Edinburgh Castle
Spend some time getting to know the story of Edinburgh Castle, an icon in Scotland's history. The castle itself is laden with a rich history that you can learn all about on your tour. Grab your tickets at amazing discounts, now!
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Visitor's guide
Must-see highlights & key info
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Explore Edinburgh Castle (exterior) with a local English-speaking guide and hear fascinating tales of royalty, sieges, and legendary events in just 45 mins.
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See the Great Hall, St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, and marvel at Scotland’s Crown Jewels independently after the guided tour.
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Stand atop Castle Rock to soak in sweeping views of the city and uncover hidden treasures with your included Edinburgh city audio tour on your own digital app.
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Upgrade for a longer 1.5-hour guided tour, or a small-group Royal Mile guided walking tour with skip-the-line entry to the castle.
More details
-
Explore Edinburgh Castle (exterior) with a local English-speaking guide and hear fascinating tales of royalty, sieges, and legendary events in just 45 mins.
-
See the Great Hall, St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, and marvel at Scotland’s Crown Jewels independently after the guided tour.
-
Stand atop Castle Rock to soak in sweeping views of the city and uncover hidden treasures with your included Edinburgh city audio tour on your own digital app.
-
Upgrade for a longer 1.5-hour guided tour, or a small-group Royal Mile guided walking tour with skip-the-line entry to the castle.
5% off
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Step back in time at Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Board the Royal Yacht Britannia for a royal sea adventure – along your HOHO route.
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Explore the royal rooms, and wander through Mary, Queen of Scots apartments and see how tea areas and intriguing crew quarters were decorated.
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Hop on and off at your leisure with three routes and 50+ key stops. Visit the Scottish Parliament, Old Town, and Royal Mile with your HOHO pass.
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Enjoy frequent double-decker buses every 30 mins and listen to the multilingual audio guides or immersive English narration on the green route.
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Did you know? In 1566 David Rizzio, the private secretary to Mary, Queen of Scots was murdered brutally inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
More details
-
Step back in time at Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Board the Royal Yacht Britannia for a royal sea adventure – along your HOHO route.
-
Explore the royal rooms, and wander through Mary, Queen of Scots apartments and see how tea areas and intriguing crew quarters were decorated.
-
Hop on and off at your leisure with three routes and 50+ key stops. Visit the Scottish Parliament, Old Town, and Royal Mile with your HOHO pass.
-
Enjoy frequent double-decker buses every 30 mins and listen to the multilingual audio guides or immersive English narration on the green route.
-
Did you know? In 1566 David Rizzio, the private secretary to Mary, Queen of Scots was murdered brutally inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
-
Visit Scotland's two most important royal residences in a single day: go on a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle, followed by access to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
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Save money by bundling your tickets. Located at opposite ends of the Royal Mile, this combo allows you to stroll the historic path in one logical, time-saving itinerary.
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Skip lines and step inside Edinburgh Castle on your guided experience and see the essential highlights, including the Great Hall, St. Margaret's Chapel, and the Crown Jewels.
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Enter the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where you can discover the historic State Apartments and the ruins of Holyrood Abbey, with a multimedia guide.
-
Upgrade to the Palace of Holyroodhouse Christmas guided tour with small-group access, an English-speaking guide, and a complimentary guidebook.
More details
-
Visit Scotland's two most important royal residences in a single day: go on a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle, followed by access to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
-
Save money by bundling your tickets. Located at opposite ends of the Royal Mile, this combo allows you to stroll the historic path in one logical, time-saving itinerary.
-
Skip lines and step inside Edinburgh Castle on your guided experience and see the essential highlights, including the Great Hall, St. Margaret's Chapel, and the Crown Jewels.
-
Enter the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where you can discover the historic State Apartments and the ruins of Holyrood Abbey, with a multimedia guide.
-
Upgrade to the Palace of Holyroodhouse Christmas guided tour with small-group access, an English-speaking guide, and a complimentary guidebook.
5% off
-
Join a small-group English-guided walking tour through Edinburgh’s Old Town and learn hidden stories from its centuries-old past.
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Walk the Royal Mile with a Mercat Storyteller and hear vivid tales of royalty, rebels, poets, and ordinary townsfolk who once lived here.
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Visit historic closes, wynds, and courtyards that reveal how life once unfolded inside Edinburgh’s walled Old Town.
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The experience continues with skip-the-line entry to Edinburgh Castle & a 45-min guided overview at the gates before independent exploration.
More details
-
Join a small-group English-guided walking tour through Edinburgh’s Old Town and learn hidden stories from its centuries-old past.
-
Walk the Royal Mile with a Mercat Storyteller and hear vivid tales of royalty, rebels, poets, and ordinary townsfolk who once lived here.
-
Visit historic closes, wynds, and courtyards that reveal how life once unfolded inside Edinburgh’s walled Old Town.
-
The experience continues with skip-the-line entry to Edinburgh Castle & a 45-min guided overview at the gates before independent exploration.
-
Set out on a 2-hour, small-group Harry Potter-themed walking tour of Edinburgh and later explore the rich history of Edinburgh Castle.
