Edinburgh Castle Opening Hours

Edinburgh Castle is open every day of the year except 25 and 26 December, with longer hours in summer (April–October, 9:30–18:00) and shorter hours in winter (November–March, 9:30–17:00). Last entry is 45 minutes before closing. The castle uses 30-minute timed-entry slots throughout the day. See our best time to visit page for quieter slots and the visitors guide for what to do once you arrive.

Castle Precinct

Summer (1 Apr – 31 Oct)	9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Winter (1 Nov – 31 Mar)	9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
25 & 26 December	Closed all day
1 & 2 January	Open with reduced hours

Last Admission

April – October	5:15 PM
November – March	4:15 PM

One O'Clock Gun

Monday – Saturday	Fires at 1:00 PM sharp
Sunday	Not fired
Good Friday & 25 December	Not fired

St Margaret's Chapel

Daily with the castle	Open during castle hours
Wedding or christening days	May close briefly to visitors

Crown Room (Honours of Scotland)

2026 access	Crown Room temporarily closed early 2026
Reopening	Expected late spring / summer 2026

Important: The Crown Room with the Honours of Scotland has been temporarily closed since early 2026 for essential conservation work, with reopening expected in late spring / summer 2026. Tickets remain valid for the rest of the castle. Always check the latest status before travelling.

Opening Hours FAQ

Hours, holidays, and last admission

Is Edinburgh Castle open every day?

Almost. The castle is open every day of the year except 25 and 26 December (Christmas Day and Boxing Day). It is open on Christmas Eve, New Year's Day and 2 January, although those days often have reduced hours and the One O'Clock Gun is not fired on 25 December or Good Friday.

What time is the last admission?

17:15 from April to October; 16:15 from November to March. The Crown Room and other major attractions close at the same time as the castle (18:00 / 17:00), so aim to arrive at least 90 minutes before closing to see everything.

Is the Crown Room with the Honours of Scotland open in 2026?

The Crown Room has been temporarily closed since early 2026 for essential conservation work. Reopening is expected in late spring / summer 2026. Tickets remain valid for the rest of the castle while it is closed. Check the official Edinburgh Castle website (edinburghcastle.scot) for the latest status before your visit.

When does the One O'Clock Gun fire?

Every day at 13:00 sharp from Mills Mount Battery, except Sundays, Good Friday and 25 December. The tradition started in 1861 as a time signal for ships at Leith and the Firth of Forth. Arrive 5–10 minutes early to find a spot and brace for the percussion.

What about Christmas and Easter?

Closed on 25 and 26 December. Open with standard hours on Good Friday, Easter Monday and 1–2 January, although early January can have reduced hours. The week between Christmas and New Year is one of the busiest of the entire year — book at least two weeks in advance.

Does the castle close during the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo?

The castle stays open during the day throughout August, but the Esplanade is occupied by Tattoo stands and the castle may close to daytime visitors slightly earlier than usual on Tattoo performance days. Always check the official site before booking an August slot, and expect crowds.

How long can I stay inside once I've entered?

Until 30 minutes after last admission, when staff start clearing the buildings. The timed slot only governs when you can enter, not how long you can stay — though most visitors find 3 hours is plenty.