We are open. Tickets often sell out in advance. Book your tickets online in advance for the best price and to guarantee entry.
Can I visit Edinburgh Castle without ticket?
You will still need to purchase a ticket to enter the castle. From experience, unless you have an interest in Scottish military history, the only thing of interest, apart from the stunning views, is the little bit of Scottish royal history and the exhibit of the Scottish Crown jewels.
Can you walk around Edinburgh Castle?
You will still need a ticket to walk around the castle. The outer walls are basically at the side of the mountain/hill with a long drop, and you need a ticket to walk along the outer walls.
Can you take photos inside Edinburgh Castle?
The Scottish Crown Jewels are also in display in the castle. They include the crown, scepter and sword used in the coronation of Mary Queen of Scots in 1543. No photos allowed inside.
How long should I allow to visit Edinburgh Castle?
2 hours
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.
How do you get into Edinburgh Castle?
Visitors access the castle over a wooden-slatted bridge. A mobility vehicle to Crown Square is available on request, and can be arranged by staff at the castle entrance. The car has been adapted to allow physical distancing.
Are Edinburgh museums free?
Edinburgh is absolutely filled with free galleries and museums, including that of Modern Art. The Gallery of Modern art is part of the National Galleries, and as a result is completely free to visit (although donations are always welcome).
Is it worth entering Edinburgh Castle?
Edinburgh Castle is a world famous icon of Scotland and part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site. It was recently voted top UK Heritage Attraction in the British Travel Awards and is Scotland’s number one paid-for tourist attraction.
How can I spend a day in Edinburgh?
Here’s what to see and do in Edinburgh in one day:
- Sunrise at Calton Hill (or visit at sunset)
- Breakfast at Princes Street Gardens.
- Stroll Princes Street Gardens & see the Ross Fountain.
- Short Visit to Scottish National Gallery.
- Explore Edinburgh Castle.
- Don’t miss the One O’clock Gun (1 pm at Edinburgh Castle)
Is it hard to walk up to Edinburgh Castle?
There are 2 options to climb to the top. One being by using the steps which can be quite exhausting but there is always the road which has a path. Takes about 10/15 minutes at a slow pace. It isn’t very steep.
Can you spend the night in Edinburgh Castle?
Faside Estate, Edinburgh and Lothians, EH33 2LE
Only 8 miles from Edinburgh, Faside Castle offers unique bed and breakfast accommodation at the top of the 14th century tower. Some rooms include a 7 foot wide ‘Emperor bed’, stone built fireplaces and stand-alone slipper baths.
Can you spend the night in a castle in Scotland?
Not only can you visit amazing castles here in Scotland, but many of our castles and stately homes offer accommodation for you to stay overnight. Discover 5-star luxury Scottish castle hotels, impressive exclusive use venues, famous Scottish castles, bed and breakfast rooms and even castle side campsites.
Do you need to book into bars in Edinburgh?
People are required to pre-book two hour slots, so you’ll need to plan ahead with walk-ins not allowed. There will be table service only, so no ordering at the bar! Physical distancing must be adhered to at all times, with people required to stay at least two metres apart unless the venue is operating a one metre rule.
Is 2 days enough in Edinburgh?
We think two days is a great amount of time to spend in Edinburgh – perhaps as a weekend break in Scotland. It’s also a great addition to a longer trip exploring the UK and Scotland, such as that outlined in our 2 week UK itinerary.
Is 3 days enough in Edinburgh?
Are 3 days in Edinburgh enough? 3 days in Edinburgh are more than enough to tour the most popular attractions, including Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. You’ll even have enough time to climb Climb Arthur’s Seat or take a whisky or ghost tour.
Is 4 days too long in Edinburgh?
Yes, three days is enough time to visit the most popular attractions in Edinburgh and explore the city center. If you’re planning to climb Arthur’s Seat or take a tour, such as a ghost tour or whiskey tour, then you may want to consider spending four days in Edinburgh.
Was Harry Potter Filmed in Edinburgh Castle?
Despite the connection between Edinburgh and the Harry Potter series, none of the filming for the movies took place in Edinburgh. However, you can find Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland, including the Hogwarts Express steam train.
Is Hogwarts based on Edinburgh Castle?
While there is no firm evidence that Edinburgh Castle inspired the creation of Hogwarts School, there is an uncanny resemblance between the two historic buildings – for example, they both sit high on a rock.
Does anyone live in Edinburgh Castle?
No-one lives in Edinburgh Castle now. From the 17th century onwards it was used as a military base. Parts are still run by the army, but it is now predominantly a tourist attraction.
Is Edinburgh park and ride free?
Conveniently located just off the A8 towards Edinburgh Airport, The City of Edinburgh Council’s park and ride site at Ingliston offers free parking with over 1,000 spaces including electric vehicle charging points.
What things are free in Scotland?
Top 10 Free Visitor Attractions in Scotland
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow.
- National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh.
- Cairngorms National Park.
- National Galleries, Edinburgh.
- The McManus, Dundee.
- Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
- The Museum of Scottish Industrial Life, Coatbridge.
- Glenkiln Sculpture Park.