First time visiting Mons Meg at Edinburgh Castle, Scotland? This guide covers opening hours, exact ticket prices, how to view the cannon, accessibility, transport and nearby attractions.
Mons Meg overview
Mons Meg is a wrought-iron bombard manufactured in 1449 and presented to the Scottish crown in the mid 15th century. The barrel is just over 4 metres long and the bore is about 50 centimetres in diameter, large enough to fire stone shot weighing more than 150 kilograms. The gun was made in the Low Countries and recorded as being given to James II of Scotland in the 1450s.
The cannon sits on the upper battery near St Margaret’s Chapel within Edinburgh Castle. Its outer surface shows the original hooping and forge-welded construction, and several large stone shot are displayed beside the piece so visitors can compare scale and construction. The gun last fired in the late 17th century when the barrel cracked; it was later removed to the Tower of London and returned to Edinburgh in the 19th century.
Mons Meg is on long-term display as part of the Royal Armouries collection on loan to Historic Environment Scotland. The cannon is accessible from the castle battlements, allowing close inspection of its construction and associated exhibits. Conservation work has been carried out in recent years to stabilise the metal and preserve the surface.
Mons Meg opening hours (Edinburgh Castle opening hours)
Access to Mons Meg requires a valid Edinburgh Castle admission ticket and is therefore governed by the castle opening times. From 1 April to 30 September the castle opens at 9.30am, last entry at 5pm and closes at 6pm. For other dates consult the official castle opening times as these are subject to change. Allow at least two hours to see main sites within the castle, including Mons Meg and the One O’Clock Gun.
Mons Meg ticket prices (Edinburgh Castle ticket prices)
Admission to Edinburgh Castle (which includes access to Mons Meg) should be booked in advance online where possible. Current online prices are: adult (16–64) £21.50, concession £17.00, child (7–15) £13.00.
Check the castle ticket page before you travel and book online to secure the best price and a guaranteed entry slot.
Tickets can sell out days in advance, but booking a tour is a way of getting in when there are no tickets left.
How to see Mons Meg at Edinburgh Castle
Enter the castle via the main entrance and follow signs for the battlements or artillery displays. Mons Meg is sited on the upper battery near Half Moon Battery and St Margaret’s Chapel; the approach involves cobbled and stone surfaces and a short range of steps. If you want unobstructed views, aim to see Mons Meg early in the day or later in the afternoon when visitor flow tends to be lower.
Photographing the gun is straightforward from the battlements. The cannon is accessible on foot from several vantage points, allowing close inspection of the barrel hoops, muzzle and displayed ammunition. Staffed information panels and audio guide material give additional technical and historical detail. Audio guides are available for a small additional charge.
Mons Meg accessibility and facilities
Edinburgh Castle has limited step-free access overall due to its historic topography. Some areas of the battlements and the gun displays are on uneven stone surfaces. Carers accompanying visitors with disabilities receive free entry; check the castle’s access guide and contact the venue in advance if you need assistance. Public toilets, a café and a shop are available within the main visitor areas.
Five great things to do while you’re in Edinburgh
Discover the Old Town’s underground vaults on a walking tour.
- Follow the Da Vinci Code on a Rosslyn Chapel day tour.
- Learn dozens of stories on a guided walk of the Royal Mile and Old Town.
- Explore the best places to eat in Edinburgh on a food tour.
- Let an expert guide take you around Edinburgh’s Harry Potter locations.
When to visit Mons Meg
Weekday mornings soon after opening and late afternoons are the least crowded periods for viewing Mons Meg. If you are combining the visit with other castle highlights, allow two to three hours for a relaxed visit. Be aware the castle closes earlier on some winter dates and for special events, so verify opening times on the day you plan to visit.
Nearby attractions to Mons Meg
There are plenty of things to do near Edinburgh Castle, including:
- Royal Mile — the historic route descending from Edinburgh Castle into the Old Town, lined with shops and historic closes.
- St Giles’ Cathedral — minutes from the castle, notable for its Thistle Chapel and Gothic furnishings.
- National Museum of Scotland — a short walk east with broad collections across natural history, science and Scottish history.
- Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat — open space and hill walks within reach for views across the city.
- The Real Mary King’s Close — underground tours showing preserved streets beneath the Royal Mile.
Books set in Edinburgh
If you want to get a good feel for Edinburgh before visiting, it’s worth reading a book or two set there. Options include…
- Muriel Spark’s The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie – an inspirational teacher changes lives with equal parts comedy and tragedy.
- The Heart of Midlothian – arguably Sir Walter Scott’s finest work.
- Ian Rankin’s Rebus books – gripping, grouchy detective novels.
- Irvine Welsh’s Trainspotting series – for the city’s gritty side.
- David Nicholls’ One Day – an innovative and emotive romance, tracked by the same date each year.
The links above are to Amazon. You can probably get them all cheaper at World of Books, which is where I buy most of my books.
Visitor tips for Mons Meg
- Book Edinburgh Castle tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and to lock in the lower online price.
- Wear sturdy shoes for cobbles and stone staircases around the battlements.
- If noise sensitivity is a concern, note that other ceremonial firings such as the One O’Clock Gun take place at the castle esplanade and can be loud; Mons Meg is not fired.
- Pick up the castle audio guide for technical detail about Mons Meg, or read the on-site panels which summarise construction and conservation work.
- Check for special events such as the Castle of Light which may alter opening times or access routes on select dates.
Disclosure: This guide contains affiliate links. Book through them, and I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
More Edinburgh travel
Other Edinburgh travel stories on Planet Whitley include:
- The Dean Village: Edinburgh’s secret, scenic escape.
- Is Edinburgh Castle open on Mondays?
- Review of the Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour.
- The 8 best attractions and experiences in Edinburgh.
- How to get to the National Monument of Scotland on Calton Hill.
