frequency: Every 30 mins
- Popular stops: Edinburgh Castle, Old Town, Royal Mile
Green route
- First bus: 9am from Waterloo Place
- Last bus: 4pm from Waterloo Place
- Frequency: Every 30 mins
- Popular stops: Georgian New Town, Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse
Blue route
- First bus: 9:10am from Waterloo Place
- Last bus: 3:40pm from Waterloo Place
- Frequency: Every 30 mins
- Popular stops: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Royal Yacht Britannia, Palace of Holyroodhouse
Royal Attractions
- Tip: Don't miss the Honours of Scotland exhibition at Edinburgh Castle, showcasing the oldest Crown jewels in the British Isles!
- Parts of Edinburgh Castle and Palace of Holyroodhouse are wheelchair accessible.
- The Royal Yacht Britannia experience is wheelchair accessible.
- Note that the ticket lets you visit Edinburgh Castle and Royal Yacht Britannia within 48 hours. If you need to visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse outside of that timeframe, your ticket will still be valid.
- Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult or senior citizen during their visit.
Edinburgh HOHO
- This experience is wheelchair accessible.
- Mobility scooters are allowed if folded and stored as luggage.
- Your guide dogs and pet dogs are welcome aboard.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.3
70 ratings
41
20
2
1
6
What our guests say
TAN
Nov 2024Verified booking
My experience on the 1 day trip was fine. My disappointment was the unavailable of the Britannia trip, as it was closed for Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday. My visit was Monday. I e. I only visited 2 out of three attractions that I purchased. The free bus services does not cover the trip to the Britannia, as it was way out of the 48 hours limit. Propose do not set the limit of the bus services, since there is possible of venue closure. Thanks for your attention. Cheers. John
Andrei
Nov 2024Verified booking
Stop locations were well placed, drivers were informative and polite. Had a live guide providing live commentary on one bus....wish I had got his name since he was great.
Barbara
Oct 2024Verified booking
Was able to visit all the sites we wanted to see .. didn't need to drive our vehicle.. eliminated finding and paying for parking. Drivers were friendly .
K.A.
Sep 2024Verified booking
When you do not have so much time, hop on hop off is a splendid way to see a lot in short time. We did the tour with granted acces to the Edinburgh castle, holyroodhouse and the Brittannia. Validatie the tickets was easy, since the little offucehouse was in front of our building g. Good experience. Enjoyed it.
Daniel
Jul 2024Verified booking
Bus tours were great! Informative and funny. Made it to the castle and palace quickly. Only knock I have is the need to make our way to Waterloo Place to validate our tickets. Required a Tram from the Ocean Terminal to St. Andrew's Square rather than catching the Tour at the Ocean Terminal.
Miss
May 2024Verified booking
Ease of hop on buses helpfulness of staff. Negative was Holyrood Was not open during our stay yet still paid for the entrance.
Mair
Apr 2024Verified booking
All 3 attractions were so interesting. The 3 different coloured buses were so regular and we have to mention our trip on the Green one with commentary from Joy and the bus driver David. It was really enjoyable, Joy was both informative and funny. A great way to see Edingburgh and would really recommend this trips.
concetta
Jan 2024Verified booking
Quella del biglietto 48 ore con l'ingresso a tre attrazioni direi che è stata una decisione strategica che consiglio a chiunque abbia poco tempo a disposizione. E' il modo migliore per visitare la città. Devo esprimere però una nota positiva a favore dello staff, in particolar modo di SARA, che abbiamo avuto la fortuna di conoscere la mattina del nostro inizio tour presso il luogo indicato come cambio del voucher - Waterloo Place. E' stata sempre gentilissima e disponibile ma soprattutto ci ha risolto un problema imprevisto, ovvero la chiusura del Castello a causa del vento forte. Avevamo programmato la visita il giorno prima della partenza e andar via senza vedere uno dei simboli più importanti della città sarebbe stata una enormedelusione, come se non avessimo visto nulla. I tempi di risposta per email purtroppo sono lunghi e seguono orari di ufficio, quindi lei ha spiegato il problema al suo supervisor Roberto (presenti entrambi in quei giorni al punto di Waterloo Place) ed insieme hanno spostato l'appuntamento al mattino seguente, rendendo la nostra visita ad edimburgo decisamente soddisfacente. Grazie di cuore per il servizio e spero che vi arrivi il ringraziamento anche alle persone sopracitate Buon lavoro a tutti
Marie-Christine
Jan 2024Verified booking
The staff at the bus station are very friendly and the explanations are very clear. It's really nice to have the audio explanations in French on the bus, thanks to the headphones. The sites to visit are well worth the effort. Great memories! I'll be back very soon to do these tours again, as I love travelling around the city by bus.
