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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Embark on a 90-minute guided walking tour of Edinburgh Castle, steeped in rich history and royal tales that go back 3,000 years.
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Enjoy a seamless experience with fast-track entry, bypassing the crowded lines to explore Scotland's most visited fortress.
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Immerse in the charm of the old world with attractions like the 16th-century Great Hall, the venue of all the jolly feasts, and a unique canine cemetery.
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Walk along the castle's promenade for panoramas of the city, and choose from English or Spanish guided tours for a personalized experience.
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Fun fact: The castle, a symbol of Scottish pride, is built on an ancient volcanic rock and houses the city's oldest surviving building!
More details
-
Embark on a 90-minute guided walking tour of Edinburgh Castle, steeped in rich history and royal tales that go back 3,000 years.
-
Enjoy a seamless experience with fast-track entry, bypassing the crowded lines to explore Scotland's most visited fortress.
-
Immerse in the charm of the old world with attractions like the 16th-century Great Hall, the venue of all the jolly feasts, and a unique canine cemetery.
-
Walk along the castle's promenade for panoramas of the city, and choose from English or Spanish guided tours for a personalized experience.
-
Fun fact: The castle, a symbol of Scottish pride, is built on an ancient volcanic rock and houses the city's oldest surviving building!
-
Go on a walking tour inspired by the magical world of Harry Potter, led by an English-speaking guide. and get exclusive access to Edinburgh Castle.
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Sink in the 18th-century charm of Edinburgh University and visit Elephant House, the café where Rowling penned Harry Potter's character on a tissue.
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Stroll in the Old Town to visit the graveyard housing Tom Riddle's grave, and explore the whimsical Victoria Street, which inspired Diagon Alley.
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Gain entry to Edinburgh Castle, home to Scottish Crown Jewels, and learn how it inspired J.K. Rowling to create the Harry Potter world.
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Fun fact: Suite 552 at Edinburgh's Balmoral Hotel is called "Rowling Suite" after the author, who wrote the final chapters of the book there.
More details
-
Go on a walking tour inspired by the magical world of Harry Potter, led by an English-speaking guide. and get exclusive access to Edinburgh Castle.
-
Sink in the 18th-century charm of Edinburgh University and visit Elephant House, the café where Rowling penned Harry Potter's character on a tissue.
-
Stroll in the Old Town to visit the graveyard housing Tom Riddle's grave, and explore the whimsical Victoria Street, which inspired Diagon Alley.
-
Gain entry to Edinburgh Castle, home to Scottish Crown Jewels, and learn how it inspired J.K. Rowling to create the Harry Potter world.
-
Fun fact: Suite 552 at Edinburgh's Balmoral Hotel is called "Rowling Suite" after the author, who wrote the final chapters of the book there.
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Step into the royal world of the Palace of Holyroodhouse. See where King Charles III stays when in Scotland, and learn about its rich history.
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Discover the eclectic State Apartments, a royal masterpiece showcasing the blend of grand and contrasting tastes of successive monarchs.
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Walk in Mary, Queen of Scots footsteps as you visit her Historic Apartments and find out the chilling stories about murder that haunt the walls.
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Seek solace in a peaceful oasis amidst the crumbling ruins of Holyrood Abbey which once used to be one of the grandest abbeys in Scotland.
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Opt for a ticket upgrade to enjoy a 48-hour hop-on-hop-off pass which gives you entry into Edinburgh Castle and The Royal Yacht Britannia.
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Did you know? The name 'Holyrood' comes from 'holy rood' or 'holy cross', which is a Christian relic alleged to be part of the True Cross on which Jesus died.
More details
-
Step into the royal world of the Palace of Holyroodhouse. See where King Charles III stays when in Scotland, and learn about its rich history.
-
Discover the eclectic State Apartments, a royal masterpiece showcasing the blend of grand and contrasting tastes of successive monarchs.
-
Walk in Mary, Queen of Scots footsteps as you visit her Historic Apartments and find out the chilling stories about murder that haunt the walls.
-
Seek solace in a peaceful oasis amidst the crumbling ruins of Holyrood Abbey which once used to be one of the grandest abbeys in Scotland.
-
Opt for a ticket upgrade to enjoy a 48-hour hop-on-hop-off pass which gives you entry into Edinburgh Castle and The Royal Yacht Britannia.
-
Did you know? The name 'Holyrood' comes from 'holy rood' or 'holy cross', which is a Christian relic alleged to be part of the True Cross on which Jesus died.
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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.
-
Go on a small-group English-guided walking tour through Edinburgh’s Old Town and get exclusive access to the haunted Blair Street Underground Vaults.
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Wander through the Old Town and the now-haunted vaults, once home to criminals, vagrants, and sinister figures, and look for restless spirits.
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Your cloaked storyteller brings history to life with chilling tales of murder, torture, body snatching, and ghostly encounters in Edinburgh’s dark past.
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Upgrade to a 1.5-hour tour of the Royal Mile, between the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle, or skip-the-line access to Edinburgh Castle, saving up to an hour in queues.
More details
-
Go on a small-group English-guided walking tour through Edinburgh’s Old Town and get exclusive access to the haunted Blair Street Underground Vaults.
-
Wander through the Old Town and the now-haunted vaults, once home to criminals, vagrants, and sinister figures, and look for restless spirits.
-
Your cloaked storyteller brings history to life with chilling tales of murder, torture, body snatching, and ghostly encounters in Edinburgh’s dark past.
-
Upgrade to a 1.5-hour tour of the Royal Mile, between the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle, or skip-the-line access to Edinburgh Castle, saving up to an hour in queues.
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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