Ticket prices and booking
| Ticket | Price (2026, approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult, online | £20–24 | Timed entry slot; price can vary by date |
| Adult, at the gate | Around £26 | Only if slots remain |
| Children, concessions | Reduced | Under-5s free |
| Explorer Pass | Multi-site pass | Good if you also visit Stirling Castle or other sites |
Buy directly from Edinburgh Castle (Historic Environment Scotland). Resellers often charge more. Guided tours with skip-the-line entry are an option if official slots are sold out.
Opening hours
- April–September: 9:30am–6pm (last entry 5pm).
- October–March: 9:30am–5pm (last entry 4pm).
- Closed: 25 and 26 December. Hours can change for events such as the Tattoo in August.
What to see inside
The Honours of Scotland
The crown, sceptre and sword of state are the oldest crown jewels in the British Isles. The queue builds quickly, so go here first.
St Margaret’s Chapel
Built in the 12th century, it’s the oldest building in Edinburgh.
The Great Hall and Royal Palace
A hammerbeam-roofed hall and the rooms where Mary, Queen of Scots gave birth to James VI.
Mons Meg and the One O’Clock Gun
Mons Meg is a giant medieval siege cannon. The One O’Clock Gun is fired every day at 1pm except Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day. Find a spot on Mills Mount Battery by 12:45pm.
Prisons of War and the National War Museum
Recreated vaults where prisoners were held in the 18th century, and a museum of Scottish military history.
The Scottish National War Memorial
A moving memorial to Scots who died in the World Wars and later conflicts.
Tips for visiting
- Choose the first slot (9:30am), ideally Tuesday to Thursday, before tour groups arrive.
- Download the audio guide or join a free guided introduction near the entrance.
- Wear good shoes: the castle is built on a steep rock with cobbles.
- There is no visitor parking; walk up the Royal Mile.
After your visit, continue down the Royal Mile with our Edinburgh itinerary.
More Edinburgh guides
- Edinburgh travel guide
- 20 best things to do in Edinburgh
- Edinburgh itinerary: 2, 3 or 4 days
- Where to stay in Edinburgh
- Best time to visit Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Airport to the city centre
- Highlands and Loch Ness day trip
- UK ETA: who needs it and how to apply
FAQ: Edinburgh Castle tickets
Do I need to book Edinburgh Castle in advance?
Yes, especially from April to October. Timed slots often sell out on busy days.
How long do you need at Edinburgh Castle?
Two to three hours for the main sights, half a day to see everything.
Is the Stone of Destiny still at Edinburgh Castle?
No. Since 2024, the Stone of Destiny has been displayed at Perth Museum.
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