Edinburgh Castle

Activity code: ED08

Highlights

Discover the 12th century Edinburgh Castle
Explore the Great Hall and the Royal Palace
See the oldest Crown jewels in Britain
Visit the Scottish National War Memorial

Description

Visit Edinburgh Castle and explore the towering fortress that overlooks the Scottish capital. The 12th century castle has a vital place in the history of Scotland with tales of royals, sieges and battles just waiting to be discovered!

Enter the spectacular Great Hall of King James IV and stand under the hammerbeam roof, one of the most superb in Britain. Completed in 1511, the Great Hall has hosted grand banquets, Oliver Cromwell’s infamous army, served as a military hospital before displaying weapons and armour today.

You’ll also wander through the lavish rooms of the Royal Palace, learning about the Scottish monarchs who once walked the hallways, including Queen Margaret and Mary Queen of Scots. Find the majestic Honours of Scotland, the oldest Crown jewels in Britain, in the Crown Room alongside the Stone of Destiny, an ancient symbol of Scotland’s monarchy.

Discover the oldest building in the city, St Margaret’s Chapel, and the National War Museum showcasing 400 years of Scotland at war. Other highlights include the Prisons of War and the Queen’s Embroideries.

What's Included in the tour

Entry to Edinburgh Castle

What's Excluded in the tour

Transfers
Gratuities

Please Note:

If your selected timeslot is not available, we aim to book your entrance within one hour of your selected time. Please check your voucher for the actual entry time.
No cancellations or changes can be made once you have booked.
Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Suitcases and large rucksacks are not permitted in the castle. There are no storage facilities for luggage, prams, pushchairs, or other personal items.

Schedule

Location: Edinburgh Castle, The Esplanade, Edinburgh EH1 2NG

Castle Opening Times: It is recommended that visitors set aside at least 2 hours to see the main attractions at the castle.

1st April to 30th September: Opens: 9:30am

Closes: 6pm (last entry 5pm)

1st October to 31st March: Opens: 9:30am

Closes: 5pm (last entry 4pm)

Early Closures – August 2022

The castle will close early on the 6th, 13th, 20th, 26th and 27th August.

Last entry will be 3:30pm and the castle will close at 5pm.

National War Museum Opening Times:

1st April to 30th September: Opens: 9:45am

Closes: 5:45pm (last entry 5:30pm)

1st October to 24th December: Opens: 9:45am

Closes: 4:45pm (last entry 4:30pm)

24th December to 4th January: Opens: 10:15am

Closes: 3:45pm (last entry 3:30pm)

5th January to 31st March: Opens: 9:45am