Looking for the best option to book your Edinburgh Castle tickets? Find out all about how much tickets cost, how to skip the line, if guided tours are worth it, and some other useful travel tips.
- How much do Edinburgh Castle tickets cost?
- How do you book Edinburgh tickets?
- Are Edinburgh Castle guided tours worth it?
- Is the Edinburgh Castle ticket included in any attractions city passes?
- What will I see
- What is the Edinburgh Castle opening hours?
- What is the best time to visit the Edinburgh Castle?
- Travel tips
Explore one of the established 12th-century fortresses where you can marvel the magnificent Crown Jewels. The mystical castle in Scotland’s capital city is not only a soaring skyline that keeps a careful watch over the city but also blesses you the incredible panoramic view that steals your heart away.
Walking through the centuries-old corridors at Edinburgh Castle, you will also experience some paranormal activities like hearing ghostly whispers or something brushes up against you. Also, a backdrop to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo during the Edinburgh International Festival, the medieval fortress is the most-visited paid attraction in Scotland’s capital.
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How much do Edinburgh Castle tickets cost?
It’s no surprise that with the ancient history dating back to the Iron Age, Edinburgh Castle has been witnessing an immense increase in the number of visitors every year.
For this reason, it is highly recommended to buy the tickets online as you get the best price and guaranteed entry to explore the magnificent fortress at your leisurely pace.
Edinburgh Castle tickets price 2020
Tickets price if booked at the gate
- Adults: £ 19.50
- Children (5 to 15 years old): £ 11.50
- Seniors (60+): £ 16
Tickets price if booked online
- Adults: £ 17.50
- Children (5 to 15 years old): £ 10.50
- Seniors (60+): £ 14
Please note that children under 5 years old enter for free
Audioguides
- Adults: £ 3.50
- Children (5 to 15 years old): £ 1.50
- Seniors (60+): £ 2.50
Audioguides are available in English, French, Portuguese, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean, and Polish.
P.S. While Edinburgh Castle tickets for 9:30 time slot must be booked online at least a day in advance, you can purchase tickets for other time slots 1.5 hours before it starts.
How do you book Edinburgh tickets?
You can buy your Edinburgh Castle ticket at the gate or online. Be aware that tickets booked on site costs more compare to tickets that are booked online.
You can book your tickets online by visiting any reliable travel website or the official website for guaranteed entry to the castle.
Please be aware that when booking your tickets, you will have to choose a time slot.
How do you skip the line?
Standing in a never-ending queue at Edinburgh Castle is a nightmare for many incandescent history buffs as well as the travelers. By booking online, you make sure to skip the line at the gate.
Moreover, tickets booked online are cheaper than on site, and you won’t have to kill time standing at the entrance. All you have to do show the tickets and head straight into the castle.
Finally, if you book a guided tour, you will also skip the line and avoid the queue.
Are Edinburgh Castle guided tours worth it?
Absolutely. Guided tours offer many advantages.
Skip the line – Your tickets are already booked. Follow your tour guide and head straight inside the castle.
Learn more – A visit to the Edinburgh Castle is often a once in a lifetime opportunity. If you are interested to know more about this fantastic place, you will enjoy the expertise of a licensed guide.
Ask questions – With a guide, you have expert answers to all of your questions you may have. Don’t spend your time googling!
There are a lot of travel websites offering guided tours. Make sure to compare all the deals available and book the tour tht fits best your needs and budget.
Is the Edinburgh Castle ticket included in any attractions city passes?
It should not be an expensive activity for anyone to explore places that immaculately display the artistic ingenuity, narrate the valor of the ancestors, and provide inspiration to the new generation. A gamut of city passes makes sure that most tourist attractions are accessible to travelers without making it financially burdensome for them.
The Edinburgh Explorer Pass is one of the cards that let you enjoy discounts to various attractions as well as provides the privilege to skip the line. With the focus on historic sites all over Scotland, the card allows you entry to over 70 landmarks including a 20% discount on audio tours at Edinburgh Castle for longer days.
What will I see?
Once you are standing in the premise of one of the oldest fortified places in Europe, you will be amazed by the magnificence of this ancient stronghold that’s dominating Edinburgh’s skyline. Climbing the Castle Hill to reach the Portcullis Gate is a Herculean task filled with the thrill of imagining the pathway was walked upon by royal king and queens, brave soldiers, and pirates.
Inside the castle, you can marvel the oldest building in Edinburgh- St. Margaret’s Chapel that’s adorned with ornate arches and stained glass windows. Don’t forget the view of Mons Meg- the barrel that can fire a 150kg gunstone for up to 3.2km. Another must-visit is the impressive Great Hall that displays an astonishing collection of weapons and armors.
That’s not all! Inside the castle, you will also get to see the oldest crown jewels in the British Isles that include the priceless crown, sceptre, and sword of state. The iconic Stone of Destiny is a part of the display in the Crown Room which was used to inaugurate monarchs for eons.
And many more that will leave you completely speechless like the Royal Apartments.
What is the Edinburgh Castle opening hours?
From April to September, the Edinburgh Castle is open from 9:30 am till 6 pm with the last entry scheduled at 5 pm.
From October to March, the Edinburgh Castle is open from 9:30 am to 5 pm with the last entry at 4 pm.
What is the best time to visit the Edinburgh Castle?
May is the best month to visit Edinburgh Castle when the days are long with pleasant weather and you can explore the fortress till dusk. You can also visit in the month of September when the weather is warm but there is more chance of rainfall than in May.
Moreover, July to August the castle witnesses a lot of crowds but you can still enjoy it if you arrive sometime before the opening time to have the landmark to yourself for a brief time.
Travel tips
For you to take delight in exploring Edinburgh Castle and make most out of it here are some travel tips that will make the visit even more memorable.
- Since it is the most visited attraction in Scotland’s capital city it’d be judicious to book the entry ticket in advance to prevent any disappointment.
- It’s best to reach the castle by 9 am to be at the front of the line so you don’t have to stand in a long queue.
- Try not to visit the castle between 11 am and 2 pm as it gets pretty crowded and not give you good views of every beauty the fortress has in offer for you.
- The Castle isn’t open to the public on 25 and 26 December so plan your visit carefully.
- Book the Explorer Pass and save money if you wish to visit the Edinburgh Castle and other attractions during your stay in Edinburgh.