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 |
29 March to 30 September | 9.30am | 6pm (last entry 5pm) |
1 October to 23 December | 9.30am | 5pm (last entry 4pm) |
24 December | 9.30am | 4pm (last entry 3pm) |
25 & 26 December | Castle is closed | |
27 to 31 December | 9.30am | 5pm (last entry 4pm) |
1 January | 11am | 5pm (last entry 4pm) |
2 January to 28 March | 9.30am | 5pm (last entry 4pm) |
You should set aside at least 2 hours to see the main attractions at Edinburgh Castle.
Opening times for the independent museums at the castle may vary.
The Argyle Tower (which shows the 'Fight for the Castle' exhibition) is currently closed.
The Royal Scots Museum will be closed for school visits on the following dates:
17 Apr (until 1pm); 1 May (all day); 8 May (until 1pm); 16 May (all day); 22 May (until 1pm) and 5 Jun (until 1pm).
Unfortunately there will be no disabled access to the Royal Scots Museum until the middle of June.
Season | Opens | Last entry | Closes |
1 April to 30 September | Daily 9.45am | 5.30pm | 5.45pm |
1 October to 24 December | Daily 9.45am | 4.30pm | 4.45pm |
27 December to 4 January | Daily 10.15am | 3.30pm | 3.45pm |
5 January to 31 March | Daily 9.45am | 4.30pm | 4.45pm |
The Royal Scots and The Royal Scots Dragoon Guard Museums are run by volunteers and may have different opening times.
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.
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.
Contact
Online Ticketing Services
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except UK public holidays)
Email:ticketing@hes.scot