Edinburgh Castle Tickets | Guided Tours, Crown Jewels, and Historic Halls

From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+

Lahem

United Kingdom

Jul 2025

5/5

It was a truly memorable visit. The place transports you back to ancient times, where kings once lived and rulers rose and fell. The castle stands as a monumental testament to the rich cultural and human heritage of Scotland—its enduring presence a living record of the nation’s history. Many came to know it through the film Braveheart, which stirred the hearts of viewers around the world and fostered deep admiration and sympathy for the Scottish people, inspired by the legendary freedom fighter William Wallace. A heartfelt thank you goes to our guide, whose wealth of knowledge enriched our understanding of this beautiful country and its remarkable past.

Ashton

United States

May 2025

5/5

The castle tour was absolutely amazing. My best friend and I were visiting Edinburgh for the first time and decided to go on the castle tour and it was DEFINITELY worth it. The castle itself is already amazing but our tour guide Jen was absolutely incredible. From start to finish she seemingly knew everything there was to know about the castle, was very fun and engaging and made the tour even better. Anyone planning on doing this tour should 100% do it and 1000% as for Jen if you can!

Phillip

United States

Jul 2025

5/5

We had a great guide in Benjamin. He was very knowledgeable and entertaining while walking us around Edinburgh to the spots that inspired the Harry Potter books. Highly recommend this tour to any fan of the books.

Petitjean

France

Jul 2025

5/5

+2 more

We loved visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse; the splendor of its apartments, the gardens, the remains of the abbey and the history of the Stuarts ...

Michèle

Switzerland

May 2025

4/5

Unfortunately, buying the ticket was not as I had imagined. I thought I would get a barcode and that would be the entrance fee. That wasn't the case and I still had to queue at the ticket office.

Muhammad

United Kingdom

Sep 2025

5/5

The experience was amazing and the process of getting the tickets and then going through the castle was very smooth. Thank you.

Martin

Germany

Sep 2025

5/5

The booking was uncomplicated. Access to the castle was possible without any problems at the time booked. The castle is certainly particularly interesting if you are interested in Scottish military history. Otherwise, I would have expected more about the history of the castle's construction and reconstruction.

Karin

New Zealand

Sep 2025

5/5

We had 3 days and the hop on hop off ticket was excellent to get us around to see the attractions we planned to see. The help of the team at the St. Andrews square bus pickups made the whole process seamless.

What to see at Edinburgh Castle?

1/16

The One O’clock Gun

Experience the daily firing of the cannon at 1 pm, a spectacle that crowds gather near the Redcoat Cafe to witness every day.

Unique fact: The tradition began in 1861 when businessman John Hewat introduced the idea from Paris to help ships on the Firth of Forth set their time. Today, a 105mm field gun is fired from the Mills Mount Battery (except on Sundays, Good Friday, and Christmas Day), continuing this famous time signal.

Scottish Crown Jewels

Marvel at the Crown, sceptre, and sword of Scotland, the oldest surviving crown jewels in the British Isles. These priceless artifacts symbolize centuries of Scottish monarchy and royal ceremony.

Unique fact: They were first used to crown the infant Mary, Queen of Scots, at Stirling Castle in 1543. They were later used for the coronations of James VI in 1567 and Charles I in 1633, before the English Civil War.

David’s Tower

Built in the 14th century, David’s Tower once served as a key stronghold within the castle. It collapsed during the Lang Siege of 1573 and was later buried beneath the Half Moon Battery, only to be rediscovered in 1912. Excavations have revealed details of its original design and its role in the castle’s medieval fortifications.

Unique fact: David’s Tower was originally the main royal residence and defensive keep, making it the heart of the castle for over a century before the Royal Palace took over as the primary residence.

The Grand Great Hall

Step into this 100-foot-long hall where medieval feasts and royal ceremonies once took place. The hall features an impressive hammerbeam roof adorned with carved bosses, including the thistle, Scotland’s national emblem.

