Read the terms and conditions of use of our Explorer Pass
Explorer Pass terms and conditions
View our Consumer Terms of Use for information on how we supply Explorer Passes through our online booking system.
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Explorer Passes entitle the holder to free admission to included Historic Scotland (HS) properties as advertised. For a list of sites and opening times, please consult our website.
These passes do not include properties in the care of The National Trust for Scotland, members of the Historic Houses Association, the Palace of Holyroodhouse or those in care of private trusts including Calanais Visitor Centre and Kinnaird Head Lighthouse.
Holyrood Abbey is in our care, but to visit the abbey you must pay the entrance fee to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The Explorer is valid for fourteen consecutive days from your selected visit date.
The pass allows the holder one visit to each of the participating HS properties. Visits should be booked online in advance to guarantee entry.
Prices are subject to change.
Passes booked online can be printed before arrival, shown on a mobile device, or will be available to collect from any HS property that is open on the selected start date. The booking reference provided in the confirmation email must be provided on collection. Opening times for our properties do vary and you should check in advance.
One Explorer Pass will be issued per person. Exception is the Family Pass.
Not valid in conjunction with any other offer, promotion or discount.
Explorer Passes are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable.
You must not sell, auction or transfer any element of the Explorer Pass.
No refunds will be given for any unused days of the Explorer Pass.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) will not be held responsible for any lost passes. Lost or misplaced passes cannot be replaced or refunded.
No part refund will be given in the event of the closure of any property due to adverse weather conditions, health and safety or other operational reasons although a ticket to revisit the property may be issued at the discretion of the management.
HES reserves the right to request proof of age and can confiscate the pass and refuse entry to anyone with the wrong category of pass. Categories are: Adult (16-64), Concession (65+, students in full time education and unemployed), Child (7-15) and Family (two adults and up to three children aged 7-15). Student ID will be required, and children must be accompanied by an adult over 16 years.
Misuse of the Explorer Pass will result in withdrawal.
Access to HES sites with an Explorer Pass
An Explorer Pass entitles the Passholder to admission to participating HS properties over a 14 consecutive day period stated on the pass subject to the operating calendars of the property and any applicable exclusion dates that apply at the relevant time. All HS properties will be closed on 25 and 26 December.
Entry to HS properties can only be guaranteed when a visit date and time is pre-booked online.
The opening and closing dates of participating properties may be changed by HES during the Pass Term and any area within the property may be closed, for maintenance, health and safety and/or other operations reasons.
Access to HS properties are subject to availability.
Passholders may be subject to additional applicable charges such as parking fees. Please refer to the website for details of the properties to which additional charges apply.
The Explorer Pass does not guarantee immediate entry to a HS property at any time.
All passes must be displayed on arrival at each property.
Explorer Passes will not be accepted at any of the participating properties after the validity period has passed.
