Scotland · CASTLE TOURS IN EDINBURGH

Edinburgh Castle Tours & Tickets: The 15 Best Ways In

26 tours  ·  from $51 a head

Entry is timed and capped, so the decision is made before you arrive. These 15 cover the plain ticket, the guided climbs and the walks that take in the Royal Mile on the way down, with prices and how early each slot really needs to be.

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket - Meeting near St Giles Cathedral and walking uphill
Castle Tours, Castle Tours in Edinburgh, Guided, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Edinburgh, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

1.Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,540 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $51Our pick

Meet near St Giles Cathedral for a guided walk to Edinburgh Castle, then spend about 70 minutes hearing stories of Mary Queen of Scots, the Great Hall, and Scotland’s fortress past. The tour stays outdoors, but your ticket lets you enter the palace, museums, prisons, and other buildings afterward.

“It was our first time visiting Edinburgh castle and thanks to our tour guide Joe, we had a wonderful day! We got all the facts in and even had time for a joke. Would definitely recommend to friends that are coming to visit.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English - A guided approach to Edinburgh Castle
Castle Tours, Castle Tours in Edinburgh, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Edinburgh, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English

2.Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,214 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $52

Meet Little Fish Tours near Adam Smith’s statue on the Royal Mile, then walk to Edinburgh Castle with a guide such as Koffe, Steph, Greg, or Graeme. Expect about 90 minutes of stories, castle history, dungeons, Crown Jewels, and views. Your guide cannot enter the castle buildings with you, but you can explore them at your own pace afterward.

“Great stories from Scottish History. Wonderful guide. Even explained the expansive views Would do this again. Really enjoyed it”

Check availability →Read our full review

Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle - Small Group Walking Tour - Starting at Mercat Cross and St. Giles Cathedral
Castle Tours, Castle Tours in Edinburgh, Royal Mile and Old Town Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Edinburgh, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Edinburgh

Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle – Small Group Walking Tour

3.Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle – Small Group Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,523 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $70

Walk Edinburgh’s Old Town with guides such as Craig, Linda, Nicola, and Mally, hearing stories in hidden closes and courtyards before entering Edinburgh Castle. The roughly 2-hour-15-minute tour covers St. Giles Cathedral, Parliament Square, John Knox House, Castlehill, and the castle’s main sights. Expect hills, cobbles, and up to 18 people.

“The information and pictures Linda had were amazing. She was the best and was so intuned to the group and how different things would be more interesting to us.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour Including Admission - Leaving Edinburgh for The Kelpies
Castle Tours, Castle Tours in Edinburgh, Loch Lomond and Trossachs Tours, Stirling and Battlefield Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Edinburgh

Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour Including Admission

4.Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour Including Admission

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,305 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $72

Travel from Edinburgh in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach to the 30-meter Kelpies, Loch Lomond, and Stirling Castle. Your English-speaking driver-guide provides history, stories, music, and local color. The pace is full but manageable, with lunch at your own expense and castle entry included.

“Loved this tour. Our guide Craig was great. Gave a lot of information and was pretty funny with his stories and jokes. Love the smaller group for this trip. All locations were beautiful and great places to visit. Highly recommend this tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Edinburgh Skip-the-Ticket-Line Castle Walking Tour - St. Margaret’s Chapel and the castle’s quieter details
Castle Tours, Castle Tours in Edinburgh, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Edinburgh, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Skip-the-Ticket-Line Castle Walking Tour

5.Edinburgh Skip-the-Ticket-Line Castle Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,283 reviews · from $51

Meet your guide near Tron Kirk on the Royal Mile, bypass the main entry line, and spend about 90 minutes hearing stories of battles, monarchs, St. Margaret’s Chapel, and the castle’s dog cemetery. The guided portion focuses largely on the grounds, while your ticket lets you explore interiors, Crown Jewels, and museums independently until closing.

“The views from this castle were definitely a must see. Very informative & friendly guide! Lots of historical information & interesting stories/facts.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour - Tickets Included - Entering Edinburgh Castle and meeting the outdoor tour
Castle Tours, Castle Tours in Edinburgh, Guided, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour – Tickets Included

6.Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour – Tickets Included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,211 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $51

Walk from the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle with guides such as James, Laura, or David, then tour the grounds and hear stories of Scottish kings, sieges, and castle life. The guide cannot enter enclosed buildings, but your ticket lets you explore the Crown Jewels, Great Hall, military displays, and chapel at your own pace.

“Brought the history of the castle to life before we were free to roam. David was clear and enthusiastic about the history.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies Day Tour - The Kelpies begin the day with a jolt
Castle Tours, Castle Tours in Edinburgh, Loch Lomond and Trossachs Tours, Stirling and Battlefield Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Edinburgh

Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies Day Tour

7.Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,198 reviews · 9 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $63

Travel from Edinburgh by air-conditioned coach with a Scottish driver-guide to the 30-meter Kelpies, Loch Lomond, the Trossachs, Stirling Castle, and South Queensferry. You can add a Loch Lomond cruise and buy Stirling Castle admission on the day. Guides such as Sam, Ash, John, and Adam are known for history, humor, music, and local stories.

“Had a fantastic experience on today’s tour! Ash was an excellent guide—friendly, professional, and genuinely engaging throughout the day. He kept us entertained and made sure to highlight all the important sites, along with some hidden gems along the way. Would happily join another tour with Ash if I get the chance!”

Check availability →Read our full review

West Highlands, Lochs and Castles Day Tour Including Admission - Rest and Be Thankful brings the big views
Castle Tours, Castle Tours in Edinburgh, Highlands and Glencoe Day Trips, Highlands Day Trips in Edinburgh, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Edinburgh

West Highlands, Lochs and Castles Day Tour Including Admission

8.West Highlands, Lochs and Castles Day Tour Including Admission

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,122 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $68

Ride from Edinburgh into the West Highlands in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with an English-speaking driver-guide. You’ll visit Doune Castle, pause at Loch Lomond, Luss, Kilchurn Castle, and Rest and Be Thankful, then have time for lunch and optional sightseeing in Inveraray. The day runs about 10 hours.

“What an amazing tour! Our guide Roy was very knowledgeable and entertaining telling us the history and lore of this enchanted land. My favorite was Doune Castle (from Monte Python and The Holy Grail) and the Highland Furry Cows! Roy went out of his way to find them for us. Would definitely recommend this tour and guide.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile Walking Tour - