Visit Edinburgh Castle | Tour Details
A visit to Edinburgh Castle should be at the top of your itinerary if you’re exploring Scotland’s capital. Perched atop Castle Rock, this iconic fortress offers breathtaking views and centuries of fascinating history.
Bright Bus Tours makes it easy to discover this world-famous landmark with our City and Britannia Tours.
Read on for the best tips to experience Edinburgh Castle and learn how to catch our bus to the attraction with ease.
Background of the Castle
This castle is in Edinburgh and is one of the bloodiest historic sites in Western Europe. It has witnessed countless sieges, battles and coronations. Spanning over 1,000 years as the Defender of the Nation, the castle was originally built in the 12th century. It served as a royal palace and honours Scotland’s rich history. Throughout the centuries, it has also been a military stronghold, royal residence and prison of war.
From the ancient Stone of Destiny, used for coronations in Scotland, to Mons Meg and to the Scottish Crown Jewels, the castle stores priceless national treasures.
Discover the enchanting story of Scotland’s past by exploring every corner of Edinburgh Castle.
You can marvel at the Great Hall built by James IV or venture into the eerie dungeons.
Reach Edinburgh Castle With Bright Bus Tours
Board our vibrant open-top buses to Edinburgh Castle, set in the heart of Scotland’s dynamic capital city. Here are the important details you need to know for your Edinburgh Castle trip.
Our Tour Details
Explore how to reach the castle on each of our Edinburgh Castle tours:
City Tour — Hop off at stop number 7 on Grassmarket, and take in the general view of Edinburgh Castle from the Vennel Steps. From here, take a short uphill stroll to the castle entrance.
Britannia Tour — Edinburgh Castle is a quick walk from Bread Street stop 6 on our Britannia route. The castle is just up the Royal Mile, where you can see other exciting historic sites like John Knox House.
When To Visit
To beat the crowds, try planning your visit to Edinburgh Castle for early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The royal attraction welcomes visitors all year round.
- Summer hours (April to September) are 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Winter hours (October to March) are 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Ticket Prices
Edinburgh Castle tickets vary:
- Adults: £15.50 to £19.50.
- Children (7-15 years): £9 to £11.40.
Family tickets and concessions are also available.
Please note: Edinburgh Castle guided tours are not included in the standard admission ticket. They are also separate from your Bright Bus Tours pass. Book your tickets online in advance to avoid the queues, especially during the peak summer season.
Time To Explore
Give yourself at least two hours to indulge in the castle’s treasures. If you’re a history lover, you might want 3-4 hours to fully soak in the atmosphere. Don’t worry about rushing — our hop-on hop-off tours let you wander around the castle at your own pace.
Book your Edinburgh Castle Bus Now
Amenities & Facilities
Edinburgh Castle offers a range of amenities to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable visit.
Here’s what you can expect:
Dining Options
- The Tea Rooms — Enjoy a coffee with freshly baked scones as you take in stunning views of the city.
- The Redcoat Café — Grab a quick bite or refreshing drink to fuel your travels.
- The Witchery — While not inside the castle, this famous restaurant is just steps away from the castle gates and provides a luxurious dining experience in a historic setting.
Shopping
- The Portcullis Shop is located next to the ticket office. This is the main gift shop offering Scottish souvenirs, books and unique castle-themed items.
- Other gift shops throughout the castle grounds sell historically-inspired merchandise and Scottish crafts.
Accessibility
- Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are provided on loan on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Accessible toilets are located throughout the castle.
- There is an audio booth and descriptive tours for visitors with visual impairments. You can also use your own mobile phone to access the audio guides.
Additional Facilities
- Free Wi-Fi in select areas.
- Baby changing facilities.
Highlights of Edinburgh Castle
These are some of the top things to see and do at Edinburgh Castle with a guided tour and audio guide.
Portcullis Gate
Start your castle adventure at the mighty Portcullis Gate. As you walk through, imagine all the people who have passed this way before — from kings and queens to soldiers and servants.
Scottish National War Memorial
Step into the peaceful Scottish National War Memorial in Crown Square. This beautiful monument honours the brave Scots who gave their lives for their country since World War I. Take a moment to reflect on and appreciate the stunning architecture.
National War Museum
Learn all about Scotland’s military past at the National War Museum. From ancient battles to modern conflicts, you’ll discover fascinating stories and artefacts. It’s a great spot to learn about Scottish heroes and their adventures.
Crown Jewels
Get ready to be dazzled by Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Also called the Honours of Scotland, these sparkling treasures include a crown, sceptre and a sword. They’re the oldest crown jewels in the British Isles — pretty impressive, right?
Stone of Destiny
Check out the legendary Stone of Destiny. This ancient rock has seen its fair share of drama between Scotland and England. Once used to crown Scottish kings, it’s now back home after quite the journey. Also known as the Stone of Destiny, it was seized by England’s Edward I in 1296 and returned to Scottish soil in 1996.
St Margaret’s Chapel
Pop into St Margaret’s Chapel, Edinburgh’s oldest building and one of the highlights of a visit. This tiny Norman chapel has stood for over 900 years. Experience stepping into a time machine and allow yourself to be transported to mediaeval Scotland.
Great Hall
Feel like royalty in the Great Hall. Built by James IV, the impressive hammerbeam roof and grand fireplace will take your breath away. Imagine the royal banquets and important ceremonies once held here.
One O’Clock Gun
Don’t miss the firing of the One O’Clock Gun, a tradition dating back to 1861 that’s sure to capture your imagination. This daily spectacle marks time for the city, is a crowd-pleaser and a great photo opportunity.
There are some new measures being introduced with regard to the One O’Clock Gun. For the best view, head to the newly marked areas 10 minutes before firing. After the gun has been fired, castle staff generally limit access to some areas surrounding the gun for safety reasons.
Royal Palace
Visit the very room where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to a future king, James VI. These royal chambers offer a sneak peek into the private lives of Scotland’s monarchs and the dramatic events that unfolded within the castle walls.
Prisons of War
Descend into the castle’s war vaults to experience the conditions of 18th and 19th-century prisons. These dark, atmospheric buildings tell the stories of prisoners from various conflicts. It’s a bit spooky but super interesting too.
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Just outside the gates, the castle esplanade hosts the world-famous military tattoo every August. Book your tickets in advance for the best seats at this glorious open-air venue at the castle.
Pro Tip: The castle is built on a hill with cobbled walkways, so wear comfortable shoes! Also, bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during your visit, especially on warm days.
Experience these amazing highlights of Edinburgh Castle with Bright Bus Tours.
Choose our City or Britannia tour and buy your tickets online today!
Bright Bus Tours: The Brightest Way To Experience Edinburgh
Since 2019, we’ve been lighting up Edinburgh’s streets with our lively buses and friendly service. At Bright Bus Tours, our mission is simple: to provide the friendliest and best value way to explore Edinburgh.
Our commitment to customer satisfaction hasn’t gone unnoticed. We’re proud to have received a 4-star award from Visit Scotland in January 2024, recognising our top-notch customer service.
From the National Museum to the majestic Edinburgh Castle, from the Royal Botanic Garden to Victoria Street, our tours cover all the must-see spots in the city. But we don’t stop there!
While the Edinburgh city centre is reachable by bus tram and train from Edinburgh Airport, you’ll get the best value from us. Our Airport Bus Express service offers the fastest and cheapest transfers to get your adventure started.
It has never been easier, cheaper and faster to visit Edinburgh Castle and the city’s top attractions.
Book your tickets with Bright Bus Tours now for the best Edinburgh experience.