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Edinburgh Castle

Castle & Historic Landmark · Midlothian, Scotland

Edinburgh Castle is a castle & historic landmark in Midlothian, Scotland. See prices, opening times, the best days to avoid the crowds, parking and food, with every detail dated so you know how fresh it is.

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PriceAdult £23.50–£26 · Child £11.50–£13 · Family £70
Checked on the official page: online adult £23.50, concession £19, child (7-15) £11.50; gate adult £26, child £13. No family ticket listed, so the family figure is 2 adults + 2 children at online prices.
Opening times1 Apr to 30 Sep: daily 9.30am-6pm. 1 Oct to 31 Mar: daily 9.30am-5pm. 24 Dec 9.30am-4pm; 1 Jan from 11am; closed 25-26 Dec. Last entry one hour before closing.
Best time to goFirst entry slot (9:30am) on weekdays in April-May and October-March. Avoid August festival weeks and cruise-ship days.
School holiday tipLate August falls inside the Edinburgh Festival, so book timed tickets weeks ahead. Early July is calmer for Scottish families visiting locally.
Best agesBest for about 6+; lots of steps and slopes
If it rainsMixed: indoor exhibitions and the Crown Jewels, with exposed outdoor areas
ParkingNo public parking at the castle. The nearest car park is Castle Terrace NCP. A few accessible spaces on the Esplanade can be booked by email. The tram stop and Waverley station are each about 0.4 miles away. (No parking on site)
Money saverBook online for timed entry; Historic Environment Scotland membership or an Explorer Pass can save money
Top tipsArrive at opening and go straight to the Crown Jewels and Stone of Destiny before tour groups arrive. Then walk the Esplanade views and exit to the Royal Mile; no parking, so use the tram or train.
What to packWaterproofs, layers, comfortable shoes

Details checked against the official website on 23 Oct 2026. Venue website or source

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