Tickets now on sale for some of top visitor attractions in Scotland

Online booking opens today (Wednesday 22 July) for three of Scotland’s most iconic castles - Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle.

Article Source: Historic Environment Scotland
Last Updated: 22 July 2020 12:25

Online booking opens today (Wednesday 22 July) for three of Scotland’s most iconic castles as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) prepares to open the gates to Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle.

The historic sites, which have been closed since 18 March following the outbreak of COVID-19, will reopen on Saturday 1 August, and will be the first Historic Scotland ticketed sites to reopen. A further 23 ticketed attractions will then reopen on a rolling basis during August through to mid-September.

Visitors will be able to enjoy access to outdoor spaces, including the grounds at all three sites opening on Saturday 1 August and the Queen Anne Gardens at Stirling Castle, as well as exploring historic locations such as the Great Hall, War Memorial and St Margaret’s Chapel at Edinburgh Castle, the Great Hall and Chapel Royal at Stirling Castle, and part of Grant Tower at Urquhart Castle.

Used by Mary Queen of Scots to host lavish banquets, the Great Hall at Edinburgh Castle was completed in 1511, while the Great Hall at Stirling Castle is the largest of its kind in Scotland and was completed in 1503. Visitors to Edinburgh Castle can also enjoy seeing the firing of the One O’clock Gun.

It is anticipated that by the end of August further indoor spaces will open at all three sites, however, this will be assessed in line with Scottish Government guidance.

New safety measures have been put in place on site, with cash payments no longer being accepted for the foreseeable future, and visitors being asked to use contactless payment where possible. One-way systems will be in place in some locations, and access will be restricted to small enclosed spaces where physical distancing is not possible.

Visitors will be required to wear face coverings when entering the retail shops, in line with Scottish Government guidance. The cafés on site will be open to visitors, providing a take-away offer. Visitors to Edinburgh Castle can also enjoy tea, coffee and snacks from the Red Food Truck on the esplanade, and the ice cream van at Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle will be open.

Visitor numbers will be limited for safety reasons with timed ticketing slots, and all visitors must book tickets online in advance. Contact information will also be collected from visitors when booking tickets to assist contact tracing as part of NHS Scotland’s Test and Protect system.

Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of HES, said: “We very much look forward to welcoming Historic Scotland members, and members of the public back to Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle.

“Since lockdown began – which is the first time since the Second World War that all of our visitor attractions have been closed – we have been working hard to implement new safety measures at our sites in line with Scottish Government guidance.

“We want our visitors to not only be safe, but feel safe too, whilst experiencing Scotland’s heritage sites with all they have to offer again.

“I’m sure that many of our visitors will be eager to cross the drawbridge of three of Scotland’s most iconic sites now that lockdown restrictions are easing as well as our other sites across the country which will be re-opening on a rolling basis. We’ve worked hard to get our sites ready to welcome visitors, and as before, a fun and enjoyable experience awaits to explore and discover the fascinating history within these world-renowned castles.”

HES is Scotland’s biggest operator of visitor attractions, with over 300 properties in its care. Edinburgh Castle is Scotland’s top paid-for visitor attraction, and Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle the second and third most visited HES sites.

All three sites have also been approved by Visit Scotland as part of the UK-wide ‘We’re Good To Go’ scheme to provide confidence for visitors, communities and tourism businesses alike as the tourism sector works towards reopening.

Ticket prices have been reduced while some indoor access is restricted and must be booked in advance. Tickets cost £15.50 for an adult, £12.40 for concession and £9.30 for a child for Edinburgh Castle; £14 for an adult, £11.20 for concession and £8.40 for a child for Stirling Castle; and £9.60 for an adult, £7.70 for concession and £5.80 for a child for Urquhart Castle.

Tickets must be purchased online from the HES, Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle websites. To book tickets, visit: www.historicreopening.scot

For information on further HES sites reopening, visit:

www.historicenvironment.scot/about-us/news/our-plans-to-reopen-heritage-sites-as-restrictions-ease

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Women lead the way in the National Galleries of Scotland 2026 programme

National Galleries of Scotland announces an unmissable programme of free and ticketed exhibitions set to take over the National, Portrait and Modern galleries in Edinburgh throughout 2026.

Flight Club is giving out hundreds of prizes on the streets of Edinburgh in October

The team behind the home of Social Darts is embarking on a nationwide charity tour in celebration of its 10th birthday and dishing out treats to its fans along the way!

Scottish Building Society brings communities together for largest walking rugby event in Scotland

Scottish Building Society hosted Scotland’s largest walking rugby festival last month, bringing together players of all abilities for a celebration of sport, community, and accessible active living.

Olympic hero Sir Chris Hoy joined Sir Tom Hunter to lead out Edinburgh Kiltwalk

Olympic hero Sir Chris Hoy joined philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter to lead out 8,500 Kiltwalkers at the Edinburgh Kiltwalk (Sunday September 14) raising £1.5 million for 800 charities.