Unique fact: The hall still retains many original weapons and armor, giving visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of Renaissance court life.

Royal Palace Apartments

Explore the former residence of Scottish monarchs, including the King’s and Queen’s Apartments. Walk through chambers where royal births, ceremonies, and daily life unfolded over centuries.

Unique fact: James VI was born here in 1566, later becoming the first monarch to rule both Scotland and England, making the palace a site of historic significance.

St Margaret’s Chapel

Visit Edinburgh Castle’s oldest surviving building, dating to the 12th century, with a peaceful nave and choir. Built by King David I and named after his mother, Queen Margaret, it has been a place of worship and pilgrimage for centuries.

Unique fact: The chapel endured the Reformation but eventually fell into disuse and was repurposed as a gunpowder store during the 16th century.

Mons Meg Cannon

See the massive 15-tonne cannon capable of firing 16-inch stone balls over long distances. Mons Meg was gifted to King James II in 1457 and served both as a military weapon and ceremonial centerpiece.

Unique fact: Mons Meg played a key role in several medieval sieges, most notably during the 1460 attack on Roxburgh Castle.

Half Moon Battery Views

Enjoy sweeping views of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside from this historic fortification. The One O’Clock Gun is still fired from here daily, maintaining a centuries-old tradition to signal the time.

Unique fact: From this vantage point, visitors can see Old Town rooftops, New Town architecture, Arthur’s Seat, and the distant Firth of Forth.

National War Museum of Scotland

Discover Scotland’s military history through uniforms, weapons, and artifacts from centuries of conflict. The museum covers major events from the Jacobite Risings to World War II.

Unique fact: Visitors can see medals awarded to Scottish soldiers in every major conflict, providing a personal and emotional connection to Scotland’s military past.

Scottish National War Memorial

Pay tribute to Scottish soldiers who gave their lives in service to the nation. Completed in 1927, it features elaborate stained-glass windows and the Roll of Honour listing thousands of names.

Unique fact: Each of the stained-glass windows is dedicated to a different Scottish regiment, making it a unique and poignant historical record.

Queen Anne Building

This venue hosts private events, banquets, or receptions for up to 170 guests. Evening events feature dramatic castle lighting and a piper’s welcome at the drawbridge.

Unique fact: The building provides panoramic views of the city while preserving the castle’s historic atmosphere for modern events.

Real Mary King’s Close

Explore the underground streets and chambers beneath the Royal Mile, dating back to the 14th century. Hidden taverns, shops, and residences reveal the daily lives of Edinburgh’s past residents.

Unique fact: Visitors can see evidence of early urban sanitation, architecture, and living conditions that shaped medieval Edinburgh.

Queen’s Gallery Embroideries

View exquisite embroidery by Mary Queen of Scots, created during her exile. These works demonstrate her artistic talent and diplomatic connections with European courts.

Unique fact: The embroideries highlight the role of royal women in preserving culture and diplomacy through art.

Argyle Tower Trebuchet

See the enormous model trebuchet and learn about medieval siege warfare. The display demonstrates the engineering and tactics used to defend the castle.

Unique fact: Nearby stone balls from historic sieges provide a tangible sense of the power and scale of medieval weaponry.

Prisons of War

Explore the dark cells that held pirates and prisoners from across Europe in the 1700s and 1800s. The complex includes American prisoners from the Revolutionary War, among others.

Unique fact: Inscriptions carved by prisoners provide rare first-hand accounts of life in captivity.

Regimental Museums

Discover the history of Scotland’s regiments, including the Royal Scots and Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. Exhibits cover uniforms, weapons, and tactics from the 17th century to the present.

Unique fact: The museums demonstrate the evolution of Scottish military identity and show continuity across centuries of warfare.

Plan your visit to Edinburgh Castle

Visitors walking towards the Esplanade Entrance of Edinburgh Castle, Scotland.

The castle is normally open at very specific times throughout the year, varying seasonally.

