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.
Dates | Opens | Closes |
1 April to 30 September | Daily 9.30am | 6pm (last entry 5pm) |
1 October to 23 December | Daily 9.30am | 5pm (last entry 3.30pm) |
24 December | 9.30am | 4pm (last entry 2pm) |
27 to 31 December | Daily 9.30am | 5pm (last entry 4pm) |
1 January | 11am | 5pm (last entry 4pm) |
2 January to 31 March | Daily 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.
Castle of Light
Last entry to the castle on the following dates will be at 2.30pm (closing at 4pm):
22-23 & 29-30 November
6-7, 13-15, 20-23 & 27-30 December
2-4 January
The Redcoat café will close at the earlier time of 2.30pm on the above dates.
25 and 26 December 2024.
The Scottish National War Memorial will be closed until 1pm on the following dates in 2025 to accommodate services: 24 February, 25 April and 6 June.
The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum will be closing at 12.15am on Thursday 12 December.
Adverse weather or other reasons beyond our control may cause the castle to close. We advise checking ahead if the forecast is poor or you are making a long journey. Current unexpected and short term closures.
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.
The gun is fired every day at 1pm, except on Sundays, Good Friday, and Christmas Day.
Please be aware that we are currently implementing some new measures with the Ministry of Defence in relation to the viewing of the One O’clock Gun. As part of this, visitors are asked to please arrive at the new marked areas at least 10 minutes before the firing of the gun, and follow guidance from castle staff. We will limit access to some areas surrounding the gun until after it has been fired.
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
Contact
Online Ticketing Services
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except UK public holidays)
Email:ticketing@hes.scot