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
First Published: 22 July 2020 12:18
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
Latest Fife News
National comic book tour for Maths Week Scotland
Rossie Stone, director and founder of Dekko Comics will take part in digital events in schools across the country for Maths Week Scotland (28 September – 4 October).
Dobbies takes part in charity coffee morning
Dobbies Garden Centres is raising vital funds for Macmillan's Coffee Morning this week, by hosting its own 'Raise a Cup' event at their Scottish stores!
A Drive In Christmas Panto is coming to Glasgow and Edinburgh this winter!
Just when you thought your Christmas show had been cancelled, Horrible Histories comes to the rescue with their own unique take on the festive season!
Rising Enquiries Prompts Falkirk Venue to Unveil New Wedding Packages
Macdonald Inchyra Hotel & Spa has seen a 25% spike in enquiries after launching a series of flexible wedding packages created specially to help couples get married following lockdown.
Dobbies launches Christmas events programme with social distancing and safety at forefront
With the festive season in sight, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, Dobbies Garden Centres, announces its Christmas events offering for 2020.
Locals book to get active ahead of doors opening for charitable trust
Fife Sports and Leisure Trust has seen nearly 800 bookings since they launched their online booking system this week as part of their Covid health and safety measures.
Dates announced for GlasGLOW, returning to light up the city this October!
itison have announced that GlasGLOW will return to Glasgow's Botanic Gardens from the 29th October to the 8th November with early bird tickets on sale on the 16th September!
The Dog Ate My Homework
The Dog Ate My Homework, CBBC's BAFTA nominated comedy panel show, is back for a eighth series and they need you!
SBH Scotland are on the hunt for skydive heroes
Come fly with us in 2021! Join Team SBH Scotland for an exhilarating Charity Skydive at Errol Airfield, Perthshire.
Kids in Museums and Walkers Books announce an exciting half term activity for families!
Kids in Museums are delighted to announce that they are once again partnering with Walker Books on an exciting half term activity for families: Where's Wally? Spooky Museum Search!
The SAY Award Live at the Longlist line up announced
The SAY Award have today announced an outstanding line-up for this year’s Live at the Longlist event as Free Love, Kinnaris Quintet and Sacred Paws all take to the stage ahead of the 2020 reveal.
TeamEilidh takes to the streets in virtual event
Runners and walkers across Scotland will be taking to the streets this weekend (5 & 6 September) in a virtual event in support of the Eilidh MacLeod Memorial Trust.
Win the ultimate staycation for you and five friends!
Tennent's is giving fans the ultimate staycation at a lighthouse to celebrate their latest beer, Tennent's Light, hitting shops and supermarket shelves!
Win a lifetime supply of ice cream!
A brand renowned for its sweet treats is set to grant a popular wish – by awarding a lifetime supply of its famed ice cream to a lucky fan!
Charitable trust updates customers ahead of its reopening
Fife Sports and Leisure Trust has released more information for customers ahead of their phased re-opening programme.
Nominate Your High Street Hero Today
As part of the Scotland Loves Local campaign, Scotland's Towns Partnership is on the search for our High Street Heroes!
1 week left to submit youth made short films to the 2020 FYFF competition!
Only 1 week left to submit youth made short films for inclusion in the 2020 festival programme and competition.
Historic Environment Scotland to reopen a further 10 visitor attractions in September
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced reopening dates for a further 10 ticketed iconic sites throughout Scotland.
Channel 4 hit show Naked Attraction is searching for Scottish singletons
Studio Lambert North and Channel 4 are on the hunt for a new wave of brave Scottish singletons willing to bare all for series seven of the hit show Naked Attraction!
Postponement of Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival
Loch Lomond Shores have announced the postponement of the Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival until 4th and 5th September 2021.
Global Audience Tunes in to Opening Weekend Of Edinburgh International Book Festival Online
The opening weekend of the Edinburgh International Book Festival online has seen audiences tune in from around the world also those closer to home to enjoy a wide range of free events!
Do you have a much loved item that you never use but can not face throwing it away...
Whether it's a family heirloom, a drum kit from your teenage band days, an old sofa, a collection of clothes, or even your first car - this brand new TV series could transform it!
Drive in to a live family show this summer
The Parking Lot Social, Scotland's largest drive in tour, is hosting an extra-special family day out every Saturday and Sunday through August and early September with Social Kids!
Charitable trust gets ball rolling on reopening
Fife Sports and Leisure Trust announces the opening of some of the synthetic turf pitches (STPs) for the first time since they were forced to close operations due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Prom Play Area Looks Brand New
Refurbishments at Leven Prom play area have brightened up the park thanks to the ‘Pimp myProm’ participatory budgeting project.
Scottish Drive In Lands Kevin Quantum
Rosie Glow's unique production of Revival, at Scone Palace, lands Britain's Got Talent Star Kevin Quantum!
Historic Environment Scotland will reopen 12 visitor attractions this month
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) announces reopening dates for 12 ticketed sites throughout Scotland after the sites closed their doors in March due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Scotland is stunning
Zero Waste Scotland - in partnership with Scottish Government and Keep Scotland Beautiful - has launched a new campaign to encourage everyone to keep our outdoor spaces litter free.
TEAriffic! Afternoon Tea is back at Dobbies!
Whether you're celebrating something special or catching up with friends, Dobbies' Afternoon Tea is perfect for any occasion!
Laugh a minute at The Parking Lot Social
Glasgow comedian Marc Jennings is set to headline the Parking LOL Comedy Nights in Edinburgh and Glasgow!
Sponsored Links