View original review in French
Tirtha
Dec 2023Verified booking
Hassle free entry to all the 3 venues and hop on, hop off experience on all routes were excellent way to explore the city.
Gary
Oct 2024Verified booking
Great value package and a very easy way to experiance visiting all the sightsp
Jane
Oct 2024Verified booking
The ease of having the 48 hr bus ticket and entry to three sites was good.
Uwe-Carsten
Oct 2024Verified booking
Everything! The explanations, the friendly drivers and the overall experience. The Hmy Britannia was impressive. Thank you!
View original review in German
Carla
Oct 2024Verified booking
Beautiful royal residence. With the audio guide you get around very well, it is very explanatory.
View original review in Italian
Mrs
Oct 2024Verified booking
Great being able to get the hop on hop off bus to Edinburgh attractions so easily.
RHONDA
Oct 2024Verified booking
HOLYROOD PALACE WAS MY FAVORITE EXPERIENCE
M
Aug 2024Verified booking
Easy very reliable service with the attraction tickets included in the 48 hours pass made our trip a lot easier
Sara
Aug 2024Verified booking
Great views from the bus, stops near the attractions and frequency of buses is brilliant.
Mr
Mar 2024Verified booking
Was a good way to see the sight and get about the city. A convenient pass
Janet
Feb 2024Verified booking
Very simple process. Bought tickets online and redeemed on arrival in Edinburgh. Staff Thomas really helpful.
Claudia
Dec 2024Verified booking
Paul
Dec 2024Verified booking
Christopher
Dec 2024Verified booking
ACM
Dec 2024Verified booking
Prashant
Dec 2024Verified booking
Explore sites that inspired the Harry Potter films with a small group & visit Edinburgh Castle
- Join a Harry Potter-themed walking tour guided by an expert English-speaking guide, complete with exclusive access to Edinburgh Castle.
- The Edinburgh University Old College will draw you in with its 18th-century allure, and visit the Elephant House café, the birthplace of Harry Potter.
- Try to spot Tom Riddle's grave at Greyfriars Kirkyard graveyard, and see a shop on Victoria Street that inspired the famous Diagon Alley.
- Enter Edinburgh Castle, a symbol of Scottish heritage, and learn about its dark connection with witches and wizards of the past.
Explore sites that inspired the Harry Potter films with a small group & visit Edinburgh Castle
- Join a Harry Potter-themed walking tour guided by an expert English-speaking guide, complete with exclusive access to Edinburgh Castle.
- The Edinburgh University Old College will draw you in with its 18th-century allure, and visit the Elephant House café, the birthplace of Harry Potter.
- Try to spot Tom Riddle's grave at Greyfriars Kirkyard graveyard, and see a shop on Victoria Street that inspired the famous Diagon Alley.
- Enter Edinburgh Castle, a symbol of Scottish heritage, and learn about its dark connection with witches and wizards of the past.
Inclusions
- 2-hour Harry Potter walking tour in Edinburgh
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Entry to Edinburgh Castle
- Tip: Keep an eye out for "The Boy Wizard" shop on Victoria Street, known for its Harry Potter-themed merchandise.
- This experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
- Guide dogs and pets are welcome on this experience.
- You will meet your guide outside the Tron Kirk market, opposite Bella Italia on the Royal Mile.
- No Harry Potter film locations are included in this tour as no filming took place in Edinburgh.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
EdinburghEdinburgh Castle
Top things to do in Edinburgh
Why visit Edinburgh Castle
- Built atop an extinct volcano: Castle Rock, the hill on which the castle sits, is the plug of an extinct volcano that last erupted over 340 million years ago.
- Hidden tower: David's Tower was built in the 14th century but collapsed during the Lang Siege of 1573. The tower ruins were buried beneath the Half Moon Battery, but they were rediscovered in 1912.
- Prison for American prisoners of war: During the American War of Independence, over 1,100 American prisoners were held captive in Edinburgh Castle. One prisoner, Ebeneezer Fox, carved a depiction of the American flag into the wall of his cell. This is believed to be the earliest known depiction of the Stars and Stripes outside of the United States.
- Said to be haunted: There are many different ghost stories associated with Edinburgh Castle, including the story of the headless drummer, the ghost of Mary Queen of Scots, and the ghost of a dog that was once thrown from the castle walls.
Which Edinburgh Castle ticket is best for you
If you are on a budget
Go for: Walking tour
Duration: Flexible
Guide: Yes
- Join an English-speaking guide on an exploration of the Royal Mile and the attractions along the route and learn about Scotland's history and its prominent residents like Mary Queen of Scots and Roberts Burns.