Edinburgh school kids team up with Kabin Crew to create a new rap song in Irish and Scottish Gaelic

Young musicians from Edinburgh and Cork are breaking new grounds with a unique hybrid international hip-hop collaboration led by Cork’s Kabin Crew.

Capitals Bartenders Cast Their Vote As Edinburgh Bar Awards Reveal Finalists

Edinburgh’s top bartenders have had their say, as the Edinburgh Bar Awards today (Thursday, 11th September) reveal the 2025 finalists across 11 categories.

Take to the skies with Daredevil Photographer Alfred Buckham at the National Galleries of Scotland

This autumn at the Portrait gallery in Edinburgh, take to the skies and see the world from above the clouds through the remarkable work of Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer.

Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition

Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition on the big screen in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Inverness from 1st to 19th October 2025.

Scottish International Storytelling Festival Programme Announced

With support from the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund and Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funding, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival launched its 36th festival programme.

Mindroom Fundraising Heroes Drive Charity Support Forward

Mindroom is celebrating a series of extraordinary fundraising activities, led by charity co-founder 81-year-old Robin Dow, living with stage 4 cancer, as his 25-mile walk raised a huge £70,000.

Fresh deals for freshers

Calling all students in Edinburgh! Britain’s biggest craft brewer, BrewDog, has announced some fresh new deals for freshers and returning students to toast the new academic year.

Carol Main MBE FRC appointed Chair of National Centre for Music

The development of a new National Centre for Music has reached another key milestone, with the appointment of Carol Main MBE FRC as Chair.

Eat Spain Drink Spain returns for a Culinary Fiesta across Edinburgh

Get ready to embark on a culinary journey as the "Eat Spain Drink Spain" campaign makes its much-anticipated return to Edinburgh.

Haggis the pygmy hippo to say goodbye to Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo has announced that Haggis the pygmy hippo will be moving to another zoo as part of the breeding programme for the Endangered species.

Spooky Season Arrives at Dynamic Earth this October

This October, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, Dynamic Earth invites visitors of all ages to step into the shadows and uncover the science behind the spookiest stories ever told.

Cineworld 4DX Rewind returns for 2025

Cineworld is excited to announce the return of 4DX Rewind this September across Cineworld 4DX cinemas nationwide!

Edinburgh bridal expert shares her top trend prediction for Taylor Swift wedding

Now is the time to shop for that perfect dress, as Rachel Scott Couture has announced it will be hosting a one-off, three-week long sample sale at its Queensferry Street boutique.

Marcos unveils first of its kind interactive karaoke room

Whatever kind of music you’re into, the brand-new interactive karaoke room at Marco's is the place for uninhibited singing, selfies and self-expression.

Final countdown to the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run 2025 is on

Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow next month, and there’s still time to secure your place.

Divino Enoteca launches September tasting menu and free wine tastings

This September, Edinburgh’s Italian wine bar Divino Enoteca, is offering plenty for food and wine lovers to explore.

September offers for Freshers Week at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh is giving students an extra reason to head out this semester with 20% off food, non-alcoholic drinks and merchandise when they show a valid student ID.

Marstons and Tom Shepherd join forces once more to serve up the best ever pub pie

Marston's and Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd have teamed up once more to serve up The Best Ever Pub Pie to locals across the country.

Edinburgh Fringe smash hit Oran embarks on first UK tour

Òran, the award-winning sell-out hit of the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe embarks on its first ever UK tour this autumn as company Wonder Fools take their work to a host of venues across Scotland.

Dynamic Earth partners with Scottish Water to deliver Water Cycle Workshops

Dynamic Earth is to join Science Centres across Scotland to deliver Water Cycle Workshops as part of Scottish Water's Generation H2O education programme.

Edinburgh Cocktail Week 2025 programme announced

The Edinburgh Cocktail Week programme for 2025 has been announced, reaffirming its status as the UK’s leading cocktail festival.

Iconic films to take centre stage at Vue venues in Scotland

Iconic movies celebrating key milestones this year are returning to Vue for a limited run - including Steven Spielberg classic Jaws.

20 expert sessions at The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show

The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show will be packed with expert speakers when it returns to the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston on 4th – 5th October 2025.

A Taste of Loch Lomond Book launches with live cooking demo at the Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival

Love Loch Lomond will officially launch its new publication, A Taste of Loch Lomond – Stories and Flavours from the Bonnie Banks, at the Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival on Sunday 7th September.

DF Concerts Celebrate Biggest Summer in Edinburgh

DF Concerts is celebrating a record-breaking month after selling more than 356,000 tickets in Edinburgh during August 2025.

Forever Edinburgh launches winter phase of Stay Different campaign

Forever Edinburgh has launched the winter phase of its ‘Stay Different’ campaign, inviting visitors to discover an entirely different side of the city during the colder months.

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall

Tickets now on sale for some of top visitor attractions in Scotland

Online booking opens today (Wednesday 22 July) for three of Scotland’s most iconic castles - Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings