Edinburgh Castle Rules & Visitor Guidelines

Edinburgh Castle is a working military installation and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, garrisoned by the British Army and managed by Historic Environment Scotland. The two surprises for first-time visitors are the strict bag policy (there is no cloakroom) and airport-style security on the way in. See our visitors guide and accessibility page for related info.

Key rules to know

A short list — the rest is normal castle etiquette

Photography welcome

Photography for personal use is allowed throughout the castle, including the Crown Room with the Honours of Scotland. No flash inside St Margaret's Chapel or the Royal Palace state rooms. Drones are banned anywhere within the castle precinct.

Bag size limit

Large bags, suitcases, rucksacks bigger than a small day bag and pushchair-stored items are not allowed inside the castle. There is no cloakroom — leave large luggage at your hotel or in lockers at Edinburgh Waverley station (10 minutes downhill).

Airport-style security

All visitors pass through metal detectors and bag X-ray at the Gatehouse. Allow 10–15 extra minutes during peak hours in summer. Sharp objects, including pen-knives and Sgian-dubh ceremonial knives worn with kilts, are not permitted.

No food in St Margaret's Chapel

Eating and drinking are not allowed inside St Margaret's Chapel, the Royal Palace state rooms or the Scottish National War Memorial. The Redcoat Café and Tea Rooms inside the castle are open daily, and outdoor benches around the precinct are fine for a quiet snack on a dry day.

Rules & Regulations FAQ

Common questions about what's allowed

Is photography really allowed in the Crown Room?

Yes — photography for personal use is permitted in the Crown Room and the rest of the castle. No flash, no tripods and no commercial filming without prior permission from Historic Environment Scotland. The Honours of Scotland are behind reinforced glass.

Are sketchbooks allowed?

Yes — pencil sketching is welcome and is a long tradition at the castle. No pens, paint or ink inside the Royal Palace. Bring your sketchbook through security but expect it to be inspected.

What size bag is allowed inside?

Small day bags can come in. Anything larger (full-size rucksacks, large totes, shopping bags) cannot enter — and there is no cloakroom inside the castle. Suitcases of any size are not accepted at all — leave them at your hotel or at Edinburgh Waverley left-luggage lockers.

Are tripods, drones or selfie sticks permitted?

No to all three. Drones are banned anywhere within the castle and the surrounding restricted airspace over the Old Town. Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed inside the precinct. A small handheld camera or phone is fine.

Can I bring a baby carrier or pushchair?

Baby carriers are welcome throughout. Pushchairs are permitted in the outdoor precinct but must be folded and carried up the steps to St Margaret's Chapel and the Great Hall. Steep cobbled approaches make a baby carrier the easier option.

Is the castle quiet inside?

Voices are kept low inside the Royal Palace and silence is requested inside the Scottish National War Memorial and St Margaret's Chapel out of respect. Phone calls are not permitted in indoor exhibition spaces.

Can I bring food?

No food or drink in St Margaret's Chapel, the Royal Palace state rooms or the Scottish National War Memorial. The Redcoat Café and Tea Rooms are inside the castle, and the Royal Mile and Grassmarket have dozens of options 5 minutes downhill. Picnics on outdoor benches inside the precinct are fine on dry days.

Is there a dress code?

No formal dress code — wear comfortable shoes (the cobbled approaches and steps are steep), waterproofs year-round, and a warm layer for windy days on Castle Rock (it can feel 5 °C colder than at Princes Street level).

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