Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates of the 2018 Tattoo?
The 2018 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will take place over the period 3rd – 25th August with performances on Monday to Friday at 9.00pm and on Saturday at 7.30pm and 10.30pm. There is no performance on Sunday.
What are the future dates of the Tattoo?
- 2nd-24th August 2019
- 7th-29th August 2020
- 6th-28th August 2021
- 5th-27th August 2022
- 4th-26th August 2023
How long does each performance last?
Each performance lasts for approximately 100 minutes.
Is the performance the same each evening?
Performances aim to be the same in terms of content and routines, however the programme is subject to alternation by the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
If I can no longer visit Edinburgh, can I get a refund?
If you are no longer able to attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo please contact us at your earliest convenience. Final balances are due 10 weeks prior to your arrival, and if you are cancelling prior to this, your non-refundable deposit will be retained. If cancelling within 10 weeks of your arrival, packages are completely non-refundable. For full details please read our terms and conditions.
What facilities exist for disabled patrons?
The Tattoo is delighted to welcome patrons with disabilities. Click here for full details of the facilities provided.
What happens if it rains?
No performance of the Tattoo has ever been cancelled.
In the event of inclement weather, rapmacs are available for purchase from the souvenir kiosk on the Castle Esplanade. Umbrellas are not permitted.
Is photography permitted?
Photographs may be taken but should not be used for purposes of commercial gain. The use of “flash” equipment is expressly forbidden.
In large arenas such as the Castle Esplanade flashlight is totally ineffective. The floodlighting used during the Tattoo performance can produce satisfactory photographic results when using a suitable camera with appropriate shutter and lens aperture adjustments. Any auto-flash settings should be switched off. An ISO speed setting of 400 or 800 ISO is recommended on digital or film cameras with the colour balance set for artificial lighting if possible.
Are there fireworks at every performance?
Subject to the appropriate weather conditions, all performances will conclude with a fireworks display. Performances on Saturday at 10.30pm conclude with an extended fireworks display.
Do you offer triple rooms?
Yes, we offer hotels within our packages that can accommodate three people in a room. These are often twin/ double rooms with sofa beds or rollaway beds, so please get in touch prior to booking if you are unsure. We also have our 1 and 2 bedroom self-catering apartments which can easily accommodate three guests.
Do you include coach transfers or flights?
Our packages do not include coach transfers or flights; your travel to and from Edinburgh will need to be arranged independently by yourself. If you need any assistance or advise on how best to get to/ from Edinburgh and also how to get to/ from Edinburgh Airport we would be happy to help.
Are transfers from the hotel to the Tattoo included?
No transfers to the event are included. All the hotels we offer in our packages are centrally located and never more than a 25 minute walk from the event at Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh has a number of great taxi companies which you, or your hotel reception, can arrange to take you to and from the Event.
Is breakfast included in your packages?
All of our hotel packages, unless specified, include breakfast. Breakfast will vary from hotel to hotel in terms of Full Scottish or Continental. Our self-catering apartments do not include breakfast but all of our apartments come will fully equipped kitchen and dining areas and are located close to many local cafes, restaurants and supermarkets.
Do you offer Concessions for Children or Military?
Children of three years and under are admitted free of charge providing they remain seated on an adult’s lap. Children of four years and over pay full price. There are no other Concessionary discounts.
Are your prices per night or per person?
All of the prices on our website and brochure are per person for your entire package; not per night.
Are you ATOL protected?
We are ATOL and ABTOT combined protected.
What room types are included in your package?
We offer standard double and twin rooms in the majority of our packages. For a select number of our 4* and also our 5* hotels we will specify if the rooms are Superior etc. For other room types, such as Triple, Family and Single, these will display when available.
Which hotels are the closest to the Castle?
All our hotels are within the City Centre and within walking distance of the Castle, however some are closer. We recommend The Radisson Blu, Ibis South Bridge, Inn Place and Radisson Collection as our closest hotels to Edinburgh Castle.
Which train station should I stop at?
Edinburgh has 2 central stations: Edinburgh Waverley (our main station) and Edinburgh Haymarket. For clients staying at The Haymarket Hub or Hilton Grosvenor, we recommend Edinburgh Haymarket. For all other hotels and Apartments we would recommend Edinburgh Waverley.
How do I get from the Airport to the City Centre?
Getting from Edinburgh Airport to the City Centre (and vice versa) couldn’t be easier! We have our 100 Airlink bus and trams; both of which depart from right outside the Airport Arrivals Terminal and run regularly throughout the day, all day, every day. You can buy your ticket before you board and there is complimentary WiFi and plenty of luggage space. Alternatively, there is also a taxi rank.
When can I start queuing for the Tattoo?
There is only one queue to access the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and this starts at Johnston Terrace around the Hub to the Castle Esplanade. Doors open approximately 45 minutes before the start of the performance and you are requested to be seated 15 minutes before the start of the performance.
When is check in/ check out?
Hotel check in and check out times will vary, and you can view each hotel’s specifications on our hotel information pages prior to booking. The majority of hotel’s check in times range between 14:00 – 15:00 and check out between 10:00 – 12:00
Is there parking available?
The majority of hotels in the City centre do not have onsite parking. Where parking is available onsite, it will predominantly be available on a first come, first serve basis and payable upon leaving. For hotels that do offer pre-booked and paid parking this will be available at the time of booking, or any time after booking. Edinburgh has a range of public car parks available.
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Edinburgh
EH2 1JX
Email: info@glorydays.uk.com