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Edinburgh Castle 120-Minute In-Depth Experience with Expert Guide

5.0 Excellent 406 reviews
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2h
|
English
Free cancellation · up to 24 hours before Instant confirmation Live guide

Ratings & Reviews

5.0
406 reviews
5
398
4
4
3
2
2
0
1
2
Ratings collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor

Overview

Guidekin summary

Explore Edinburgh Castle's cobbled paths, Hospital Square and Western Panorama with a guide. Castle entry and a map are included; this outdoor experience requires moderate fitness and starts on the Royal Mile, away from the castle. 4.96 from 406 reviews at €55 per person for 2h.

From the guide

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).

Schedule & Availability

Runs daily
Departures: 10:30, 13:00
Scheduled through January 2028

This tour runs daily, departing at 10:30, 13:00. Scheduled through January 2028. These are the operator’s scheduled departures, not a live seat count: availability is confirmed at checkout. Schedule last checked October 1, 2026.

What's Included

Map of Edinburgh Castle
Professional Local Guide
Edinburgh Castle Entry Ticket

What's Not Included

Gratuities

Itinerary

Royal Mile Stop 1
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.
10 min
Edinburgh Castle Stop 2
We will get our first look at the castle from the esplanade, your guide will explain the geology of the area and talk about the first settlers here. You will also learn about The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Pass by
Edinburgh Castle Stop 3
This is where we begin our exploration of the historic fortress of Edinburgh Castle.
1h 20m
Admission included
Argyle Battery Stop 4
We will enter Edinburgh Castle through the gatehouse and we will arrive on the Argyle Battery where you will take in the views to the north and learn of the castles historic defences
Pass by
One O’Clock Gun Stop 5
Here we will learn about Edinburgh's famous time signal, The One O'clock gun
Pass by
The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum Stop 6
Climbing further up Hawkhill we will learn about the people who currently live in the castle, and those who have been held prisoner here throughout the centuries
Pass by
St. Margaret's Chapel Stop 7
Arriving into the Royal Quarters of the castle we will find Edinburgh's oldest building, St. Margarets Chapel. Hear about her life and how this building has survived to this day
Pass by
The Royal Palace Stop 8
Our final stop brings us into the beating heart of Edinburgh Castle. Crown Square where we find the historic home to our Stuart monarchs, The Royal Palace. We will learn of the palaces many residents and also of their most famous feature today, The Scottish Crown Jewels. This is where our tour concludes, you now have the opportunity to explore the castle at your own pace, armed with all the new found knowledge you've acquired. Your guide will remain in Crown Square to answer questions for as long as required.
Pass by

Departure & Return

Start point

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.

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End point

This tour ends in the heart of Edinburgh Castle giving you the opportunity to explore the site further at your own pace.

Additional Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • 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. Your guide will be holding a black and white umbrella with the EDI Tours logo on it.
  • 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
  • Not recommended for travellers with mobility issues

Cancellation Policy

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

1+ daysFull refund
0-1 daysNo refund

Compared with other Edinburgh Castle Tours

TourPriceDurationRatingGroup
This tour · #2 of 13€552h4.96 (406)shared
Edinburgh Full-Day Tour with Edinburgh Castle included€1145h4.95 (874)shared
Edinburgh Castle Tickets and Tour - Local Expert Guide In a Kilt€461h 30m4.94 (665)shared
Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile Walking Tour - Ticket Included€632h 15m4.92 (2702)shared

Ranked #2 of 13 in Edinburgh Castle Tours by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €46 to €114, median €62; typical length 2h 15m. 0 of 13 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 13 Edinburgh Castle Tours

From € 55 / person