April 1 to September 30: 9:30am to 6pm
October 1 to December 23: 9:30am to 5pm
December 24: 9:30am to 4pm
December 27 to 31: 9:30am to 5pm
January 1: 11am to 5pm
January 2 to March 31: 9:30am to 5pm

Last entry: One hour before closing time

Closed on: July 3, December 25, and December 26. Unexpected closures may occur due to bad weather or other circumstances.

Aerial view of Edinburgh featuring Edinburgh Castle and the Balmoral Clock Tower.

Weekdays: You’ll find the castle noticeably quieter, with shorter queues and more space to explore key highlights at your own pace.

Early morning (from 9:30 a.m.): Arrive right when the castle opens to enjoy a quieter experience and explore major highlights before the day’s crowds build up.
Late afternoon (after 2 pm.): A calmer period once the midday rush subsides. This is also a good time if you want to catch a quieter sunset view over the city in autumn or winter.

Weekends: Weekends are almost always busier than weekdays. If you must visit on a weekend, your best strategies are:

Arrive early (9:30 a.m.): Get in as soon as the gates open to stay ahead of the heavy crowds.
Arrive later in the day (after 3 p.m.): You’ll miss the peak rush, but keep in mind you’ll have less time before closing to explore fully.

Avoid 11am–2 pm : This is the busiest window, especially as visitors gather for the daily firing of the One O’ clock Gun at 1 p.m.

Peak Season (July–August): The busiest period, largely due to major events like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Expect large crowds and long queues, but also a lively and festive atmosphere.
Low Season (November–March): Offers shorter queues and fewer tourists, making it easier to explore at your own pace. Be prepared for colder, wetter weather and shorter daylight hours. December can still be busy due to Christmas festivities.

Address: Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, UK | Find on Maps

Getting there:

By Metro: The nearest metro station is West End – Princes Street. From there, it’s a short walk up the Royal Mile to reach the castle.
By Car: There is no on-site parking at Edinburgh Castle, but several nearby car parks are available, including Castle Terrace Car Park, Princes Street Car Park, and Waverley Parking.
By Bus: Lothian Buses 24, 35, 38, and 45 stop close to the castle. From the nearest bus stop, it’s a brief walk along the Royal Mile to the entrance.
By Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Take the red route on City Sightseeing Edinburgh or the City Sightseeing route in Edinburgh Bus Tours. The closest stop to the castle is Johnston Terrace.

Edinburgh Castle has a single main entrance at the bottom of the Royal Mile, accessible via a wooden-slatted bridge. Other gates exist for specific purposes but are generally restricted to authorized access:

Esplanade Gate: Provides entry to the castle grounds and is used during the Royal Military Tattoo.
Argyll Battery Gate: Grants access to the Argyll Battery and the One O’ clock Gun area.
Crown Square Gate: Used for entry to the Crown Square section of the castle.
Foog’s Gate: Leads to the Upper Ward of the castle.

These gates are not open to the public unless attending a special event or with specific permission.

Cafés & restaurants: The Redcoat Café serves hot meals, snacks, and drinks with sweeping city views, while the Tea Rooms offer lighter fare, cakes, and afternoon tea.
Toilets: Male, female, and accessible toilets are available throughout the site, including baby-changing facilities.
Gift shops: Several gift shops are located around the castle, including the Portcullis Shop at the entrance and others inside, selling Scottish souvenirs, books, and exclusive gifts.
Free Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available in parts of the castle, including cafés and visitor areas, making it convenient for accessing digital guides or staying connected.

Wheelchair in a museum setting highlighting accessibility features.

