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Your guide to Halloween at Edinburgh Castle

Step into Edinburgh Castle’s dark side this Halloween. Scotland’s most iconic fortress transforms into a playground of legends, ghostly tales, and family-friendly fun. Expect spine-tingling tours, eerie encounters, and a few surprises within its ancient walls. Many Halloween events are included with admission, though some might require an additional ticket.

Ghost tour dates sell out fast!

Whispers of the Past runs on weekends from 19–1 Nov 2025, with fixed tour start times at 11am and 2pm (lasting 90mins), and tickets need to be bought separately. For younger visitors, Edin-boo! Castle: Halloween Shenanigans brings short, family-friendly fun from 11am to 3pm on 25–26 Oct 2025. Book now so you don’t miss out!

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What to expect at Edinburgh Castle during Halloween

  • Halloween-themed events: The castle’s courtyards and great halls come alive with seasonal trails and storytelling sessions inspired by Scottish folklore and mythical beasts. Most activities are included with general admission.
  • Hands-on crafts: There are also seasonal drop-ins like Make a peg doll (31 Oct–2 Nov) or Make a Mini Castle on selected dates keep kids busy between performances
  • Haunted tours: Join the Whispers of the Past ghost tour (19–31 Oct 2025) to uncover the castle’s darker stories and eerie corners with a costumed guide. This experience has separate tickets and also includes castle entry.
  • Family-friendly fun: Edin-boo! Castle: Halloween Shenanigans (25–26 Oct 2025, 11 am–3 pm) offers performances and interactive games perfect for younger visitors.
  • Mystery Hunt trails: The castle is part of the Mythical Mystery Hunt which runs at sites countrywide and is a great way to discover some of Scotland's mysterious mythical beasts!
  • Atmospheric setting: Few places match Edinburgh Castle’s natural drama. Its misty ramparts, centuries-old legends, and ghost stories are brought to life with chilling soundscapes, flickering lights, and moody projections that transform the fortress into a hauntingly beautiful stage.

Edinburgh Castle Halloween events

Edin-boo! Castle: Halloween Shenanigans

  • Dates: 25–26 Oct 2025
  • Timings: 11am to 3pm
  • Location: Great Hall & selected spaces
  • Included with admission: Yes
  • Age restrictions: All ages

Step into 1440 as young King James II hosts a fateful feast filled with betrayal, murder, and ghostly legends. Meet eerie guests, uncover the “Grey Lady’s” tragic tale. Family-freindly performances and spooky storytelling. Book in advance to secure your slot.

Whispers of the Past (guided tour)

  • Dates: Weekends from 19 Oct–1 Nov 2025
  • Timings: 11am and 2pm (lasting 1hr 30mins)
  • Location: Across castle grounds
  • Included with admission: No (but tour ticket includes Castle admission)
  • Age restrictions: Recommended for 18+ due to content.

Join a guided tour through Edinburgh Castle’s shadowy past, where you’ll uncover eerie legends, ghostly whispers, and centuries-old mysteries. This mostly outdoor tour explores steep, cobbled paths and dimly lit, enclosed spaces.

Make a peg doll

  • Dates: 31 Oct–2 Nov 2025
  • Timings: During opening hours (see daily schedule)
  • Location: Programming space (onsite)
  • Included with admission: Yes
  • Age restrictions: All ages

A quick, creative craft stop, where kids can build a simple peg doll to take home; a calm add-on between Halloween sets.

Make a Mini Castle

  • Dates: Selected dates (Oct–Dec 2025)
  • Timings: During opening hours (see listings)
  • Location: Programming space (onsite)
  • Included with admission: Yes
  • Age restrictions: All ages

Build your own cardboard stronghold in this hands-on experience. It’s short and easy to slot between performances.

Plan your visit to Edinburgh Castle at Halloween

  • Castle opening hours: 9:30am to 5pm (last entry at 4pm)
  • Halloween dates: 19 Oct–1 Nov 2025
  • Whispers of the Past: Tour departs 11am & 2pm (Selected dates 19 Oct–1 Nov 2025)
  • Edin-boo! Castle: 11am–3pm (25–26 Oct 2025)

Best time: Aim for weekday mornings and arrive early for more sets and lighter queues.

