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

based on 125 reviews

Duration:2 hours (approx.)
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

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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).

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. 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.
2. Edinburgh Castle Esplanade
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.
3. Argyle Battery
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
4. National War Museum of Scotland
Descending into Hospital Square we will find the National War Museum. Here your guide will introduce you to the military history of the castle and some of the notable figures. You will also have to opportunity to take the views to the west of the city
5.
Here we will learn about Edinburgh's famous time signal, The One O'clock gun
6. The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum
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
7. St. Margaret's Chapel
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
8. The Royal Palace
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.

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CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : Matthew_B
I cannot recommend John enough. He was extremely pleasant to talk to, extremely knowledgeable, and very funny. The tour was absolutely worth it as he added so much additional context and facts that you would not have gotten if you just went on your own.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-07-03 05:49:05

Posted By : pettero626
John was very insightful, and we really enjoyed our Edinburgh Castle tour. He had a very including way of telling the story of Edinburgh, with lots of good humour.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-07-02 12:12:23

Posted By : SarahL6224
We had a lovely educational and fun walk around the castle with John as our guide. We got an email the evening before the tour giving a heads up about the weather but although the rain drizzled on us while walking John brightened the day with his humorous narration and positive attitude. John is also very knowledgeable about the history of the castle and the surrounding area and eager to answer questions. Entrance to castle is quite expensive as it is and since it is included in the tour price the overall cost gives you value for your money as you get so much more out of your visit with a guide with just a few bucks extra. Can definitely recommend this tour!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-07-02 10:45:11

Posted By : Kristy_G
We had the most amazing tour with John yesterday taking us all around Edinburgh Castle and giving us information that we would never have found out if we had ventured in alone. He was knowledgable, engaging, and lots of fun to spend a couple of hours with. He was also passionate about the city, explaining about other places to explore that has definitely made us want to return. Would definitely recommend - a fantastic way to explore the castle and the city. 😊👍
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-30 06:40:42

Posted By : Seong_S
This is a fantastic tour. Our tour guide, John was incredibly knowledgeable And he put on a presentation.
He didn’t just give you facts, put a lot of emotion in it and it acted out.
Very funny us questions about what he was talking about and then Gave the correct answer

Highly recommended
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Posted On : 2024-06-28 05:01:05

Posted By : Shelley_G
Our guide was wonderful (John?). He kept us interested with both fun and serious stories as we walked to and around the castle, pointing out sights of interest along the way. The weather during our walking tour quickly turned bad with both winds and rain. John guided us to areas with as much shelter from the elements as possible and continued to tell us about the castle history. Before our tour ended he recommended don’t miss parts of the castle. His love for Edinburgh history and his country of Scotland was evident throughout and made a lasting impression and helped to keep us engaged in spite of the terrible weather.
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Posted On : 2024-06-25 18:19:02

Posted By : Kevin_R
Very memorable tour well worth it! It is a far better experience with the local knowledge and flavor.
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Posted On : 2024-06-25 17:20:00

Posted By : Valerie_V
John our guide was amazing! He was so friendly, knowledgeable about the history of the town, the castle and so funny. He engaged with everyone and made learning fun and easy. He gave recommendations for the best way and times to see areas on our own when the tour finished and where to go in town to make the best of our time on vacation. I can’t recommend this tour and John enough. We commented that we lucked out on picking this tour over any of the others because of all he had to offer and how great it was.
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Posted On : 2024-06-24 16:57:22

Posted By : Jean_C
The knowledge of our guide was great. He was engaging and funny. Be prepared to walk up and down some steep grades. It's either up or down, no in between. No flip flops, heals of any kind or hard slick soles. Tennis shoes are your best bet.
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Posted On : 2024-06-23 14:38:47

Posted By : peterrB4999LL
We booked this tour at a later stage, which we do not regret. Our guide John was a fantastic person who could convey both facts, historical events interspersed with funny posts. A very good trip that we are very grateful for. Our guide John really deserves 5 stars. Compared to our guide in Rome a few weeks ago, John was outstanding. Very careful that everyone would have an opportunity to hear what was to be told.
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Posted On : 2024-06-22 09:55:00