Magpie
4.8(6,023 reviews)

Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour

From£39
1 hour
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

About this activity

Experience Edinburgh's rich history with a guided tour of its iconic castle, featuring skip-the-line entry and expert insights into its storied past.

Highlights

  • Skip-the-line entry to Edinburgh Castle
  • Expert guided walking tour
  • Access to all castle exhibits and attractions
  • Explore the Royal Palace and St. Margaret's Chapel
  • Enjoy panoramic views of Edinburgh from the castle ramparts

Full description

Step into Scotland's past with a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock. Skip the lines and delve into centuries of history as your expert guide brings tales of royalty, battles, and legends to life. Wander through the Royal Palace, stand in awe at St. Margaret's Chapel—the city's oldest surviving building—and gaze upon the Scottish Crown Jewels. From the castle's ramparts, take in breathtaking panoramic views of Edinburgh's Old and New Towns, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This tour offers an immersive journey into Scotland's rich heritage, making it a must-do for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Included / Excluded

  • Skip-the-line entry to Edinburgh Castle
  • Expert guided walking tour
  • Access to all castle exhibits and attractions
  • Food and beverages

Itinerary

1

Explore one the most important fortresses in the history of Scotland. Walk inside the castle for 1 hour and 10 minutes to enjoy the wonderful royal palace, where Mary Queen of Scots once lived, and admire the Great Hall of the 16th century where parties and feast took place. After the exploration with a guide, you can spend a free time inside the castle until closing time

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

  • The tour operates in English; ensure you understand the language for full comprehension.
  • Photography is allowed, but tripods and professional equipment may be restricted.
  • The castle is wheelchair accessible, but some areas may be challenging to navigate.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning views and historic sites.
  • Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, as parts of the tour are outdoors.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Stroller Accessible

Good to know

  • Please note in poor weather conditions the tour will remain outdoors as access to the castle buildings is not available for tour groups
  • Tour will be inside the castle walls, but outdoors, with free time after the tour to to explore the castle an to go inside every building (Museums, Royal Palace, prisons, and much more). We can not access those buildings during the tour, but the tour will still be carried out within the castle grounds.
  • The castle is a complex of buildings, not a single building.
  • On this tour you will be guided around Edinburgh castle, with specific stops assigned by the castle authorities.
  • Bags over 30L in volume are not allawed inside the castle.

Traveler reviews

4.8
6,023 reviews
5
5,423
4
319
3
125
2
64
1
92

Must visit

A must visit when visiting Edinburgh. Historical castle with a rich history dating back hundreds of years. The castle sits atop the highest point in Edinburgh, with fantastic views over the city.

TopcatChrisMay 18, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Wonderful

Niamh was great. Your was fun and informative.

C3378JXmichaeltMay 18, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Worth the money

Amazingly freindly and alot of information given to you aswell as funny , i cant recall the gentleman with the galsses but he was amazing :)

Clarissa HMay 18, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Recommend Nick

Nick was an excellent guide. He was informative and friendly and funny. He definitely enhanced the experience!

Nancy_LMay 18, 2026VIATOR

Stunning great job

Gavin did an excellent job of describing the history

WILLIAM MMay 18, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

Please note in poor weather conditions the tour will remain outdoors as access to the castle buildings is not available for tour groups Tour will be inside the castle walls, but outdoors, with free time after the tour to to explore the castle an to go inside every building (Museums, Royal Palace, prisons, and much more). We can not access those buildings during the tour, but the tour will still be carried out within the castle grounds. The castle is a complex of buildings, not a single building. On this tour you will be guided around Edinburgh castle, with specific stops assigned by the castle authorities. Bags over 30L in volume are not allawed inside the castle.
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