Edinburgh in a Day Tour with Private Early Access to Edinburgh Castle
4 hours
Max 15 people
Commentary: Guide · en
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
About this activity
Unlock Edinburgh’s treasures on this tour complete with early access to Edinburgh Castle before it opens to the public, a guided stroll down the Royal Mile, and a visit to Holyrood Palace—all in one day.
Highlights
- Enter Edinburgh Castle with private early access.
- Discover the Royal Mile’s hidden closes & historic sites.
- View the exterior of St. Giles’ Cathedral & hear its story.
- Explore Canongate, rich in royal and cultural significance.
- Visit Holyrood Palace with an audio guide.
Full description
This carefully crafted tour is perfect for uncovering Edinburgh’s highlights in one day without the usual crowds. Starting with exclusive early access to Edinburgh Castle for a peaceful exploration of Scotland’s most iconic landmark, you'll stroll through centuries of history as you explore in the company of a knowledgeable guide. Complete with a walk along the historic Royal Mile—famous for its cobbled streets, hidden closes, and historic landmarks like St. Giles’ Cathedral—you'll wrap up with a visit to Holyrood Palace and a self-guided audio tour of this royal residence.
Discover the best of Edinburgh in one unforgettable day. Your tour begins with exclusive early access to Edinburgh Castle, where you’ll step inside before the public arrives. Take advantage of this rare early access to explore its fascinating history and treasures in serene solitude, including the Crown Room, Great Hall, and St. Margaret’s Chapel—the oldest building in Edinburgh.
Next, your guide will lead you down the Royal Mile, the historic heart of Edinburgh. Along the way, you’ll uncover its cobbled streets, secret closes, and towering tenements. Stop to admire St. Giles’ Cathedral (exterior only), a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and hear stories of Scotland’s dramatic past. You'll also explore the charming Canongate area, and hear about its royal connections and local history.
Your tour wraps up at the majestic Holyrood Palace. With an audio guide, you'll wander its opulent state rooms, tranquil gardens, and the evocative ruins of Holyrood Abbey—the perfect finale to your Edinburgh adventure.
Next, your guide will lead you down the Royal Mile, the historic heart of Edinburgh. Along the way, you’ll uncover its cobbled streets, secret closes, and towering tenements. Stop to admire St. Giles’ Cathedral (exterior only), a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and hear stories of Scotland’s dramatic past. You'll also explore the charming Canongate area, and hear about its royal connections and local history.
Your tour wraps up at the majestic Holyrood Palace. With an audio guide, you'll wander its opulent state rooms, tranquil gardens, and the evocative ruins of Holyrood Abbey—the perfect finale to your Edinburgh adventure.
Included / Excluded
- Early access ticket to Edinburgh Castle
- Entry to Holyrood Palace with audio guide
- Local English-speaking guide
- Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
- Gratuities
Meeting point
Start Location
The Scotch Whisky Experience, Castlehill, Edinburgh, UK
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, 549 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2ND, UK
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at Scotch Whiskey Experience located at 354 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1
Get directions →Important information
Know before you book
- The tour is in English.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- The castle is reached across the esplanade – a wide area of smooth tarmac, with an uphill gradient of 5 degrees.
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- Photography and filming are not permitted inside the Palace
- Eating and drinking are not permitted inside the Palace's State Apartments.
Know before you go
- Please note that the tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no shows after tour commencement or departure.
- The castle is reached across the esplanade – a wide area of smooth tarmac, with an uphill gradient of 5 degrees.
- Suitcases and large rucksacks (30L or over) are not permitted in the castle.
- Unable to store luggage, prams, pushchairs or other personal items for visitors.
- Bag searches at the castle entrance as part of our security screening process.
- Palace of Holyrood - On arrival your belongings will be subject to a bag check.
- Photography and filming are not permitted inside the Palace
- Eating and drinking are not permitted inside the Palace's State Apartments.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts
Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.
Additional information
Ticket Age Range
Adult (15+)
Child (2-14)
Infant (0-1)
Adult (15+)
Child (2-14)
Infant (0-1)