On our Edinburgh Castle Tour, we discovered that Edinburgh Castle is the most important attraction in the city. Upon our arrival in the capital, it was the very first place we visited.
Fortunately, we had secured our tickets weeks in advance. We realized just how crucial it is to buy tickets beforehand when we reached the entrance of the castle. A sign greeted us, indicating that all tickets were sold out—and it was only 10 a.m. As a result, walk-in visitors were turned away.
In this article, you’ll learn which tickets are recommended and what you can explore inside Edinburgh Castle. Additionally, we offer helpful tips for your visit and comprehensive information about the castle.
Content: Edinburgh Castle Tour & Tickets
Edinburgh Castle Tickets: Options and Differences
There are various ticket options available for visiting the castle. You can choose between a guided tour of the fortress and a tour with a guide inside the buildings. Alternatively, you can opt for a standard visitor ticket without a guided tour.
Ticket for Guided Tour
This ticket is likely the most popular option for visiting the castle. The guided tour includes entry to Edinburgh Castle. Your guide will take you through different parts of the fortress and share its fascinating history. However, the guide does not accompany you through the individual buildings; you can explore these on your own after the tour. The tour lasts 1.5 hours. You can book the ticket here*.
Ticket for Tour with Live Guide
In this tour, the guide leads you through various sections of the castle, sharing key stories about the castle’s significance and historical figures. After the guided portion, you can independently visit the castle’s museums, which are not covered during the tour. The tour is available in English and lasts 1.5 hours. You can book the ticket here*.
Tickets Without Guided Tour
If you prefer not to join a guided tour, you can also book a standard visitor ticket. This grants you access to the castle, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
Tip: As you pass through the castle entrance, you’ll find a small booth on the right-hand side. Here, you can pick up audio guides and maps for your tour. Make sure to do this, as it will help you stay oriented. The map includes 26 stops for the tour. You can also download the map here.
Edinburgh Castle Opening Hours
Edinburgh Castle is open year-round, with hours varying by season. From April 1 to September 30, the castle is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the last entry at 5:00 p.m. From October 1 to March 31, the castle also opens at 9:30 a.m. but closes at 5:00 p.m., with the last entry at 4:00 p.m.
The tickets are timed-entry tickets that only specify the entry time. There is no time limit for your stay, so you can remain in Edinburgh Castle for as long as you like. We opted for tickets* at 10:00 a.m. to experience less crowding at the beginning of the tour.
Tip: Tickets are often sold out several days in advance. Morning entry tickets can be fully booked up to three weeks in advance. Therefore, it’s best to book your tickets at least a week, or ideally even a month, before your planned visit.
How Long Does the Tour Take?
We spent about two hours exploring the castle in total. This amount of time is sufficient to see the main attractions and explore the exhibitions. However, it’s advisable to allocate more time if you want to fully enjoy all the details at your leisure. Especially during peak season, visitor traffic can cause delays. Plan for an average of two to four hours, depending on your interest and pace.
What Is There to See Inside Edinburgh Castle? The Top 10 Attractions
Inside Edinburgh Castle, there are numerous fascinating areas to explore. Here are the top 10 attractions you should not miss:
The One o’ Clock Gun: A Daily Tradition
If you’re at Edinburgh Castle around midday, you can witness the firing of the One o’ Clock Gun. This daily ceremony, which has taken place since 1861, was originally used as a time signal for ships on the Firth of Forth.
Prisons of War: Insight into the Prisoner-of-War Camps
Don’t miss the prisoner-of-war camps. Here, you can get a close look at how prisoners were housed in the castle. The well-preserved cells and exhibits provide a fascinating insight into the harsh life of war prisoners.
National War Museum: Scotland’s Military History
The National War Museum showcases Scotland’s rich military history. You’ll find an impressive collection of weapons, uniforms, and other military artifacts. The exhibition tells the stories of soldiers and their role in Scottish history.
St Margaret’s Chapel: Edinburgh’s Oldest Chapel
St Margaret’s Chapel is the oldest building in Edinburgh, dating back to the 12th century. This small yet impressive chapel is a beautiful example of early medieval architecture. It offers a peaceful place for reflection and is a must-visit for anyone exploring the castle.
Mons Meg: The Giant Cannon
Mons Meg is an impressive medieval cannon and one of the largest guns in the world. Built in the 15th century, this massive weapon was capable of firing stone balls over great distances.
