Tickets often sell out far in advance, especially over the summer months. Book your tickets online in advance for the best price and to guarantee entry.
Castle opening times.
| Opens | Closes | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 April to 30 September | 9.30am | 6pm (last entry 5pm) |
| 1 October to 31 March | 9.30am | 5pm (last entry 4pm) |
Is Edinburgh Castle back open?
We are open
Tickets often sell out in advance. Book your tickets online in advance for the best price and to guarantee entry.
What time of day is best to visit Edinburgh Castle?
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 much time is needed to tour 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.
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.
Is Edinburgh Castle open in the winter?
For operational reasons, shop opening times may differ to those advertised.
Whisky and Finest Food Shop.
| Season | Opens | Last Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (1 Apr – 30 Sep) | Daily 10am | 5.40pm |
| Winter (1 Oct – 31 Mar) | Daily 10am | 4.40pm |
Do they still fire the One O’Clock Gun in Edinburgh?
The gun is still fired every day at 1pm, except on Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day. Crowds gather to enjoy the spectacle – and the sound often surprises people on Princes Street below. The original gun was a 64-pounder. Since 2001, a 105mm field gun has instead been fired from the Mills Mount Battery.
Is March a good month for Edinburgh?
Spring (March to June)
It’s an amazing time to walk around the city’s parks, squares and gardens as the trees start to blossom and flowers bloom and brighten up the city. Late spring is also a great time to visit with the kids as the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival is on.
What is the rainiest month in Edinburgh?
November
The month with the most wet days in Edinburgh is November, with an average of 10.8 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation. The drier season lasts 5.1 months, from February 2 to July 6.
How hard is the walk up to Edinburgh Castle?
Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 33 min to complete. This is a popular trail for running and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. I visited many years ago.
Can you just 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.
How much of Edinburgh Castle can you see 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.
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.
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.
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).
Can you bring a backpack into Edinburgh Castle?
Security and bag restrictions
For reasons of ease of movement, visitor safety and general security, suitcases and large rucksacks are not permitted in the castle. We are unable to store luggage, prams, pushchairs or other personal items for visitors.
What month does it snow in Edinburgh?
Months with snowfall in Edinburgh are January through March, November and December. In December, it is snowing for 1.7 days. Throughout December, 12mm (0.47″) of snow is accumulated. Throughout the year, there are 9.2 snowfall days, and 66mm (2.6″) of snow is accumulated.
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
For first time visitors, we recommend spending at least two or three days in Edinburgh, which will give you enough time to explore the city centre and see the main sites.
Can I use my National Trust card at Edinburgh Castle?
You can also use your card to visit heritage sites in Scotland, looked after by the National Trust for Scotland.
Does anyone live in Edinburgh Castle now?
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.
Why is there a 21 gun salute today in Edinburgh?
The salutes occur on royal anniversaries including Accession Day, the Queen’s birthday, Coronation Day, the Queen’s official birthday, the state opening of Parliament, royal births and when a visiting head of state meets the Queen in London, Windsor or Edinburgh.