Edinburgh · Old Town
Edinburgh Castle
The fortress on the volcanic rock at the top of the Royal Mile, with the Scottish crown jewels, a medieval chapel and the One O'Clock Gun. Expect queues at the gate and for the crown jewels, and long ramps between the sections.
- 3 h
- £23.50
- Booking advised
- Old Town
Data checked on October 5, 2026
Edinburgh Castle has stood on Castle Rock for centuries and served as a royal residence, a garrison and a prison. Today you walk through the gatehouse and up through several levels. The crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny are in the Royal Palace, and St Margaret's Chapel is the oldest surviving building in the city. The One O'Clock Gun fires from the battery on most days, so check the time before you plan your route.
What to look for
- The crown jewels of Scotland
- St Margaret's Chapel
- The One O'Clock Gun
- The view from the battery walls
Opening hours
| Monday | 9:30 am–5:00 pm | last entry 4:00 pm |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9:30 am–5:00 pm | last entry 4:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 9:30 am–5:00 pm | last entry 4:00 pm |
| Thursday | 9:30 am–5:00 pm | last entry 4:00 pm |
| Friday | 9:30 am–5:00 pm | last entry 4:00 pm |
| Saturday | 9:30 am–5:00 pm | last entry 4:00 pm |
| Sunday | 9:30 am–5:00 pm | last entry 4:00 pm |
From 1 October to 23 December the castle opens at 09:30, last entry is at 16:00 and it closes at 17:00. From 1 April to 30 September it closes at 18:00 with last entry at 17:00. It is closed on 25 and 26 December, and opens at 11:00 on 1 January.
Source: Edinburgh Castle (Historic Environment Scotland), checked October 5, 2026
Tickets and booking
Adult ticket £23.50. The price shown is the adult ticket booked online. The same ticket costs more if you buy it at the gate. A flexible ticket valid for seven days is also sold on the official page.
Tickets often sell out well ahead in summer and once the online slots are gone there is no walk-up supply. Book a dated ticket online before you travel.
Getting there
Waverley station is about 10 minutes on foot, uphill along the Royal Mile or through the closes, and the West End tram stop is a similar walk.
Tip
Be at the gate when it opens and head straight for the crown jewels, then work back through the rest while the groups build.