As a castles touring enthusiast, you may be planning a visit to the iconic Edinburgh Castle. If you’re bringing a school group, it’s essential to understand the booking process and the resources available to ensure a seamless and enriching experience. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the key details you need to know about Edinburgh Castle school bookings.
Staffing Ratios for School Groups
When visiting Edinburgh Castle with a school group, a minimum of one adult per 10 children is required. This ensures adequate supervision and safety during the visit, allowing the students to fully immerse themselves in the castle’s rich history and captivating features.
Booking a Free Learning Group Visit
To book a free learning group visit to Edinburgh Castle, follow these simple steps:
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Fill in the booking enquiry form: Start by completing the booking enquiry form for either Edinburgh Castle or Stirling Castle, depending on your preference.
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Wait for a confirmation email and voucher: Once your booking is processed, you’ll receive a confirmation email and a voucher that confirms your reservation.
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Arrange a free planning visit: To help with the preparation of a risk assessment, you can email
learning@hes.scotto arrange a free planning visit to the castle.
Additional Resources for School Visits
Edinburgh Castle offers a variety of downloadable trails and online resources to support nursery and primary school visits. These include the Edinburgh Castle Maths Quest, a World War One trail, and the Edinburgh Castle Animal Safari. These resources can help you plan engaging and educational activities for your students.
Additionally, Historic Environment Scotland provides site information sheets to assist you in planning your visit and writing the necessary risk assessments.
Travel Subsidy for Scottish Schools
Good news for Scottish schools! You can apply for a travel subsidy to help cover the costs of visiting heritage sites like Edinburgh Castle. The subsidy covers 75% of the total travel cost, up to a maximum of £300 per visit. This funding is available for visits starting from 1 April 2024.
Contact Information for Learning Group Bookings
If you have any questions or need further assistance with your Edinburgh Castle school booking, you can reach out to the learning team at learning@hes.scot.
Ticket Prices for Edinburgh Castle
The ticket prices for Edinburgh Castle vary depending on the age and type of ticket. Here’s a breakdown of the standard admission prices:
| Ticket Type | Online Price | Walk-up Price |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (16-64 years) | £19.50 | £22.00 |
| Concession (65+ years) | £15.50 | £17.60 |
| Child (7-15 years) | £11.40 | £13.20 |
Family tickets are also available for those visiting with children.
Booking Tips for Edinburgh Castle
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free visit, consider the following booking tips:
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Book tickets online in advance: Booking your tickets online in advance can help you guarantee entry, especially during the peak summer months when the castle is busiest.
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Consider a Membership or Explorer Pass: If you plan to visit multiple Historic Scotland sites, a Membership or Explorer Pass may be a cost-effective option, providing you with unlimited access.
By following these guidelines and taking advantage of the resources available, you can plan an unforgettable educational experience for your school group at the iconic Edinburgh Castle.