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.

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. 

Early closures for events

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.

 

Closures

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.

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.

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.

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 | 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.

Contact

Online Ticketing Services

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