Alternative access: A courtesy mobility vehicle is available on request at the entrance. It transports visitors with mobility challenges up the steep, cobbled path to Crown Square, the main courtyard at the castle’s top level.
Wheelchair availability: Manual wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge (subject to availability), and should be reserved in advance.
Accessible restrooms: Wheelchair-accessible toilets are located at both the beginning and end of the designated accessible route.
Lifts: There is at least one lift serving the Crown Square / gift shop area to aid access to some levels, but many historic rooms and ramped routes remain the primary means of moving around.
Assistance dogs: Registered assistance dogs are welcome throughout Edinburgh Castle, including in roofed areas. They must remain on a lead at all times, cannot be left unattended, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after them.

No smoking sign on a pole in an outdoor setting.

Do not touch or climb on monuments, walls, or historic features, as this can cause damage.
For your safety and to protect the site, always remain on marked visitor routes.
Keep noise to a minimum inside the historic buildings, chapels, and museums to maintain the atmosphere.
Registered assistance dogs are welcome throughout the castle, including roofed areas. Pets and other animals are not permitted.
Photography for personal use is allowed across most of the castle. However, tripods, drones, and professional or commercial photography require prior permission.
Visitors may bring food and drink, but eating is only permitted in designated areas such as the café and picnic spots.
Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited inside all enclosed areas.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Large luggage and wheeled suitcases are not permitted for security and safety reasons. There are no left luggage facilities at the castle.
Edinburgh Castle is an active military station. Visitors should show respect during ceremonies such as the daily One O’ clock Gun.

Start early with the Crown Jewels: The Honours of Scotland are one of the castle’s most popular attractions. Arriving early ensures you can enjoy them without long queues.
Take a guided tour: Expert guides provide fascinating insights into the castle’s history, architecture, and legends. Tours help you discover hidden stories you might miss on your own.
Explore beyond the main attractions: Visit the National War Museum of Scotland, David’s Tower, and lesser-known areas like the Half Moon Battery for unique perspectives of the castle.
Look for hidden symbols: Notice carvings of crowned lions, thistles, and other heraldic symbols around the castle, reflecting Scotland’s royal heritage.
Catch the One O’clock Gun: Fired daily at 1 pm (except Sundays, Good Friday, and Christmas), this tradition draws crowds. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
Photography tips: Castle battlements offer stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh, including the Old Town, New Town, and the Firth of Forth. Early morning or late afternoon light is best for photos.
Allow plenty of time: To fully experience the castle, including museums, chapels, and battlements, plan at least 2–3 hours for your visit.
Look for special exhibits and events: The castle often hosts historical re-enactments, pipe band performances, and seasonal exhibitions, adding extra depth to your visit.

The Tea Rooms: Perfect for afternoon tea or light meals, The Tea Rooms offer sweet and savoury snacks with views of Edinburgh. Signature items include the Blacketyside raspberry, Fairtrade dark chocolate macaron, and Ayrshire ham and Glendrath egg finger sandwich with Arran mustard.

Redcoat Café: Nestled within the castle grounds, the Redcoat Café serves a mix of Scottish and international fare. Visitors can enjoy sandwiches, salads, soups, and cakes while taking a break during their castle tour.

Frequently Asked Questions about Edinburgh Castle tickets

How much is a ticket to Edinburgh Castle?

Ticket prices vary depending on age and group size, but start at £19.50 for adults and £11.40 for children below the age of 15.

What do Edinburgh Castle tickets include?

Tickets typically grant access to the castle grounds, including various attractions such as the Crown Jewels, the Great Hall, and St Margaret's Chapel. Special exhibitions or guided tours may have separate fees.

Are discounts available on tickets?

Discounts are often available for seniors, students, and children. Additionally, you may find discounted rates for online bookings, family tickets, or in combination with other historic sites.

What is the cancelation policy?

The guided tour of Edinburgh Castle cannot be canceled or rescheduled. However, the Royal Mile walking tour and the Harry Potter walking tour can be canceled 24 hours before the experience and you will get a full refund.

How long does it take to complete a tour?

The duration of your visit depends on your interests, but most visitors spend around 2 to 3 hours exploring the castle's various attractions and enjoying the breathtaking views of Edinburgh.

