One O’Clock Gun, Edinburgh Castle: Hours, prices, access & visitor tips

First time planning to see (or hear) the One O’Clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle? This guide covers castle opening hours, entry ticket prices, how to get there, what to expect — and nearby attractions.

Overview of One O’Clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle

The One O’Clock Gun is a long-standing tradition at Edinburgh Castle in Scotland. Each weekday (Monday to Saturday), a cannon is fired at precisely 1pm — a spectacle that draws both locals and visitors. The gun shot historically helped ships on the Firth of Forth and others, as an audible time signal, and today remains a symbolic and atmospheric moment in the castle’s routine.

For visitors, witnessing the One O’Clock Gun combines heritage, theatre and location. The blast echoes across Edinburgh’s skyline, and acts as a fixed point around which you plan a visit to the castle.

The 105mm field gun is fired from the Miles Mount Battery, and has been since 1861. It’s not the same as Mons Meg, the 15th century bombard displayed nearby.

Edinburgh Castle opening hours & entry ticket details

Entry to Edinburgh Castle (and thus access to hear the One O’Clock Gun) requires a valid castle admission ticket. As of November 2025, standard adult admission costs £21.50. Concession and child tickets are available (children 5-15 years: £13.00; students/seniors: £17.00). Tickets can be bought online or at the gate, however they regularly sell out, leaving visitors disappointed. I would strongly advise you to book in advance.

Should you fail to heed that advice, booking a guided tour is often the workaround when tickets have sold out.

The castle is typically open daily from 9:30am to 6pm between April and the end of September, then 9:30am to 5pm for the rest of the year. On days when the One O’Clock Gun fires, the cannon is (unsurprisingly) sounded at 1pm — so aim to get to the viewing area around the Miles Mount Battery at least 15 minutes before then. Check the official Edinburgh Castle site for any temporary closures or changes to schedule.

What to expect when hearing the One O’Clock Gun

If you want a good vantage point, make your way to the castle battlements or the esplanade east of the Great Hall, where the sound carries clearly and views over the city unfold. The blast is loud — it’sadvisable for people sensitive to noise to use ear protection. The firing itself is brief but dramatic and tends to draw a crowd, especially in good weather or tourist season.

Because the castle is historic and partly open-air, expect some walking on cobbled or uneven stone surfaces. Arriving early helps secure a favourable standing spot. After the gun fires, many visitors continue exploring the castle’s ramparts, halls and museums spread across the grounds.

Visitor facilities & practical advice for visiting the One O’Clock Gun

Edinburgh Castle offers toilets, a café and gift shop near the main visitor areas. If you plan to stay through lunchtime for the gun firing, consider grabbing food or drink beforehand (or inside the café) — there are limited options once inside the historic areas.

Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestones and slopes, and consider ear protection if you or children are sensitive to loud noise. In wet or windy weather, outer ramparts can be exposed, so dress accordingly. As with any historic site, follow signage and staff instructions for safety, especially near edges and parapets.

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.

Nearby attractions around Edinburgh Castle

• Royal Mile — the historic street descending from the castle into the Old Town, with shops, historic buildings and narrow closes to explore.
• St Giles’ Cathedral — a short walk from the castle foot, offering Gothic architecture and historic interiors.
• The Real Mary King’s Close — historic underground streets giving insight into Edinburgh’s past.
• National Museum of Scotland — a few minutes’ walk away, with exhibits ranging from Scottish history to natural science.
• Arthur’s Seat / Holyrood Park — if you fancy a hike after the castle visit, the hill gives panoramic views over the city and coastline.

Visitor tips for One O’Clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle

• Buy your castle ticket online in advance — this helps avoid queues and ensures entry, especially on busy days.
• Arrive at least 30–45 minutes before 1pm to get a good vantage point for the gun firing. Allow extra time if you plan to explore the castle before or after the shot.
• Bring ear protection if you or children are sensitive to loud sound.
• Combine the visit with a walk down the Royal Mile or a stop at nearby museums to make a full day of your trip.
• Check weather forecasts and dress appropriately — castle ramparts are exposed and conditions can be windy or chilly.
• Respect all safety instructions and boundaries, especially near walls and parapets. Historic sites may have uneven or slippery surfaces when wet.

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 articles on Planet Whitley include:

• The Dean Village: Edinburgh’s secret, scenic escape.
• How to spend a perfect day in Edinburgh.
• 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.