Historic Environment Scotland has announced updates to Edinburgh Castle’s visiting schedule for the upcoming season.
Visitors are advised of potential delays in admission due to Ceremonial Guard inspections at the entrance. During these times, groups will be held on the esplanade until clearance is granted for entry. Entry is restricted between 9:45am and 10:15am. Visitors with a 9:30am slot must arrive before 9:45am for entry. Bookings for the 10:00am slot can enter after 10:15am. The affected dates include:
- Friday 17 May – Thursday 23 May
- Saturday 15 June
- Saturday 29 June
- Monday 1 July – Thursday 4 July
- Wednesday 17 July
- Monday 9 September
- Thursday 14 November
On select dates, a midday gun salute will take place, impacting entry to the castle. Visitors are advised to plan accordingly, as entry will be restricted up to 30 minutes before and after the scheduled salute. Groups may experience delays on the esplanade until clearance is provided for entry. The affected dates include:
- Monday 6 June
- Saturday 15 June
- Saturday 29 June
- Wednesday 17 July
- Monday 9 September
- Thursday 14 November
On Monday 1 July, a late afternoon gun salute will take place and last entry/closing time will be brought forward. Specific timings for this event will be confirmed closer to the date.
During early Tattoo shows on Friday 9 August and Saturdays, 3, 10, and 17 August, the castle will close an hour earlier than usual. Whilst existing bookings for the 3:00pm – 3:30pm slot will be honoured, this slot will not be available for further group bookings. Visitors with this timeslot are urged to arrive promptly at 3:00pm.
If you have any additional questions regarding your booked visits, please get in touch with the Travel Trade team.
Click here to find out more about Historic Environment Scotland.