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Explore Rowling's inspiration for the lore at sites like Greyfriars Kirkyard, Victoria Street, and the Elephant Café with a local Potter-head guide.
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Hear behind-the-scenes stories about the city’s influence on the wizarding universe, from Diagon Alley to Tom Riddle’s grave.
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After the tour, step into Edinburgh Castle and discover centuries of Scottish history at your own pace.
-
Wander through the Great Hall and chambers, and marvel at the Crown Jewels as you uncover stories of legends that helped shape the nation.
More details
-
Set out on a 2-hour, small-group Harry Potter-themed walking tour of Edinburgh and later explore the rich history of Edinburgh Castle.
-
Explore Rowling's inspiration for the lore at sites like Greyfriars Kirkyard, Victoria Street, and the Elephant Café with a local Potter-head guide.
-
Hear behind-the-scenes stories about the city’s influence on the wizarding universe, from Diagon Alley to Tom Riddle’s grave.
-
After the tour, step into Edinburgh Castle and discover centuries of Scottish history at your own pace.
-
Wander through the Great Hall and chambers, and marvel at the Crown Jewels as you uncover stories of legends that helped shape the nation.
Pro tips to help you make a pick
Similar things to do in Edinburgh
About Edinburgh Castle
Dominating Edinburgh's skyline, Edinburgh Castle perches atop Castle Rock, offering a glimpse into Scotland's past. From the splendor of the Crown Jewels to the stunning views, every corner of this fortress narrates a fascinating chapter of Scotland's enduring legacy.
Deep within David's Tower lies a time capsule, placed during its construction in 1892. This hidden container holds newspapers, coins, and other artifacts, offering a fascinating glimpse into the late 19th century when the tower was built.
Since 1861, Edinburgh Castle has fired the One O'Clock Gun as a time signal for ships in the Firth of Forth. This daily tradition continues, and visitors can witness the firing, which is synchronized with the famous time ball descent atop the Nelson Monument in Calton Hill.
Displayed in Crown Square, Mons Meg is a colossal medieval cannon gifted to King James II in 1457. This massive artillery piece could reportedly launch a 330-pound gunstone over two miles, making it a formidable symbol of military prowess.
Within the castle grounds lies a poignant and lesser-known site – the Pet Cemetery. Dating back to the 1840s, this hidden corner pays tribute to the loyal dogs of military officers and their families, offering a touching glimpse into the personal lives of those who served.
Tucked away within the castle walls, St. Margaret's Chapel is the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, dating back to the 12th century. Named after Queen Margaret, it stands as a testament to the enduring religious significance and architectural heritage of the castle.
Why visit Edinburgh Castle?
Highlights
Visit the Royal Palace
Step into the opulent Royal Palace, adorned with ornate furnishings and historical artifacts. Visit the Great Hall, where important banquets and ceremonies took place, and immerse yourself in the grandeur of Scottish royalty.
St. Margaret's Chapel
Remember to visit the tranquil St. Margaret's Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh. Admire its simple yet elegant architecture and enjoy a moment of reflection in this historic and intimate space.
National War Museum
Delve into the military history of Edinburgh Castle by exploring the National War Museum. Visit the various exhibitions showcasing the castle's role in conflicts and its importance as a strategic stronghold.
Mons Meg Cannon
Gaze upon the mighty Mons Meg, a massive medieval cannon that once symbolized military might. Learn about its history and the impressive firepower it once wielded.
One O'Clock Gun
Experience the daily firing of the One O'Clock Gun, a tradition dating back to 1861. Witness the booming spectacle and observe the simultaneous time ball drop on Calton Hill.
Prisons of War Exhibition
Gain insight into the harsh realities faced by prisoners of war in the castle's Prisons of War exhibition. Discover the stories of those held captive and the conditions they endured.
Educational exhibits and interactive displays
Engage with educational exhibits and interactive displays throughout the castle. Learn about the rich history of Scotland, its monarchs, and the evolution of Edinburgh Castle through the ages.
Plan your visit
Esplanade Entrance
Location: This entrance is at the lower end of the Royal Mile and leads to the Esplanade, a large open space in front of the castle.
Accessibility: The Esplanade Entrance is accessible for visitors with mobility challenges, and the castle provides ramps and other facilities for ease of access.
Castle Gate Entrance
Location: Located within the castle walls, this entrance is part of the main gatehouse.
Accessibility: Accessible for visitors, but the terrain within the castle can be uneven. Some areas may require additional assistance for those with mobility challenges.
Argyle Battery Entrance
Location: Situated on the western side of the castle, the Argyle Battery Entrance provides access to the western part of the castle, including the National War Museum.
Accessibility: Some parts may have stairs or uneven surfaces, so visitors with mobility challenges should check for specific accessibility information.
Lang Stairs Entrance
Location: This entrance is located near the Half Moon Battery, providing access to the upper parts of the castle.
Accessibility: Involves stairs, so it may not be suitable for visitors with mobility challenges. Check for alternative routes or assistance.
- Last entry: 1 hour before closing time
- Closed: July 3, December 25 and 26
- Recommended duration: You should set aside at least 2 hours to see the main attractions at Edinburgh Castle.
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