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Tickets must visit

Asking which sites we should get tickets in advance for.
We are traveling next month with our 8 year old grandson. Starting in Edinburgh to Inverness back to Edinburgh 9 days in country
We are have a private guide for this trip
Will visit Edinburgh, pitlocky, Inverness/highlands area Isle of Sky
Thank you

Most places WILL require tickets even if they are for entry times only. We were just at Edinburgh Castle at just before 10 am and they were turning people away because they didn't have tickets! Fortunately we had ours. Holyroodhouse (the royal residence) also requires tickets. Edinburgh was pretty crowded even in the last week of May.

Posted by
961 posts

I strongly recommend Dunnottar Castle, whether traveling individually or as part of a day tour (Rabbie's does a fine one). I doubt you'd need to book ahead, but it's never a bad idea.

Posted by
58 posts

Edinburgh Castle for sure. We missed out because we didn't have advance tickets. Don't know if you're going there but we booked ahead for Balmoral.

Posted by
15 posts

We are headed to Scotland soon. I booked Urquhart Castle (Loch Ness near Inverness) in advance, including you can book specifically to reserve a parking spot (and that's advised on their web site). If your private guide is driving, they are probably aware and doing that.

I've also heard that advance booking is important for Edinburgh Castle.

Have you considered Historic Environment Scotland Explorer Passes? That's how we booked Urquhart Castle, Edinburgh Castle, and Sterling Castle (Sterling may not be necessary to book in advance).

Hope you enjoy your trip!

Posted by
7041 posts

No idea which places you intend to visit, but if it’s popular you should get advance tickets, e.g. Edinburgh and Stirling castles, Urquhart castle, Holyrood house/palace, etc.