- Upgrade your tickets for skip-the-line entry to Edinburgh Castle and an audio guide
Recommended tour:
If you are short on time
Go for: Priority entry ticket
Duration: 1.5 hours
Guide: Audio
- Bypass the long lines and crowds with priority access on this 90-minute guided tour of Edinburgh Castle.
- Explore the Chapel of Saint Margaret and see the Crown Jewels and learn about their history with an audio guide in English or Spanish.
Recommended tour:
If you want to explore beyond
Go for: Combo ticket
Duration: 4 hours
Guide: Yes
- Pair your visit to Edinburgh Castle with a Harry Potter-themed walking tour with an English-speaking guide.
- Explore the Edinburgh University Old College, the birthplace of Harry Potter at the Elephant House Cafe, Tom Riddle's grave at Greyfriars Kirkyard graveyard, and the shop that inspired Diagon Alley.
Recommended tour:
What to see at Edinburgh Castle
Crown Jewels of Scotland
Behold the dazzling Crown Jewels, exquisite works of art. Crafted with gold, silver, and precious gemstones, the Crown of Scotland boasts the honor of being the oldest surviving crown in the British Isles.
Great Hall
A colossal space measuring over 100 feet in length and 40 feet in width, this historic hall once resonated with celebration during banquets and royal ceremonies. Today, it houses the National War Museum of Scotland.
Royal Palace
Wander through the corridors of the Royal Palace, once a regal residence, now a living museum that narrates the tale of Scotland's monarchs. Explore the King's Apartments, the Queen's Apartments, and the State Apartments.
St Margaret's Chapel
Gaze upon the ethereal beauty of St Margaret's Chapel, the castle's oldest gem. Legend has it that Saint Margaret, King Malcolm III's queen, gave birth to King David I. This simple chapel boasts a serene nave, choir, and side chapels.
Mons Meg
Encounter the colossal Mons Meg, a cannon of awe-inspiring proportions. This behemoth stretches over 16 feet in length and weighs a staggering 15 tons. In the 15th century, it stood as one of Europe's mightiest cannons.
One o'clock Gun
Join in the daily tradition that dates back to the 18th century, as the One o'clock Gun reverberates across the castle grounds. This midday spectacle draws both locals and visitors alike to the Half Moon Battery.
Half Moon Battery
Not just a vantage point, the Half Moon Battery offers panoramic views. With the city and the sprawling countryside stretched before you, it's the perfect stage for the One o'clock Gun's thunderous performance.
National War Museum
Immerse yourself in Scotland's military legacy, spanning from the Jacobite Rebellions to the crucible of World War II. Marvel at the vast array of weapons, uniforms, and artifacts that bear witness to the nation's storied military history.
Scottish National War Memorial
Pay your respects at the solemn Scottish National War Memorial, a hallowed tribute to those who laid down their lives in the name of Scotland. It's a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom.
Queen Anne Building
This majestic venue at Edinburgh Castle is available for booking for private events, banquets, or cocktail parties for up to 170 guests. See the castle lit up at night with a piper's welcome and flaming torches at the drawbridge at the event.
Real Mary King's Close
Venture beneath the historic Royal Mile to unearth a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers dating back to the 14th century. Unearth the city's clandestine past, with sights such as the Edinburgh Vaults, taverns, shops, and even a prison.
Queen's Embroideries
Artistry takes center stage in the Queen's Gallery, where royal embroidery by Mary Queen of Scots graces the walls. These exquisite creations are a testament to the royal artistry of the queen during her exile.
Argyle Tower
This vaulted chamber is dominated by a huge model trebuchet that towers above a stone ball believed to have been fired at the castle during the siege of 1296, the first time giant catapults are recorded being used in Scotland.
Prisons of War
In the 1700s and 1800s, pirates and prisoners of war were held in dark, cramped spaces below Crown Square, including prisoners from France, America, Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, Denmark, and Poland.
Regimental museums
Now known as the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, the regiment helped King Charles II fight 17th-century religious dissenters called Covenanters. Both the Royal Scots Museum and the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum are on top of the hill.
David's Tower
Originally the heart of the castle at 100ft, the tower was the royal residence for 100 years. It was built by David II in the 1300s but was incomplete at the time of his death in 1371. By the early 1500s, the Royal Palace took over as the residence.
Plan your visit to Edinburgh Castle
Timings
Location
Entrances
Facilities
Tips
Eat
Stay
Nearby
- April 1 to September 30: 9:30am to 6pm
- October 1 to December 23: 9:30am to 5pm
- December 24: 9:30am to 4pm
- December 27 to 31: 9:30am to 5pm
- January 1: 11am to 5pm
- January 2 to March 31: 9:30am to 5pm
Last entry: One hour before closing time
Closed on: July 3, December 25, and December 26. Unexpected closures may occur due to bad weather or other circumstances.
