Edinburgh Castle Official Website – Tickets, Tours & Visitor Information

This page links to the official Historic Environment Scotland site for institutional information — research access, Historic Scotland Membership, press enquiries, the searchable collections of more than 300 historic properties across Scotland. For booking, the same tickets are available here with free 24-hour cancellation. See also our visitors guide.

Official website

Where to find it

Edinburgh Castle is managed by Historic Environment Scotland, the Scottish Government's heritage agency, which cares for more than 300 historic properties across Scotland. Its official Edinburgh Castle site is edinburghcastle.scot. The site is the source of truth for opening hours, current closures, the audio guide languages, accessibility services and academic enquiries.

What the official site offers

Detailed visitor information including current conservation closures (such as the Crown Room temporary closure in early 2026). Calendars of events including Historic Scotland members' evenings and the August Tattoo. Education programmes for schools and families. Historic Scotland Membership — free unlimited entry to Edinburgh Castle plus 70+ other properties across Scotland (Stirling Castle, Urquhart Castle, Skara Brae, Linlithgow Palace and more) for a year. Press, research and image-licensing enquiries are handled directly through the HES press office.

How this site differs

This site exists to make booking faster, in more languages and with flexible cancellation up to 24 hours before your slot — useful given the changeable Scottish weather and the seasonal demand around the August festivals. Tickets here include the same castle admission as those bought direct from HES. For institutional questions, Historic Scotland Membership, or research access, use the official site.

Phone enquiries to Historic Environment Scotland: +44 131 225 9846, daily 09:00–17:00.

Official Website FAQ

Tickets, contact, and what is the official site

Is this the official Edinburgh Castle site?

No. The official site is edinburghcastle.scot, run by Historic Environment Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government. We are an authorised reseller offering tickets in multiple languages with flexible cancellation.

Are the tickets the same?

Yes — both include the same castle admission, audio guide and access to the Crown Jewels (when open), the Great Hall, St Margaret's Chapel, Mons Meg and the Scottish National War Memorial. The booking experience and refund terms differ.

How do I contact Historic Environment Scotland directly?

Through the contact form on edinburghcastle.scot or by phone at +44 131 225 9846, daily 09:00–17:00. For accessibility queries, a dedicated line is open: +44 131 310 5114.

What is Historic Scotland Membership?

An annual membership (~£64.20 adult / £113.40 joint / £41.40 over-60 / family rates available) that gives unlimited free entry to Edinburgh Castle plus more than 70 other Scottish historic properties for a year. It also includes free entry to English Heritage, Cadw (Wales) and Manx National Heritage sites after the first 12 months. Excellent value if you plan to visit more than 2 attractions during a Scotland trip.

Can Historic Scotland members still book online?

Yes — and they should. Members must book a free timed-entry ticket online to guarantee entry, especially in peak season when the castle reaches daily capacity. Bring the membership card to the gate.

Can I get press accreditation here?

No — press requests must go through the Historic Environment Scotland press office directly on historicenvironment.scot.

Where can I license images of Edinburgh Castle?

Image licensing is handled by Historic Environment Scotland's commercial images team, directly via the HES website.