What makes Edinburgh Castle a must-visit attraction?

Edinburgh Castle is a fascinating blend of Scotland’s rich history, panoramic city views, and iconic military displays. As you explore its medieval halls, ancient chambers, and prized regalia, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. The castle also hosts daily ceremonies like the One O’ clock Gun, which makes it an unforgettable cultural experience.

What time does the One O’ clock Gun fire?

The One O’clock Gun is fired every day at 1pm, except on Sundays, Good Friday, and Christmas Day. Arriving a few minutes early allows you to secure a great spot along the battlements to experience this historic tradition and snap some memorable photos.

Is Edinburgh Castle family-friendly?

Absolutely! The castle offers interactive exhibits and plenty of open spaces that provide an ideal learning experience for younger visitors while still captivating history enthusiasts.

When is the best time of day to visit?

The best times to visit are early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Visiting during these times can help you avoid the mid-day crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures, making your exploration of the castle more pleasant.

Which months see less crowded visits to Edinburgh Castle?

Visit during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October) to enjoy milder weather and fewer crowds. Winter months tend to be quieter, although you should be prepared for colder weather if you choose this time.

What accessibility options are available at the castle?

Edinburgh Castle is designed to accommodate all visitors, with an accessible entrance and lifts provided for those who require them. However, some outer courtyard areas might be uneven due to the historic structure and can be a challenge for visitors with mobility issues.

Explore Edinburgh Castle on a guided tour with an expert, local guide in English or Spanish.

Everything you get: Entry to Edinburgh Castle with a guided walking tour led by a local guide in your preferred language.
Why choose this: From traditions like the One O’Clock Gun to military secrets, gain valuable insights from your local guide.
Upgrades: Enhance your tour with skip-the-line entry to the Edinburgh Castle or a Royal Mile walking tour.

Inclusions

Guided walking tour of Edinburgh Castle
Expert local guide in English or Spanish (as per option selected)
Skip-the-line entry to Edinburgh Castle (as per option selected)
Guided walking tour of the Royal Mile (as per option selected)

Exclusions

Transportation

Gratuities

What to bring

Bring a valid photo ID if requested at the entrance.

What’s not allowed

Luggage, large bags, and bags over 30L in volume are not permitted inside Edinburgh Castle.
Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
Drones are strictly prohibited on the premises.
Access to the roof is not permitted in poor weather conditions.

Accessibility

The experience is not fully wheelchair-accessible due to uneven terrain and steps within the castle grounds and surrounding areas.

Additional information

The guided tour takes place outdoors around Edinburgh Castle. Entry to interior buildings is not included during the guided portion, but you may explore them independently after the tour.
Specific stops during the tour are assigned by castle authorities and may vary.
Minors must be accompanied by an adult to join the tour.
Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before your scheduled start time.
If Edinburgh Castle is unexpectedly closed on the day of your visit, tickets to Holyrood Palace will be provided instead if available.
Meeting points may vary by tour. Ensure you check your booking confirmation for details.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Palaces, panoramas, and pounds saved! Edinburgh’s best sights in one cost-saving combo.

Edinburgh's royal sights are yours to see on this 48-hour hop-on hop-off tour with direct access to 3 popular attractions – your wallet will thank you later.
Discover royal history at Edinburgh Castle and Holyroodhouse Palace and tour the floating Royal Yacht Britannia, all easily accessible on your HOHO route.
Marvel at medieval rooms, precious jewels, and Mary, Queen of Scots' living spaces and peek into the Queen's private rooms and fancy tea areas.
Explore Edinburgh your way with the flexible HOHO pass. Three routes and 50+ well-placed stops let you see top sights like the Parliament and the Botanic Garden.
Catch a double-decker every 30 mins and pick from various language audio guides or enjoy lively English commentary on the green route.

