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.
From the end of March 2023 until October 2023, we will be undertaking conservation work on the Honours of Scotland at the castle. The Honours will be removed from display one at a time to ensure visitor access to the collection is maintained throughout the project. More details on this work, including timings, will follow.
| 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.
| 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
| 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.
Please note that the shops will need to close on the following dates:
Whisky & Finest Foods: Tue, 7 Feb
Crown Gift Shop: Fri, 10 Feb
Portcullis Gift Shop: Wed, 22 Feb
Contact
Online Ticketing Services
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except UK public holidays)
Email:ticketing@hes.scot
