Opening times

Castle opening times

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. Once tickets are sold out online, there will be no further tickets available at the castle.

  Opens  Closes
1 April to 30 September 9.30am 6pm (last entry 5pm)
1 October to 31 March 9.30am  5pm (last entry 4pm)

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.

The castle is closed on 25 and 26 December.

Honours Conservation Project

Vital work conserving the Honours of Scotland is underway and will continue until late Autumn 2023. Objects are removed individually to ensure public access to the collection is maintained throughout the project. 

Early closure information

To allow for our Castle of Light: Magic and Mystery event, the castle will close at the earlier time of 4pm (last entry at 2.30pm) on the following dates:

  • 24 & 25 November 2023 
  • 2-3 December 2023
  • 8-10 December 2023
  • 15-17 December 2023
  • 21-23 December 2023
  • 27-30 December 2023
  • 2 & 3 January 2024

National War Museum

Season Opens Last entry Closes
1 April to 30 September Daily 9.45am 5.30pm 5.45pm
1 October to 24 December Daily 9.45am 4.30pm 4.45pm
27 December to 4 January Daily 10.15am 3.30pm 3.45pm
5 January to 31 March Daily 9.45am 4.30pm 4.45pm

The Royal Scots and The Royal Scots Dragoon Guard Museums are run by volunteers and may have different opening times.

One o’Clock Gun

The gun is fired every day at 1pm, except on Sundays, Good Friday, and Christmas Day.

Cafés

Redcoat Café

1 April to 31 March:
Daily, 9.30am to 4pm 

The Tea Rooms

1 April to 31 March:
Daily, 10.30am to 4pm

Shops

Portcullis Shop

Season Opens Last entry
Summer (1 Apr - 30 Sep) Daily 9.30am 5.40pm
Winter (1 Oct - 31 Mar) Daily 9.30am 4.40pm

Crown Gift Shop

On Friday 8 to Sunday 10 December, and Wednesday 27 December, the Crown Gift Shop will be open from 11am to 3pm.

Season Opens Last entry
Summer (1 Apr - 30 Sep) Daily 9.30am 5.40pm
Winter (1 Oct - 31 Mar) Daily 9.30am 4.40pm

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

For operational reasons, shop opening times may differ to those advertised.

Contact

Online Ticketing Services

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except UK public holidays)