Edinburgh Castle Tickets 2026
Access to Crown Jewels | Reserve now & pay later
About Edinburgh Castle Tickets
Book your tickets to Edinburgh Castle and step straight into Scotland’s history. Located high above the city, it’s one of UK’s most iconic historic sites, filled with stories, legends, and incredible views. Explore royal rooms, admire the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, and visit Edinburgh’s oldest building. See the One O’Clock Gun fire, wander the grand Great Hall, and discover Scotland’s military past at the National War Museum.
Step into Scotland’s royal history inside the Crown Jewels Room. Here you’ll find the nation’s greatest treasures:
- the Crown
- Sceptre
- Sword of State
- and the legendary Stone of Destiny, kept nearby.
Step inside St. Margaret’s Chapel, dating back to the 12th century. It’s the oldest surviving part of the castle.
Imagine royal banquets and ceremonies in the grand medieval hall. Its impressive wooden roof is one of the finest in Scotland.
Feel the boom of a tradition kept since 1861. Originally used to help ships tell time, it’s still a popular ritual today.
Enjoy beautiful panoramas of Edinburgh and the surrounding Lowlands. From the castle walls, you can spot Arthur’s Seat, Calton Hill, and the Firth of Forth.
Reserve your Edinburgh Castle tickets today and pay later. If you need to cancel, you can do so up to 24 hours before your visit for a full refund.
RESERVE NOW & PAY LATER!
Keep your travel plans flexible - book your spot without any upfront payment!
We had a fantastic day at Edinburgh Castle with our kids. The highlight was the One O’Clock Gun at lunchtime - our sons loved it! I was impressed by Queen Mary’s embroidery, as I also do embroidery myself, and it was absolutely beautiful. My husband and children enjoyed the military stories and exhibits in the prisons. We also picked up some great souvenirs and finished with a lovely tea and cakes inside the castle. This ticket is definitely worth the price.
It was our first time in Edinburgh, and the castle was the first place we visited. The views from the walls were amazing, we could see the Old Town, church spires, and even the sea. We spent the whole afternoon there, had lunch at the castle restaurant, and just wandered around. We saw it all: the Crown Jewels, St. Margaret’s Chapel, the Great Hall with its collection of weapons, and the old prisons. It was exciting and made history feel real. A must-visit for anyone coming to Edinburgh!
DESCRIPTION
Edinburgh Castle Tickets
- Entry ticket to Edinburgh Castle
- Guided tour
- English
BANQUETS, CROWNS & CHAPELS
Step inside the Great Hall, built in 1511 for royal banquets and grand ceremonies. Today, it’s restored with medieval weapons, armour, and the mighty Lochaber axe. In the nearby Royal Palace, you‘ll find the Crown Jewels, the oldest surviving crown jewels in the United Kingdom. The jewels were hidden for centuries and rediscovered in 1818. Inside the Royal Apartments, explore how monarchs once lived. This is also where Mary, Queen of Scots, gave birth to her son James VI in 1566. Don’t miss the embroidered panels recreated from the designs of Mary, Queen of Scots, stitched by volunteers using traditional tools. Just beyond Foog’s Gate stands St. Margaret’s Chapel. It is Edinburgh’s oldest building, from around 1130, still used today for weddings and christenings.
GUNS, PRISONS & ESCAPES
At 1 pm each day, the One O’Clock Gun fires from Mills Mount Battery. This tradition dates back to 1861. If you find yourself at the castle at that time, don't miss this unique traditional event. Beneath Crown Square, explore the old prisons. Pirates and prisoners of war were once held in dark, crowded vaults. Displays show daring escapes and stories from their lives.
ARMS & ARMOUR
In Hospital Square, the National War Museum brings centuries of military history to life. See Highland broadswords and letters from soldiers. Discover the famous painting The Thin Red Line, a highlight for anyone exploring the castle.
FREE CANCELLATION UP TO 24H IN ADVANCE!
Receive a complete refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the selected date!
Traces of Prisoners Beneath the Great Hall
In the prison vaults beneath the Great Hall, you can see what’s believed to be the first drawing of the American flag in Scotland. It was carved by a sailor captured during the American War of Independence. All around the walls, prisoners left behind names, symbols, and graffiti that have survived for centuries. It’s a rare glimpse of history you won’t often find in guidebooks.
Book your Edinburgh Castle Tickets and discover centuries of history in Scotland’s most iconic fortress!
GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- Edinburgh Castle does not allow oversized luggage. Bags larger than 30L are not permitted inside. Please note that there are no locker facilities for storage. We recommend visiting with just a small bag for comfort and easy access.
- Wear comfortable shoes to navigate the cobbled streets and the uphill climb.
- This attraction has limited accessibility for wheelchair users and visitors with mobility impairments.
Meeting Point
Meet outside Caffè Nero on the Royal Mile next to the statue of Adam Smith, 192 High Street, EH1 1RF. Look for the green and white umbrellas. Please note that the tour does not start at Edinburgh Castle.
FAQ - Edinburgh Castle Tickets
How do I get to Edinburgh Castle?
- By bus: Many city buses stop on George IV Bridge, Princes Street, or Grassmarket, all just a short walk away.
- By train: If you arrive at Waverley Station, the castle is about a 10 to 15-minute uphill walk.
- By car: Please note that there’s no public parking at the castle itself. The nearest car parks are at Castle Terrace and NCP on King’s Stables Road, both about a 5 to 10 minute walk.
What is the best time to visit Edinburgh Castle?
How long should I plan for a visit?
Can I buy tickets at the entrance?
Can I take photos inside?
When is the One O’Clock Gun fired?
Is Edinburgh Castle family-friendly?
Are there food and drink options inside?
Can I buy souvenirs in the castle?
What other sights are worth visiting in Edinburgh?
Don't wait! Book now!
- Edinburgh Castle entry ticket
- Easy booking process
- Reserve now & pay later
- Free cancellation
We have the best value Edinburgh tours & tickets for you!
Taste of Scotland
Scotch Whisky Experience Edinburgh Scotland
Visit the Scotch Whisky Experience Edinburgh, Scotland and discover the world of Scotch whisky. Take a guided tour through Scotland’s five whisky-producing regions. See how single malt is made and learn the secrets of blending. Enjoy a whisky tasting experience with expert guides. They’ll help you taste, compare, and understand different Scotch whiskies. Secure your spot at the Edinburgh Whisky tour and learn the story of Scotland’s finest whiskies.
Discover the legends
Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh
Take a Loch Ness tour from Edinburgh and see the Scottish Highlands on a full-day tour. Visit Glencoe and learn about the area’s history from your tour guide. Stop at Urquhart Castle and learn about the Loch Ness monster. Enjoy an optional boat cruise on Loch Ness or walk along the loch. Reserve your spot on the Loch Ness day trip from Edinburgh and go on a Highland adventure!
Uncover the secrets below
Edinburgh Underground Tour
Book the Edinburgh Underground Tour, and learn the darker side of the city’s history! A guide will lead you through the South Vaults under Edinburgh’s Old Town - tunnels that date from the late 1700s. This is where the poor lived, and where spirits supposedly haunted the corridors. As you walk, your guide will tell you spooky tales of the persecution of witches, and the Burke and Hare murders. If you want, you can also upgrade to view the Torture Exhibition.