Detailed Edinburgh Castle timings

Address: Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, United Kingdom | Find on Maps

  • By train: ScotRail services to Waverley Station (15-min uphill walk to the Castle)
  • By tram: Frequent services to Princes Street stop, then 10-min walk
  • By bus: Routes 23, 27, 41, 42, 67 (stop near George IV Bridge or Princes Street)
  • By car: Follow signs for Edinburgh City Centre

Parking: There is no on-site parking at the Castle. Paid parking available at Castle Terrace NCP (5-10 min walk) and nearby multi-storey car parks around Grassmarket and Princes Street. There are Limited Blue Badge bays on the Esplanade.

Get directions to Edinburgh Castle
  • Restrooms: Toilets (including accessible ones) are available at the Portcullis Gift Shop, Redcoat Café, and Crown Square. Baby-changing facilities are also provided.
  • Lockers: There are no locker or left luggage facilities at the castle; large bags or suitcases cannot be stored on-site.
  • Strollers/Pushchairs: Buggies are allowed in some areas but not all historic interiors due to uneven surfaces. A buggy park is available near the Portcullis Gate.
  • Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the castle’s public areas.
  • Gift shops: Visit the Crown Gift Shop (near the Crown Room) and Portcullis Shop (near the main entrance) for souvenirs, books, and local crafts.
More about Edinburgh Castle
  • Step-free & distances: Edinburgh Castle sits atop a steep hill with uneven cobblestones and inclines. Step-free routes are available but limited; some historic areas have restricted access due to gradients.
  • Wheelchair rentals: A limited number of manual wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis; advance booking is not possible.
  • Parking: There is no on-site parking, but Blue Badge holders can use the Castle Terrace NCP car park (5–10 min walk) and request assistance from staff at the main gate.
  • Toilets: Accessible toilets are located near the Redcoat Café, Crown Square, and Portcullis Gift Shop; there is currently no Changing Places facility.
  • Sensory support: Sensory backpacks, ear defenders and sensory maps are available on request; quieter visits are best in early mornings.
  • Service animals: Assistance and medical alert dogs are welcome throughout the site.
  • Carer tickets: Free companion tickets are available for visitors with disabilities.
Plan your visit to Edinburgh Castle
  • Bags: No bags or suitcases greater than 30L are allowed, as there is no storage available.
  • Costumes: Visitors are welcome to wear Halloween costumes during events like Edin-boo! Castle, but masks covering the face and costume weapons are not permitted for safety reasons.
  • Photography: Non-commercial photography is allowed throughout the castle grounds. During Halloween performances and tours, please avoid flash to preserve the atmosphere.
  • Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding is welcome anywhere within the castle. Quiet spaces can be found near the Redcoat Café and Portcullis Gate seating areas.
  • Animals: Only assistance dogs are admitted; pets are not allowed.
  • Redcoat Café: Open daily (typically 09:30am to 5pm) serving hot meals and baked treats, with kids' options and panoramic views over Edinburgh.
  • The Tea Rooms: Light bites, cakes, and afternoon tea (11am to 2:30 pm) in Crown Square, though you might need to book in advance for specific sittings.
  • Coffee Kiosk (Portcullis Gate): Grab-and-go drinks, snacks, and pastries; perfect before tours or between Halloween events.

Frequently asked questions about Edinburgh Castle Halloween events

Can I book tickets just for the Halloween events without a general admission ticket?

Yes for the Whispers of the Past tour you can buy that ticket and it includes admission. For Edin-boo! and crafts, they’re included with standard admission; no separate ticket.

Is there a capacity limit for the events?

No specific limit, but it's advised to book admission online to guarantee entry; the guided tour has timed slots with limited spaces.

Are the Halloween events suitable for children?

Yes. The Edin-boo! performances and crafts are designed for families; the Whispers of the Past tour covers darker stories but is presented for general audiences, so parents can gauge suitability.

Will the events continue in poor weather?

Most Halloween sets are daytime/indoor or partially covered; the castle may adjust or relocate activity in severe weather. Check day-of updates.

What times should I plan around?

Edin-boo! runs 11am to 3pm on 25–26 Oct , and the Whispers of the Past tour departs between 11am and 2pm on selected dates. Arrive early so you can start off with a stop at a cafés and enjoy castle views.

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