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.
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
| 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.
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
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)
Email:ticketing@hes.scot