Inclusions Royal Attractions

Entry to 3 royal Edinburgh attractions (see details here)
Entry to Edinburgh Castle
Entry to Royal Yacht Britannia
Entry to Palace of Holyroodhouse
Audio guide in 30 languages at the Royal Yacht Britannia
Audio guide in 9 languages at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Edinburgh HOHO

48-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off tour
Access to City Sightseeing (Red), Edinburgh Tour (Green), and Regal Tour (Blue) routes (route details here)
Audio guide in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Japanese, Russian, Chinese & Portuguese (Red & Blue routes)
Horrible Histories children’s commentary on City Sightseeing ( Red)
English-speaking guide (Green route)
Headphones provided (Red and Blue routes)
Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking

Please click here for detailed route maps and boarding points. You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket. Red route

First bus: 8:50am from Waterloo Place
Last bus: 4:20pm from Waterloo Place
Frequency: Every 30 mins
Popular stops: Edinburgh Castle, Old Town, Royal Mile

Green route

First bus: 9am from Waterloo Place
Last bus: 4pm from Waterloo Place
Frequency: Every 30 mins
Popular stops: Georgian New Town, Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse

Blue route

First bus: 9:10am from Waterloo Place
Last bus: 3:40pm from Waterloo Place
Frequency: Every 30 mins
Popular stops: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Royal Yacht Britannia, Palace of Holyroodhouse

Royal Attractions

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, except from 25 May to 8 September 2025, when it remains open daily.
Holyrood Palace is closed between June 26 and July 4, 2025. Entry to The King's Gallery and a Palace Guidebook are offered as an alternative to Royal Edinburgh Ticket customers.
Large bags, rucksacks and suitcases (30L or over) are not allowed inside the Edinburgh castle.
Entry to the Edinburgh Castle is guaranteed – when you validate your prepaid voucher you will be offered a choice of entry slots. This cannot be booked in advance. Even if the Castle’s own website is sold out, tickets are allocated for Royal Edinburgh Ticket customers.
Note that the ticket lets you visit Edinburgh Castle and Royal Yacht Britannia within 48 hours. If you need to visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse outside of that timeframe, your ticket will still be valid.
The 48 hours start when you validate your voucher – you will be issued a Royal Edinburgh Ticket with a tear off portion for Britannia and the Palace. You will also receive a tour ticket to get you on and of the tours. At that point we shall reserve your Castle entry.
Parts of Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse are wheelchair accessible.
The Royal Yacht Britannia experience is wheelchair accessible.
Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult or senior citizen during their visit.

Edinburgh HOHO

This experience is wheelchair accessible.
Mobility scooters are allowed if folded and stored as luggage.
Your guide dogs and pet dogs are welcome aboard.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Uncover wizarding secrets on a guided Harry Potter tour of Edinburgh, then explore its historic castle.

Everything you get: A 2-hour, small-group Harry Potter-themed walking tour, entry to the iconic Edinburgh Castle, and a local guide.
Why choose this: Perfect for Potter fans and explorers, this tour offers access to iconic Harry Potter locations and Edinburgh’s rich history in a personalized setting.

Inclusions

2-hour Harry Potter-themed walking tour in Edinburgh
Entry tickets to Edinburgh Castle
Small group tour
Local guide

Exclusions

Food & Drinks

Hotel pick-up & drop-off

What to bring

Bring drinks and snacks, as food and beverages are not included.

What’s not allowed

Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
Large bags, rucksacks and suitcases (30L or over) are not allowed inside Edinburgh Castle for security reasons.

Accessibility

This experience is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven surfaces and steps along the walking route and within Edinburgh Castle.

Additional information

The meeting point is outside Tron Kirk market, opposite Bella Italia on the Royal Mile. The nearest train station is Waverley Station, a 10-minute walk away.
Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.
The tour operates in all weather conditions, so please dress appropriately.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of King Charles III in Scotland, and discover the royal world of intrigue and splendor.
Prepare for a royal tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, used by His Majesty for State ceremonies, and learn fascinating facts from your audio guide.
See the Bechamber, Supper Room, and Outer Chamber of Mary, Queen of Scots, which witnessed tragedy and murder during her turbulent reign.
Admire works of art from the Royal Collection in the State Apartments, whose decor reflects the changing tastes of the successive monarchs.
Upgrade your tickets for a guided tour of the palace with after-hours access or a 48-hour hop-on-hop-off pass with entry to Edinburgh Castle and The Royal Yacht Britannia.

