Name: Edinburgh Castle
Rating: 5.0

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

Description

Edinburgh Castle is one of the most exciting historic sites in Western Europe. Set in the heart of Scotland's dynamic capital city, it is sure to capture your imagination. The scenery will take your breath away.

There are many ways to experience Edinburgh Castle. Go straight to an exciting part, follow an itinerary, or allow an audio guide to show you around. Ready to explore Edinburgh Castle? Find all you need to plan your visit right here, from ticket prices and opening times to details about different places to see around the castle.

Price starts from £21.50 for Adults(16-64yrs), £13.00 for Children(7-15) and £42.50 for Family of three. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Fight for the Castle: An immersive exhibition telling the dramatic story of Edinburgh Castle during the Wars of Independence. This medieval stronghold changed hands many times as Scots and English fought to rule the country.
The Great Hall: A wonder of medieval Scotland, the Great Hall was completed in 1511 for King James IV. Its wooden roof is one of the most superb in Britain. Giant beams rest on stones carved with heads and symbols such as the thistle – a badge of Scotland.
The Royal Palace: The Royal Apartments are open. The Birthing Room can be viewed from a cordoned area. Kings and queens lived amidst the comfort and splendour of the Royal Palace. Crown Square took shape over time, with King James IV completing the quadrangle in the early 1500s.
Honours of Scotland: From Monday 12 January to Easter 2026, the Crown Room will be temporarily closed to allow for the refurbishment of the vault and the creation of a new display for the Honours of Scotland. This work follows the relocation of the Stone of Destiny to Perth Museum and marks a significant moment in the evolving story of Scotland’s national treasures.
St Margaret's Chapel: Scotland’s royal family once knelt to worship in this serene private chapel. Today, the doors of Edinburgh’s oldest building are open to all castle visitors, and the chapel continues to host weddings and christenings.
Mons Meg: Mons Meg was once seen as cutting edge military technology. Given to King James II in 1457, the six-tonne siege gun could fire a 150kg gunstone for up to 3.2km (2 miles). She is named after the Belgian town where she was made.
The Western Defences: The Western Defences offer a fascinating glimpse into the castle’s stronghold military past. The angled fortifications were designed to strengthen the castle’s defences.
One o'Clock Gun: Ships in the Firth of Forth once set their maritime clocks by the One o’Clock Gun. The firing of the gun dates back to 1861, when businessman John Hewat brought the idea to Edinburgh from Paris.
Half Moon Battery: Once the Half Moon Battery let cannons rain down on enemies on the castle approaches. Now it gives the castle its unique profile and is a wonderful place to stand and view the city and far beyond.
Prisons of War: Pirates and prisoners of war were once held in the vaults below Crown Square. In the 1700s and 1800s hundreds of prisoners of war were held in these dark, cramped spaces.
The Queen's Embroideries: Exquisite replicas of a set of embroideries created by Mary Queen of Scots during her exile in England are displayed in the ante-chamber of the Royal Apartments.
Scottish National War Memorial: One in five Scots who enlisted during the First World War never came home. This fitting memorial to those who died in both world wars and in conflicts since 1945 was made by some of Scotland’s finest artists and craftspeople.
National War Museum: Letters home from foreign campaigns, Highland broadswords and chemical warfare suits are some of the fascinating items in the Scottish National War Museum.
Regimental Museums: The regiment now known as The Royal Regiment of Scotland were raised to help King Charles II fight the Covenanters - 17th-century religious dissenters. Their first battle was at Rullion Green in the Pentland Hills, near Edinburgh.

Facilities

Parking: Castle Terrace NCP is the nearest car park.

What to see

Maps: Memories from the Second World War: Through personal stories, photography and memorabilia, this new exhibition charts the creation and use of maps during the Second World War.
Gun Salutes: We will be hosting a series of gun salutes to mark special occasions. Each gun salute unless otherwise stated takes place at 12 noon. There will also be a ceremonial guard mount on some of the dates (see scheduled dates for details).
Whispers of the past: The city of Edinburgh is a place where sinister mysteries and strange anomalies haunt our streets, and of course Edinburgh Castle is no exception.

For more information please visit: https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/whats-on/public-performances/

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult(16-64yrs): £21.50 for Online price & £24.00 for Walk-up price.
Child (7-15yrs): £13.00 for Online price & £14.50 for Walk-up price.
Family(1 adult, 2 children): £42.50 for Online price & £47.50 for Walk-up price.
Family(2 adults, 2 children): £62.00 for Online price & £69.50 for Walk-up price.
Family(2 adults, 3 children): £74.00 for Online price & £82.00 for Walk-up price.
Concession(65yrs+ and unemployed): £17.00 for Online price & £19.00 for Walk-up price.
Adult Flexi Ticket: £35.00
Concession Flexi Ticket: £28.00
Child Flexi Ticket: £21.00

Pricing URL: https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/plan-your-visit/tickets/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open daily: From 9.30am.

Address: Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh, UK

Post Code: EH1 2NG

Council: City of Edinburgh

County: Scotland

Essential local road repairs: Due to essential road repairs on The Lawnmarket by The City of Edinburgh Council access to the castle by vehicle is currently restricted (from Monday 2 December).
Bus: The Airlink 100 express bus runs from the airport to the city centre. It takes 25 minutes to reach Waverley Bridge, next to the main railway station.
Rail: Waverley is Edinburgh’s main and most central station. It’s just a short walk to the castle, which can be seen from the station exits – though it’s uphill all the way.
Bicycle: Bike racks are available from November to April, and can be found on the left hand side as you enter the esplanade (behind the ticket box). They are not available from May to October, when the Tattoo stands are in place.
Tram: Trams leave the airport every 7 minutes from early until late. The journey to Princes Street, Edinburgh’s main shopping street, takes about 30 minutes.
Air: Edinburgh Airport is within easy reach and has good bus and tram links to the city centre.
Parking: Castle Terrace NCP is the nearest car park.