Royal Palace: The Royal Apartments
The Royal Palace in Edinburgh Castle houses the grand royal apartments where Scottish monarchs like Mary, Queen of Scots, once resided. Here, you can visit the historic Crown Room and other impressive chambers. The original ceiling decorations and tapestries are particularly remarkable, providing a glimpse into royal life from centuries past.
The Honours of Scotland: The Scottish Crown Jewels
For us, the highlight of the visit to the castle was the Honours of Scotland. These stunning crown jewels, consisting of the crown, scepter, and sword, are the oldest in Britain. They are displayed in the Royal Palace and symbolize the royal power and history of Scotland.
Great Hall: The Magnificent Banquet Hall
The Great Hall is an awe-inspiring reception hall built in the early 16th century. It served as the venue for royal banquets and significant ceremonies. Notable features include the vaulted wooden ceiling and the impressive collection of medieval weapons and armor displayed on the walls.
Scottish National War Memorial: Honoring the Fallen
The Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle is a solemn reminder of the harsh realities of war. This site is dedicated to the Scottish soldiers who lost their lives in the two World Wars and other conflicts. The impressive structure contains name plaques, monuments, and beautiful stained glass windows commemorating the fallen.
Edinburgh Castle Exhibition: Fight for the Castle
In the “Fight for the Castle” exhibition, you can explore an interactive display that sheds light on the turbulent history of Edinburgh Castle. Through multimedia presentations and historical artifacts, you’ll learn about the numerous sieges and battles that shaped the castle’s history. This vivid exhibition offers a deep insight into military strategies and dramatic events of the past.
Edinburgh Castle: Ticket With or Without a Guided Tour?
During our Scotland tour, we visited many castles and palaces, including Scone Palace, Eilean Donan Castle, and Stirling Castle. What sets Edinburgh Castle apart is the size of its grounds, which are much larger and consist of numerous buildings. For this reason, booking a tour* makes particular sense. It ensures you don’t miss any key attractions and helps you better understand the historical context.
Visiting Edinburgh Castle Without a Guided Tour
If you want to visit Edinburgh Castle without a guided tour, you can easily book your ticket on the castle’s official website. Be sure to pick up the castle map and audio guide on-site. This way, you can create your own tour.
The advantage here is that you have flexibility and can decide what to see and how much time to spend on each part. The downside is that you may miss out on many stories, anecdotes, and possibly some attractions.
Tip: Our Ticket Recommendation for Edinburgh Castle
In our opinion, the best option is the ticket with a guided tour*. This ensures you don’t miss anything and have nothing else to worry about. The guide makes sure you hear all the stories and historical context in full. After the tour, you have the flexibility to continue exploring the castle on your own or simply enjoy the breathtaking view of Edinburgh from Castle Rock.
Best Visiting Times: When Are There the Fewest Tourists?
For our visit, we researched the best times to go. We opted for early morning, as the castle opens and is less crowded at that time. This allowed us to enjoy the attractions at a relaxed pace and minimize waiting times. Late afternoon, just before closing, is also a good time to avoid the peak tourist rush. Weekdays, especially Tuesday to Thursday, tend to be less busy than weekends.
What to Bring: Comfortable Shoes and Weatherproof Clothing
For your visit to Edinburgh Castle, be sure to bring comfortable shoes and weatherproof clothing. The castle grounds are extensive and require a fair amount of walking, making comfortable footwear essential. Additionally, Edinburgh’s weather can change rapidly. Even on a sunny day, it can suddenly become rainy or windy. A weatherproof jacket and, if needed, an umbrella will ensure you can enjoy your visit regardless of the weather.
Shops at Edinburgh Castle
There are several shops on the castle grounds: the Portcullis Shop, the Crown Gift Shop, and the Whisky and Finest Food Shop. We found some great souvenirs at the Crown Gift Shop, which offers a wide range of gifts and keepsakes, from traditional Scottish crafts and books to toys and clothing.
Dining Options In and Around the Castle
If you get hungry during your visit, there are dining options within the castle. The Redcoat Café offers a selection of hot and cold dishes, along with stunning views of the city. The Queen Anne Tearoom serves traditional Scottish teas and pastries in a cozy atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Edinburgh Castle Tour
The exact date of construction is unknown, but the oldest parts of the castle date back to the 12th century. However, Castle Rock, where the castle stands, was used as a fortress as early as the 7th century.
Edinburgh Castle is situated on Castle Rock, an extinct volcano, and rises approximately 135 meters above sea level.
The castle served as a royal residence for Scottish kings and queens, including Mary, Queen of Scots, and James VI.
The castle was constructed and expanded over centuries by various Scottish kings and nobles. The oldest surviving parts date back to the time of David I in the 12th century.