Edinburgh Castle: Highlights Tour with Tickets, Map, and Guide

Experience the grandeur and history of Edinburgh Castle on our extended 2-hour tour. Explore highlights, hidden corners, and learn about its fascinating past and role in Scottish history.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Royal Mile - This is our meeting point. This is where we will get everyone checked in. This is where our introduction to the tour takes place before we head off to Edinburgh Castle.
What's Included
  • Map of Edinburgh Castle
  • Professional Local Guide
  • Edinburgh Castle Entry Ticket
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle with an expert guide. Admire the castle’s treasures such as the Scottish Crown Jewels, St Margaret’s Chapel, Mary, Queen of Scots Birthing Chamber, and more on our guided tour.

With your map in hand, your guide will lead you along the ancient cobblestone paths of this national monument. During the tour you will get to discover areas of the castle such as Hospital Square and the Western Panorama, where you can take in the breathtaking views. You will also see some of the more famous parts of the castle including: The One o’Clock Gun, Mons Meg, The Castle Esplanade, Crown Square, and more.

Your local guide will tell you stories of the incredible people who have shaped the Castle throughout the centuries. From stories about deadly banquets and daring midnight raids to the death of a queen and the birth of a king.

Be sure to set aside some time after tour for further exploration of the museums and exhibitions (not accessible during the tour).

  • Between 1st October 2024 and 1st March 2025 the duration of this experience is 90 minutes
  • Due to ceremonial activities The Crown Room will be CLOSED on 28th September, therefore the Crown Jewels will not be on public display on this date.
  • This tour is an outdoor experience, we recommend checking the weather forecast and dressing appropriately for the Scottish weather
  • This experience DOES NOT start at Edinburgh Castle. Please meet your guide at 379-381 High Street, Royal Mile next to the Statue of David Hume
  • Edinburgh Castle is still a functioning military garrison, therefore, the tour duration and itinerary may vary based on any ceremonial activities taking place.
  • Bags over 30L and suitcases are not permitted in the Castle and there are no left luggage facilities nearby
  • Ticket only valid on the specified date and time
Location
David Hume Statue
High Street
This tour DOES NOT meet at Edinburgh Castle. Please meet your guide in front of the High Court next to the statue of David Hume. Your guide will be holding a black and white umbrella with the EDI Tours logo on it.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(176 Ratings)
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John_c
Jul 25, 2024
Great guide made the castle experience - John was excellent. Very personable and extremely knowledgeable. Best guide we have ever had on a tour.
Review provided by Viator
Jamie_p
Jul 23, 2024
John was great - John was the best. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Loved the tour, will book again when in the area.
Review provided by Viator
Kellermorson
Jul 22, 2024
Great, fun Castle tour - We can highly recommend the Edinburgh Castle tour with John! He knows an enormous amount about its history, tells many funny anecdotes and has good humor. We would book with him again immediately.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
D7063fisarak
Jul 22, 2024
Great tour! - What can we say about John!? A genuine guy, who made us laugh from start to finish of the tour. A friendly, kind and knowledgeable guide. My boyfriend and I had a great time - thanks John! 😊
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Grahambk3913bj
Jul 20, 2024
Fantastic tour of Edinburgh castle - John was fantastic. He was extremely knowledgeable, entertaining, and engaging with a smaller group relative to some of the other larger tour groups. We didn’t need to use any sort of audio devices for the tour, which I appreciated. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cschaub2073
Jul 19, 2024
John’s castle tour - Best guided tour ever! We can just recommend it. Funny and historicly interesting content with lots of anecdotes. Lovely scottish accent.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
919metaa
Jul 19, 2024
Amazing - Amazing, the guide is really professional with a bit of humor really fun to be around and listen to. Explained everything perfectly and understandable, would recommend 100%.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tammie_f
Jul 17, 2024
Edinburgh Castle with pazzaz! - John was amazing! He had a great sense of humor, very informative! He interacted with the group positively! He walked at a pace that accommodated every age group. He contacted us about the weather for the outing so we could be prepared! Best tour ever!!!
Review provided by Viator
Elizabeth_n
Jul 16, 2024
Great highlight tour - Definitely a memorable tour. Would recommend as an entertaining overview of the Edinburgh castle and its history.
Review provided by Viator
Arthur_c
Jul 16, 2024
Great tour - John was a great guide that knew a lot of history about the castle. His pace was comfortable for everyone of all ages. Very informative.
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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