Edinburgh Castle, Scotland, in the snow

Visit Edinburgh Castle; A Jewel in Scotland’s Crown

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Edinburgh Castle is by far the most popular visitor attraction in Scotland, for very good reasons.  When you visit Edinburgh Castle, you are walking through history,  and you can feel it all around you. The castle has been a royal residence, a military garrison, an arsenal, a mint, a prison, and a treasury.  It has been a royal castle since the 11th century and it is very doubtful if any other stronghold, anywhere in the world, has been under siege or attacked as often!   Edinburgh Castle has been besieged at least 26 times during its 1100 year history and yet, despite centuries of war damage, some of its buildings are still original and St Margaret’s Chapel, built in the 12th century, is the oldest in Edinburgh.

Today, Edinburgh Castle is a wonderful place to visit. It provides a safe home for The Honours of Scotland, the official name for the Scottish Crown Jewels and they are, quite simply, stunning.   It is also Scotland’s National War Memorial where Scots who fell in both world wars, and in conflicts since, are honoured and remembered  in a beautiful setting.   The castle also houses Scotland’s National War Museum, and it is the regimental headquarters of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.

Despite all its associations with wars and the military, Edinburgh Castle is a very welcoming place for the visitor and no one leaves disappointed. From down below, in the streets of Edinburgh, the castle looks very impressive.  But just wait until you see how impressive it is when you are within those historic walls.

Opening Hours

Edinburgh Castle is open daily throughout the year (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day) with seasonal opening times:

  • 1 April – 30 September: 9.30 am – 6 pm, with last entry around 5 pm.

  • 1 October – 31 March: 9.30 am – 5 pm, with last entry around 4 pm.

  • Special holiday hours apply on 24–27 December and 1 January.

It’s recommended to set aside at least 2 hours to see the main attractions inside the castle.

Entry Costs

Tickets must be booked in advance online as capacity is limited and the site often sells out, especially in peak seasons. Speak directly with the Aura Tours Scotland team if you’d like to visit Edinburgh Castle and we can arrange and advise.

Standard ticket prices (approximate, subject to change) include:

  • Adult (16–64): around £20–£24 (depending if booked in advance or bought on the day)

  • Concession (65+): from £17 (depending if booked in advance or bought on the day)

  • Child (5–15): discounted

  • Children under 5: usually free (ticket still required).

  • Family tickets and flexi-date options are available for groups and optional add-ons like audio or guided tours.

Your ticket includes access to the castle grounds and most indoor exhibits such as the Great Hall, the National War Museum, and other historic spaces.

Accessibility

If accessibility is important to you please speak with the team here at Aura Tours Scotland, we can advise and assist you with regards to a visit. Edinburgh Castle welcomes visitors of all abilities and has several facilities to support accessibility:

  • Level access routes and ramps are available in many areas, and adapted toilets are provided.

  • Staff assistance can help with navigating steep or uneven areas, and there’s a mobility vehicle service on request at the entrance.

  • Some historic buildings (such as St Margaret’s Chapel) involve steps and have limited wheelchair access due to heritage constraints.

  • Audio guides and visual-friendly information aids help visitors with sensory needs.

Because the castle sits atop a rocky hill, uneven cobbles and slopes are part of the experience — so wear comfortable footwear and plan ahead if mobility is a concern.

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