Opening times
Tickets often sell out far in advance, especially over the summer months. Book your tickets online in advance for the best price and to guarantee entry. Once tickets are sold out online, there will be no further tickets available at the castle.
| Dates | Opens | Closes |
| 1 April to 30 September | 9.30am | 6pm (last entry 5pm) |
| 1 October to 19 December | 9.30am | 5pm (last entry 3.30pm) |
| 20 to 23 December | 9.30am | 4pm (last entry 2.30pm) |
| 24 December | 9.30am | 4pm (last entry 2pm) |
| 25 and 26 December | CLOSED | |
| 27 to 30 December | 9.30am | 4pm (last entry 2.30pm) |
| 31 December | 9.30am | 5pm (last entry 4pm) |
| 1 January | 11am | 5pm (last entry 4pm) |
| 2 to 4 January | 9.30am | 4pm (last entry 2.30pm) |
| 5 to 12 January | 9.30am | 5pm (last entry 4pm) |
| 13 to 15 January | CLOSED | |
| 16 January to 31 March | 9.30am | 5pm (last entry 4pm) |
You should set aside at least 2 hours to see the main attractions at Edinburgh Castle.
The Redcoat café will close at the earlier time of 2.30pm on the following dates: 20-23, 27-30 December and 2-4 January.
The Scottish National War Memorial will be closed until 1pm on the following dates in 2025 to accommodate services: 24 February, 25 April and 6 June.
Adverse weather or other reasons beyond our control may cause the castle to close. We advise checking ahead if the forecast is poor or you are making a long journey. Current unexpected and short term closures.
| Season | Opens | Last entry | Closes |
| 1 April to 30 September | 9.45am | 5.30pm | 5.45pm |
| 1 October to 24 December | 9.45am | 4.30pm | 4.45pm |
| 27 December to 4 January | 10.15am | 3.30pm | 3.45pm |
| 5 January to 31 March | 9.45am | 4.30pm | 4.45pm |
| Season | Opens | Last entry | Closes |
| 1 April to 30 September | 9.30am | Mon-Fri: 4.30pm Sat-Sun: 5pm |
Mon-Fri: 4.45pm Sat-Sun: 5.30pm |
| 1 October to 20 December | 9.30am | Mon-Fri: 3.30pm Sat-Sun: 4pm |
Mon-Fri: 3.45pm Sat-Sun: 4.30pm |
| 6 January to 31 March | 9.30am | Mon-Fri: 3.30pm Sat-Sun: 4pm |
Mon-Fri: 3.45pm Sat-Sun: 4.30pm |
The museum may be closed to the public during normal working hours, such as for facilitated school visits or private events.
Redcoat Café
1 April to 31 March:
Daily, 9.30am to 4pm
The Tea Rooms
1 April to 31 March:
Daily, 10.30am to 4pm
Portcullis Shop | Crown Gift Shop | Whisky and Finest Food Shop
1 April to 30 September:
Daily, 9.45am to 5.40pm
1 October to 31 March:
Daily, 9.45am to 4.40pm
For operational reasons, shop opening times may differ to those advertised.
The gun is fired every day at 1pm, except on Sundays, Good Friday, and Christmas Day.
Please be aware that we are currently implementing some new measures with the Ministry of Defence in relation to the viewing of the One O’clock Gun. As part of this, visitors are asked to please arrive at the new marked areas at least 10 minutes before the firing of the gun, and follow guidance from castle staff. We will limit access to some areas surrounding the gun until after it has been fired.
Contact
Online Ticketing Services
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except UK public holidays)
Email:ticketing@hes.scot
