We want to make your visit to Edinburgh Castle as enjoyable and memorable as possible. This section aims to cover everything you need to know before you visit.

With many of Scotland's must see icons in our care, we are confident we have a range of attractions that will fit any tour programme or itinerary.

Travel Trade


Groups gathering on esplanade © Historic Scotland
We work hand in hand with tour operators and organisers world wide and offer a range of products suitable for travel groups or fully independent travellers. To discuss your requirements, please contact the Travel Trade Team.

Group Booking
We advise groups to pre-book at hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or tel +44 (0)131 668 8831

Group Ticket Collection
Pre-booked groups can collect their tickets at Visitor Information

Explorer Pass
For unlimited access at unbeatable prices to all 78 Historic Scotland attractions. If your clients are touring Scotland and want to visit a number of Historic Scotland attractions, the flexibility of the Explorer Pass is designed to fit round their itinerary.

The Explorer Pass offers fully independent travellers and groups one of the most cost effective ways to experience Historic Scotland attractions. All passes are provided on a sale or return basis and we pay you commission on all sales.

Regional Explorer Pass
This offers your clients a chance to visit all our properties within a specific region of Scotland over an unlimited time period; Orkney, Scottish Borders, Dumfries & Galloway.

Voucher Incentive Programme
If you bring regular group business to Historic Scotland attractions you can apply to become a member of our Voucher Incentive Programme (VIP).

This is a credit facility which allows your voucher to be used as method of payment. Members of the VIP will normally be invoiced on a monthly basis and are entitled to a 10% discount for all groups of 11 or more pax.

Traffic Restrictions

To help protect and enhance visitor access to the castle, the esplanade will be closed to all coaches from Monday 16th April until the end of October 2012, with drop off and collection points moving to Johnston Terrace.

Please note: on the 12th and 13th of June 2012, there will be no parking on Johnston Terrace.

During the traffic restrictions, members of the VIP who have pre-booked groups can call our dedicated group line (0131 220 6224, open 8.30 am - 4.30 pm) prior to their arrival and supply their unique Order ID number and we'll have your tickets printed and ready for you to collect at the bottom box (beginning of the esplanade).

Contact us


All Travel Trade queries.

Telephone: +44 (0) 131 668 8831
Email: hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk



Explorer Tours


Read more about Explorer Tours