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.
Can you enter the Edinburgh Castle?
Book your tickets online in advance for the best price and to guarantee entry. The castle is in Edinburgh City Centre, reachable by bus, tram and train.
Is it easy to walk up to Edinburgh Castle?
It’s a gradual climb, we took the hop on hop off bus as far as we could up the royal mile then walked from there. Don’t take the steps on the left across from the audio guides, just keep walking up the main route and it’s not bad.
Can you get into Edinburgh Castle for free?
Edinburgh Castle
Entry to the castle is not free, but you can walk up to it and take in the fantastic views. Edinburgh Castle tickets are cheaper if you buy online (£18 per adult) but paying at the gate will cost £21.
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.
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.
How much does it cost to visit Edinburgh Castle?
Admission
| Ticket type | Online price | Gate price |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (16-64yrs) | £18.00 | £21.00 |
| Concession (65yrs+ and unemployed) | £14.50 | £17.00 |
| Child (5-15yrs) | £11.00 | £12.50 |
| Family (1 adult, 2 children) | £35.50 | £41.50 |
How long does it take to walk through Edinburgh Castle?
2 hours
You should set aside at least 2 hours to see the main attractions at Edinburgh Castle.
What is the best time of day to visit Edinburgh Castle?
first thing in the morning
As many visitors (especially those coming from cruise ships) plan to visit the castle first thing in the morning, there can be considerable crowds at opening time. For a (slightly) quieter visit, going in after 1pm is recommended.
How steep is the walk up to Edinburgh Castle?
You enter the castle from a steep curved route. It is 15 degrees at its steepest point, the average is five degrees and it is approximately 350m from entering the castle to the top level at Crown Square. It is surfaced with cobbles, which can be uneven.
Where is the best view of Edinburgh Castle?
6 locations for the best views of Edinburgh Castle
- The Vennel. The Vennel.
- St Cuthbert’s Churchyard. St Cuthbert’s Churchyard.
- Ross Fountain – Princes St Gardens. Ross Fountain – Princes St Gardens.
- Castle Esplanade. Castle Esplanade.
- Roof Terrace at National Museum of Scotland.
- Salisbury Crags.
Does the Queen live in Edinburgh Castle?
The Edinburgh palace is the Queen’s official residence in Scotland, and hosts her when she travels north, typically the first week of the summer—an event known as “Holyrood Week.” It was originally founded as a monastery in 1128. Balmoral is a private estate owned by the Queen.
How hard is it to walk up Arthur’s Seat?
The ascent of Arthur’s Seat is very steep and rocky. Alternatively, there’s also a lazy man’s route is up from Queen’s Drive to Dunaspie Loch and then straight up. Heading up to the summit from Dunaspie Loch you’ll find the paths cross ancient agricultural terraces carved out by early farmers.
Is the Edinburgh Pass worth it?
Scotland Explorer Pass is totally worth the cost. It gives you free entry to 77 sites in Scotland (including fast track entry to Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle). You can save more than £30 using the pass (and you’ll start saving after the second attraction).
Does Edinburgh Castle have free parking?
The castle offers no parking itself, but a number of NCP car parks can be found nearby. Edinburgh Castle Terrace – A short climb away from the castle overhead, you’ll find 750 spaces available at Edinburgh Castle Terrace, an ideal base for the city centre, August’s festivals or the Tattoo.
Can you walk around the grounds of 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.
Is there a real Hogwarts in Scotland?
8. Hogwarts in Edinburgh? George Heriot’s School. The University of Glasgow bears a striking resemblance to Hogwarts in the films, but George Heriot’s School is actually the school that inspired J. K. Rowling for her books.
Where is Hogwarts located in real life?
Alnwick Castle
Harry Potter fans now know the exact location of an American Hogwarts, but the real one exists in England. Alnwick Castle stood in for the famed wizarding school in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The castle is one of many real-life locations used in the Potter films.
Where is J.K. Rowling Edinburgh house?
SCOTS author J.K Rowling has closed a road outside of her £2.2 million 17th century home to trim back her massive hedge. The Harry Potter creator has had Whitehouse Road near Barnton in Edinburgh closed to traffic yesterday so that arborists can come in to deal with her shrubbery.
What do I need to know before going to Edinburgh?
10 Useful Things To Know Before You Visit Edinburgh
- (Most) souvenir shops on the Royal Mile should be avoided.
- English money is legal in Edinburgh.
- Some men wear kilts.
- Locals grumble about the festivals.
- It’s cold.
- Avoid Edinburgh during the festival (if you’re not attending it)
How long is the walk up Arthur’s Seat?
Climbing to the top of Arthur’s Seat and back takes about two hours, or you can choose a low-level, easier option. Get in touch to find out more, or visit the Guided Tours on Arthur’s Seat page.