Inclusions

Entry to the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Audio guide in English, Brazilian Portuguese, French, Gaelic, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian and Spanish
1.15-hour guided tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse (as per option selected)
Exclusive after-hours State Apartments access (as per option selected)
Small group of max 25 guests (as per option selected)
Expert Royal Collection Trust tour guide (as per option selected)
Complimentary guidebook (as per option selected)
48-hour hop-on-hop-off bus (as per option selected)
Entry to Edinburgh Castle and The Royal Yacht Britannia (as per option selected)
Audio guide on the bus (as per option selected)

Holyrood Palace is closed between June 26 and July 4, 2025. Entry to The King's Gallery and a Palace Guidebook are offered as an alternative to Royal Edinburgh Ticket customers.
Large bags, rucksacks and suitcases (30L or over) are not allowed inside for security reasons.
Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
Keep your camera tucked away – photography is strictly not allowed inside the State Apartments.
This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible, except in some parts of Mary, Queen of Scots' rooms.
Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
As the Palace of Holyroodhouse is a working royal palace, security, and opening arrangements may be subject to change at short notice.

You can cancel these tickets up to 36 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Step into Edinburgh’s Old Town with a guide and uncover centuries of real stories, legends, and historic landmarks.

Everything you get: A 2-hour 15-minute English-guided walking tour with a Mercat Storyteller. Stroll the Royal Mile, hear historic tales, skip the line into Edinburgh Castle, and enjoy a 45-minute guided introduction before exploring the castle on your own.
Why choose this: Ideal for history lovers and visitors who like in-depth walking tours. Learn how Edinburgh’s past shaped its streets, people, and iconic buildings still standing today.

Inclusions

90-mins walking tour of Royal Mile and Old Town
Skip-the-line entry to Edinburgh Castle
45-min introduction to Edinburgh Castle
Live English-speaking guide
Exclusive multi-sensory experience delivered through TourTalk audio devices

Exclusions

Transportation between attractions

Food and drinks

This tour only covers the upper half of the Royal Mile.
For safety reasons, guests under the age of 5 years are not allowed on this experience.
Large bags, rucksacks and suitcases (30L or over) are not allowed inside the castle for security reasons.
This experience is accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
Safety first! This experience is restricted to people with cardiac issues.
Complimentary admission is offered to carers accompanying a paying visitor.
If you will not be arriving at your destination within the specified reconfirmation period, please reconfirm with the local service provider prior to travel or upon arrival at your destination.
Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Palaces, panoramas, and pounds saved! Edinburgh’s best sights in one cost-saving combo.

Edinburgh's royal sights are yours to see on this 48-hour hop-on hop-off tour with direct access to 3 popular attractions – your wallet will thank you later.
Discover royal history at Edinburgh Castle and Holyroodhouse Palace and tour the floating Royal Yacht Britannia, all easily accessible on your HOHO route.
Marvel at medieval rooms, precious jewels, and Mary, Queen of Scots' living spaces and peek into the Queen's private rooms and fancy tea areas.
Explore Edinburgh your way with the flexible HOHO pass. Three routes and 50+ well-placed stops let you see top sights like the Parliament and the Botanic Garden.
Catch a double-decker every 30 mins and pick from various language audio guides or enjoy lively English commentary on the green route.

