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 | Last entry | Closes |
| 1 April to 30 September | 9.30am | 5pm | 6pm |
| 1 October to 23 December | 9.30am | 4pm | 5pm |
| 24 December | 9.30am | 2.30pm | 4pm |
| 25 and 26 December | CLOSED | ||
| 27 to 31 December | 9.30am | 4pm | 5pm |
| 1 January | 11am | 4pm | 5pm |
| 2 January to 31 March | 9.30am | 4pm | 5pm |
You should set aside at least 2 hours to see the main attractions at Edinburgh Castle.
Opening times are subject to change.
To allow for our Castle of Light event, last entry to the castle will be at 2.30pm (closing at 4pm) on the following dates:
- 21-22 and 28-29 November
- 5-7, 12-14, 19-23 and 27-30 December
- 2-4 January
The Western Defences will be closed from 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2026.
From Monday 12 January to Easter 2026, the Crown Room will be temporarily closed to allow for the refurbishment of the vault and the creation of a new display for the Honours of Scotland. This work follows the relocation of the Stone of Destiny to Perth Museum and marks a significant moment in the evolving story of Scotland’s national treasures. During this period, the Honours will not be on public display.
We are carrying out much needed refurbishment of one of our visitor toilet facilities (located on the left after crossing the drawbridge) and they will be closed until Spring 2026. There are temporary toilet facilities on the castle esplanade, and they include accessible units.
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 | 9.45am | 5.30pm | 5.45pm |
| 1 October to 24 December | 9.45am | 4.30pm | 4.45pm |
| 25 and 26 December | CLOSED | ||
| 27 December to 4 January | 10.15am | 3.30pm | 3.45pm |
| 5 January to 31 March | 9.45am | 4.30pm | 4.45pm |
Royal Scots/Royal Regiment of Scotland Museum
| Season | Opens | Last entry | Closes |
| 1 April to 30 September | 9.30am | Mon-Fri: 4.30pm Sat-Sun: 5pm |
Mon-Fri: 4.45pm Sat-Sun: 5.30pm |
| 1 October to 20 December | 9.30am | Mon-Fri: 3.30pm Sat-Sun: 4pm |
Mon-Fri: 3.45pm Sat-Sun: 4.30pm |
| 21 December to 5 January | CLOSED | ||
| 6 January to 31 March | 9.30am | Mon-Fri: 3.30pm Sat-Sun: 4pm |
Mon-Fri: 3.45pm Sat-Sun: 4.30pm |
The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum
| Season | Opens | Closes |
| 1 April to 30 September | 9.30am | 5.15pm |
| 1 October to 23 December | 9.30am | 4.15pm |
| 24 to 26 December | CLOSED | |
| 27 to 31 December | 9.30am | 4.15pm |
| 1 and 2 January | CLOSED | |
| 3 January to 31 March | 9.30am | 4.15pm |
The museums may be closed to the public during normal working hours, such as for facilitated school visits or private events. Closed from Thursday 18 December 2025 until Wednesday 4 January 2026.
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
Both are closed on 25 and 26 December.
Portcullis Shop | Crown Gift Shop | Whisky and Finest Food Shop
1 April to 30 September:
Daily, 9.45am to 5.40pm
1 October to 31 March:
Daily, 9.45am to 4.40pm
For operational reasons, shop opening times may differ to those advertised.
Closed on 25 and 26 December.
Contact
Online Ticketing Services
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except UK public holidays)
Email:ticketing@hes.scot