Address: Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, UK
Getting there
- By metro: The nearest metro station to Edinburgh Castle is West End - Princes Street. From the station, it is a short walk up the Royal Mile to the castle.
- By car: There is no public parking at Edinburgh Castle. However, there are several car parks in the surrounding area, including Castle Terrace Car Park, Princes Street Car Park, and Waverley Parking.
- By bus: Some buses stop near Edinburgh Castle, including Lothian Buses 24, 35, 38, and 45. From the bus stop, it is a short walk up the Royal Mile to the castle.
There is only one main entrance to Edinburgh Castle, which is located at the bottom of the Royal Mile. Visitors can access the castle over a wooden-slatted bridge.
However, there are many other entrances to the castle that are used for specific purposes, such as:
- The Esplanade Gate: This gate is used for access to the castle grounds and the Royal Military Tattoo.
- The Argyll Battery Gate: This gate is used for access to the Argyll Battery and the One o'clock Gun.
- The Crown Square Gate: This gate is used for access to the Crown Square area of the castle.
- The Foog's Gate: This gate is used for access to the Upper Ward of the castle.
Visitors are not permitted to use these entrances unless they have a specific reason to do so, such as attending a military event or visiting the castle grounds.
- Ticket office
- Information desk
- Guided tours
- Audio guides
- Year-round temporary exhibitions
- Cafes & restaurants
- Toilets
- Gift shops
- Many visitors to Edinburgh Castle stick to the main attractions, such as the Crown Jewels and Mons Meg. But there are also some hidden gems to be found in the castle. For example, you can visit the National War Museum of Scotland, which is housed in the castle grounds. You can also take a tour of David's Tower, which offers stunning views of the city.
- Look for the hidden symbols and meanings. For example, the castle's portcullis gate features a carving of a crowned lion. This is a symbol of the Scottish monarchy. You can also find carvings of the thistle, the national flower of Scotland, throughout the castle.
- Take a guided tour. Guided tours are a great way to learn about the castle's history and see all the highlights.
- The Crown Jewels are one of the most popular attractions in the castle, so it's best to see them early before the crowds arrive.
- The One o'clock Gun is fired from the castle every day at 1pm. It's a popular tourist attraction, so be sure to arrive early to get a good spot.
- The Tea Rooms: Indulge in an afternoon tea or sample some of Scotland's best meals or sweet and savory snacks with a view of Edinburgh. Do try the Blacketyside raspberry, Fairtrade dark chocolate macaron, and the Ayrshire ham and Glendrath egg finger sandwich with Arran mustard.
- Redcoat Cafe: Nestled within the castle grounds, this cozy café serves up a delightful mix of Scottish and international fare, from sandwiches and salads to hearty soups and delectable cakes.
Budget: Hub by Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Rose Street), Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge, Cityroomz Edinburgh
Mid-range: Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street), Old Waverley Hotel, Best Western Kings Manor Hotel
Luxury: The Witchery by the Castle, The Balmoral Hotel, Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian
- The Royal Mile: This historic street is lined with shops, restaurants, and pubs, and it is a great place to soak up the atmosphere of Edinburgh.
- Palace of Holyroodhouse: This royal palace is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, and it is open to the public for tours.
- Arthur's Seat: This extinct volcano offers stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside, and it is a popular spot for hiking and walking.
- Princes Street Gardens: These beautiful gardens are located at the foot of Edinburgh Castle and offer a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.
- National Museum of Scotland: This museum houses a collection of over 20 million objects, including artifacts from Scottish history, culture, and natural history.
- Camera Obscura and World of Illusions: This popular tourist attraction offers a variety of optical illusions and interactive exhibits.
Frequently Asked Questions about Edinburgh Castle tickets
How much is a ticket to Edinburgh Castle?
Ticket prices vary depending on age and group size, but start at £19.50 for adults and £11.40 for children below the age of 15.
What do Edinburgh Castle tickets include?
Tickets typically grant access to the castle grounds, including various attractions such as the Crown Jewels, the Great Hall, and St Margaret's Chapel. Special exhibitions or guided tours may have separate fees.
Are discounts available on tickets?
Discounts are often available for seniors, students, and children. Additionally, you may find discounted rates for online bookings, family tickets, or in combination with other historic sites.
What is the cancelation policy?
The guided tour of Edinburgh Castle cannot be canceled or rescheduled. However, the Royal Mile walking tour and the Harry Potter walking tour can be canceled 24 hours before the experience and you will get a full refund.
How long does it take to complete a tour?
The duration of your visit depends on your interests, but most visitors spend around 2 to 3 hours exploring the castle's various attractions and enjoying the breathtaking views of Edinburgh.
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About Edinburgh Castle
Directions to Edinburgh Castle