Place of Interest
Edinburgh Castle
A Guide to Edinburgh Castle in Scotland
Standing proudly on a base of volcanic rock at the top of The Royal Mile is Edinburgh Castle. On your visit to the historic landmark, you’ll get to walk in the footsteps of soldiers, kings, queens and pirates too! Keep reading this guide to learn about the castle, what you'll find, castle entry fees, discounts and more.
Tickets and Discounts | Getting to Edinburgh Castle | Places to Stay | Things to do at Edinburgh Castle | More Information on Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle tickets and discounts
If you’re camping in Edinburgh, make sure you purchase tickets to Edinburgh Castle well in advance to guarantee your entry. Tickets sell out fast, and Edinburgh Castle does not sell tickets at the gate, so you must order before your visit.
Prices for Edinburgh Castle vary, with children under 7 having free access to adults paying £19.50. You can secure incredible discounts on Edinburgh Castle tickets as they’ve teamed up with English Heritage, Cadw and Manx Members to offer fabulous deals.
Another way to save money is to use our Love to Visit voucher. Members of the Camping and Caravanning Club have access to various attractions through Love to Visit. Find out more here. Not a member? Join the Club today.
Click here for more information on Edinburgh Castle admissions.
Getting to Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is located in the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh. The unmissable landmark sits at the end of The Royal Mile, and it can be spotted from most parts of the city. Depending on where you’re coming from, there are multiple ways to get to Edinburgh Castle.
Travelling by air to Edinburgh Castle
If you’re travelling from afar, it might be faster to catch a flight into Edinburgh and then travel by public transport or hire a car. Edinburgh Airport is within easy reach of the castle, with bus and tram links into the city centre. If you’re headed directly to the castle, it’ll take under 40 minutes by public transport and less than 30 minutes by car.
Travelling by car to Edinburgh Castle
There are plenty of routes you can take to get to Edinburgh Castle from around the UK. Be mindful that parking at the castle is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis for Blue Badge holders. Edinburgh Castle has no public parking, although you can find local car parks and walk to the castle.
A recommended way to get to the castle is to leave your car at a Park and Ride site and take a bus or train into the city centre. This journey can take roughly 10-15 minutes.
Travelling by public transport to Edinburgh Castle
You can get a train, tram or bus to Edinburgh Castle.
Train: The nearest train station is Waverley Station, which is less than a mile away from Edinburgh Castle. Haymarket Station is also roughly a mile away and an easy walk up.
Bus: Depending on where in the city you're travelling from, there are plenty of buses to catch into the main city centre. Once in the centre, it’s only a short walk to the castle. Look out for local buses with the Mound or George IV Bridge on their route.
Tram: Edinburgh trams are a great way to get around the city and avoid traffic. The tram starts at Edinburgh Airport and ends in Newhaven. ‘Princes Street’ is where you must get off for Edinburgh Castle, and the walk is roughly 10 minutes.
Where to stay while visiting Edinburgh Castle
If you’re travelling to Edinburgh from other parts of the UK, you’ll want a place to rest, so you’re refreshed and ready to explore Edinburgh Castle and its surroundings. Discover our affordable campsites near Edinburgh and book a relaxing stay.
Our popular campsites near Edinburgh include:
- Lauder Club Site – 40-minute drive
- Dunbar Club Site – 45-minute drive
Our Club Sites near Edinburgh are family-friendly and welcome pets. Both Lauder and Dunbar Club Sites have excellent on-site facilities, including showers, ice pack freezing, washbasins, washing machines, Wi-fi, an area for ball games and an on-site shop, so you won't need to worry about forgetting any necessities.
Psst, Camping and Caravanning Club members also have access to our exclusive member-only campsites near Edinburgh and plenty of money-saving campsite offers.
Things to do at Edinburgh Castle
Dive into the history of Edinburgh Castle
Learn about the history of Edinburgh Castle and how it served as a royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress. Edinburgh Castle is the most besieged place in Britain, and on one occurrence in 1639, the castle was captured in less than 30 minutes.
As you walk through the castle, you’ll learn about its royal residence. The castle was home to kings and queens for many centuries, including Queen Margaret, who was made a saint and died in the castle in 1093. The chapel built in her name is Edinburgh's oldest building and still used to host weddings and christenings. You can visit St Margaret's Chapel on your visit to the castle.
The Royal Palace
James VI, who was crowned King of Scotland at just 13 months old, became the first monarch of both England and Scotland in 1603. Visitors can see his birth chambers in Edinburgh Castle, where his mum, Mary Queen of Scots, had a difficult labour. It was said that magic was used to transfer her birth pains to a servant.
The last monarch to stay at The Royal Palace was King Charles I, who slept there the night before his Scottish coronation.
Honours of Scotland
In the Crown Room, you’ll find the oldest Crown jewels in Britain. The crown was made for James V, who wore it to the coronation of Queen Mary of Guise in 1540. During your visit, you will not only get to see other priceless jewels and swords, but you can also learn about the item's turbulent history.
Mons Meg
What was once cutting-edge military technology, Mons Meg, is a six-tonne siege gun that can fire a 150kg gunstone for up to 3.2km. Learn about this phenomenal machinery and uncover its journey to Edinburgh Castle.
One o’clock gun
On your visit to Edinburgh Castle, keep an eye on the time. As the clock strikes one, you’ll see (and mainly hear) the one o’clock gun firing. This tradition dates back to 1861 when John Hewat brought the idea to Edinburgh from Paris. The gun is fired every day at 1pm, excluding Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day.
To see the gun firing, visitors must arrive at the newly marked areas 10 minutes before one o’clock. If you’re unsure of where to go, ask a member of staff.
National War Museum
At the National War Museum, you’ll find an extensive collection of artefacts used by the Scottish forces over the centuries. Letters home from foreign campaigns, Highland broadswords and chemical warfare suits are just a few items to watch out for.
Prisons of War
Castles aren't always glamorous. Pirates and prisoners of war were once held in the vaults below the Crown Square. During your visit, see the dark, cramped spaces and learn about those who were imprisoned within the four walls.
More information on Edinburgh Castle
Opening and closing times
When visiting the castle, you’ll need at least 2 hours to see the key highlights.
The opening and closing times of Edinburgh Castle are:
- April to September: Opens at 9:30am and closes at 6pm (last entry is at 5pm)
- October to March: Opens at 9:30am and closes at 5pm (last entry is at 4pm)
- 25 -26 December: Closed
- 1 January: Opens at 11am and closes at 5pm (last entry is at 4pm)
The opening and closing times of National War Museum:
- April to September: Opens at 9:45am and closes at 5:45pm (last entry is at 5:30pm)
- October to March: Opens at 9:45am and closes at 4:45pm (last entry is at 4:30pm)
- 25 -26 December: Closed
- 27 December - 4 January: Open 10:15am and closes at 3:45pm (last entry is at 3:30pm)
Check up-to-date timings of Edinburgh Castle here.
Security and bag restrictions
Edinburgh Castle is unable to store luggage, prams, pushchairs or other personal items. For security purposes and ease of movement, suitcases and large rucksacks (over 30L) are not allowed in the castle.
Are dogs allowed in Edinburgh Castle?
Dogs are not allowed in the castle, although they can roam outside. Only assistance dogs can enter the castle grounds, but they must be on a lead at all times and not left unattended. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their assistance dogs.
Edinburgh Castle accessibility
Edinburgh Castle strives for inclusivity, and on your visit, you’ll find multiple accessibility points for wheelchair users.
There are also visual stories for autistic visitors and ear defenders for both children and adults.
Click her for more information on accessibility at Edinburgh Castle.