Inclusions Royal Attractions

Entry to 3 royal Edinburgh attractions (see details here)
Entry to Edinburgh Castle
Entry to Royal Yacht Britannia
Entry to Palace of Holyroodhouse
Audio guide in 30 languages at the Royal Yacht Britannia
Audio guide in 9 languages at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Edinburgh HOHO

48-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off tour
Access to City Sightseeing (Red), Edinburgh Tour (Green), and Regal Tour (Blue) routes (route details here)
Audio guide in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Japanese, Russian, Chinese & Portuguese (Red & Blue routes)
Horrible Histories children’s commentary on City Sightseeing ( Red)
English-speaking guide (Green route)
Headphones provided (Red and Blue routes)
Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking

Please click here for detailed route maps and boarding points. You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket. Red route

First bus: 8:50am from Waterloo Place
Last bus: 4:20pm from Waterloo Place
Frequency: Every 30 mins
Popular stops: Edinburgh Castle, Old Town, Royal Mile

Green route

First bus: 9am from Waterloo Place
Last bus: 4pm from Waterloo Place
Frequency: Every 30 mins
Popular stops: Georgian New Town, Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse

Blue route

First bus: 9:10am from Waterloo Place
Last bus: 3:40pm from Waterloo Place
Frequency: Every 30 mins
Popular stops: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Royal Yacht Britannia, Palace of Holyroodhouse

Royal Attractions

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, except from 25 May to 8 September 2025, when it remains open daily.
Holyrood Palace is closed between June 26 and July 4, 2025. Entry to The King's Gallery and a Palace Guidebook are offered as an alternative to Royal Edinburgh Ticket customers.
Large bags, rucksacks and suitcases (30L or over) are not allowed inside the Edinburgh castle.
Entry to the Edinburgh Castle is guaranteed – when you validate your prepaid voucher you will be offered a choice of entry slots. This cannot be booked in advance. Even if the Castle’s own website is sold out, tickets are allocated for Royal Edinburgh Ticket customers.
Note that the ticket lets you visit Edinburgh Castle and Royal Yacht Britannia within 48 hours. If you need to visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse outside of that timeframe, your ticket will still be valid.
The 48 hours start when you validate your voucher – you will be issued a Royal Edinburgh Ticket with a tear off portion for Britannia and the Palace. You will also receive a tour ticket to get you on and of the tours. At that point we shall reserve your Castle entry.
Parts of Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse are wheelchair accessible.
The Royal Yacht Britannia experience is wheelchair accessible.
Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult or senior citizen during their visit.

Edinburgh HOHO

This experience is wheelchair accessible.
Mobility scooters are allowed if folded and stored as luggage.
Your guide dogs and pet dogs are welcome aboard.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book Edinburgh Castle Tickets

From happy customers

Top things to do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle, the historic fortress above the capital

Why visit Edinburgh Castle?

House of the Honours of Scotland (Crown Jewels & Stone of Destiny)

The oldest building in Edinburgh, St. Margaret’s Chapel

Legends and ghost stories

Views from Castle Rock

American Prisoners of War

Things to know before booking your Edinburgh Castle tickets

Which Edinburgh Castle ticket is best for you?

If you want to focus on castle interiors

If you want to explore more

If you are looking for an info-rich tour

What to see at Edinburgh Castle?

The One O’clock Gun

Scottish Crown Jewels

David’s Tower

The Grand Great Hall

Royal Palace Apartments

St Margaret’s Chapel

Mons Meg Cannon

Half Moon Battery Views

National War Museum of Scotland

Scottish National War Memorial

Queen Anne Building

Real Mary King’s Close

Queen’s Gallery Embroideries

Argyle Tower Trebuchet

Prisons of War

Regimental Museums

Plan your visit to Edinburgh Castle

Frequently Asked Questions about Edinburgh Castle tickets

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About Edinburgh Castle

Directions to Edinburgh Castle

Opening Hours

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Headout

What to bring

What’s not allowed

Accessibility

Additional information

What to bring

What’s not allowed

Accessibility

Additional information

What to bring

What’s not allowed

Accessibility

Additional information

What to bring

What’s not allowed

Accessibility

Additional information

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