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Inclusions
Inclusions
Royal Attractions
Edinburgh HOHO
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.
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Royal Attractions
Edinburgh HOHO
Inclusions
Inclusions
Go for: Walking tour
Duration: Flexible
Guide: Yes
Recommended tour:
Go for: Priority entry ticket
Duration: 1.5 hours
Guide: Audio
Recommended tour:
Go for: Combo ticket
Duration: 4 hours
Guide: Yes
Recommended tour:
Behold the dazzling Crown Jewels, exquisite works of art. Crafted with gold, silver, and precious gemstones, the Crown of Scotland boasts the honor of being the oldest surviving crown in the British Isles.
A colossal space measuring over 100 feet in length and 40 feet in width, this historic hall once resonated with celebration during banquets and royal ceremonies. Today, it houses the National War Museum of Scotland.
Wander through the corridors of the Royal Palace, once a regal residence, now a living museum that narrates the tale of Scotland's monarchs. Explore the King's Apartments, the Queen's Apartments, and the State Apartments.
Gaze upon the ethereal beauty of St Margaret's Chapel, the castle's oldest gem. Legend has it that Saint Margaret, King Malcolm III's queen, gave birth to King David I. This simple chapel boasts a serene nave, choir, and side chapels.
Encounter the colossal Mons Meg, a cannon of awe-inspiring proportions. This behemoth stretches over 16 feet in length and weighs a staggering 15 tons. In the 15th century, it stood as one of Europe's mightiest cannons.
Join in the daily tradition that dates back to the 18th century, as the One o'clock Gun reverberates across the castle grounds. This midday spectacle draws both locals and visitors alike to the Half Moon Battery.
Not just a vantage point, the Half Moon Battery offers panoramic views. With the city and the sprawling countryside stretched before you, it's the perfect stage for the One o'clock Gun's thunderous performance.
Immerse yourself in Scotland's military legacy, spanning from the Jacobite Rebellions to the crucible of World War II. Marvel at the vast array of weapons, uniforms, and artifacts that bear witness to the nation's storied military history.
Pay your respects at the solemn Scottish National War Memorial, a hallowed tribute to those who laid down their lives in the name of Scotland. It's a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom.
This majestic venue at Edinburgh Castle is available for booking for private events, banquets, or cocktail parties for up to 170 guests. See the castle lit up at night with a piper's welcome and flaming torches at the drawbridge at the event.
Venture beneath the historic Royal Mile to unearth a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers dating back to the 14th century. Unearth the city's clandestine past, with sights such as the Edinburgh Vaults, taverns, shops, and even a prison.
Artistry takes center stage in the Queen's Gallery, where royal embroidery by Mary Queen of Scots graces the walls. These exquisite creations are a testament to the royal artistry of the queen during her exile.
This vaulted chamber is dominated by a huge model trebuchet that towers above a stone ball believed to have been fired at the castle during the siege of 1296, the first time giant catapults are recorded being used in Scotland.
In the 1700s and 1800s, pirates and prisoners of war were held in dark, cramped spaces below Crown Square, including prisoners from France, America, Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, Denmark, and Poland.
Now known as the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, the regiment helped King Charles II fight 17th-century religious dissenters called Covenanters. Both the Royal Scots Museum and the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum are on top of the hill.
Originally the heart of the castle at 100ft, the tower was the royal residence for 100 years. It was built by David II in the 1300s but was incomplete at the time of his death in 1371. By the early 1500s, the Royal Palace took over as the residence.
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.
Address: Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, UK
There is only one main entrance to Edinburgh Castle, which is located at the bottom of the Royal Mile. Visitors can access the castle over a wooden-slatted bridge.
However, there are many other entrances to the castle that are used for specific purposes, such as:
Visitors are not permitted to use these entrances unless they have a specific reason to do so, such as attending a military event or visiting the castle grounds.
Budget: Hub by Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Rose Street), Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge, Cityroomz Edinburgh
Mid-range: Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street), Old Waverley Hotel, Best Western Kings Manor Hotel
Luxury: The Witchery by the Castle, The Balmoral Hotel, Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.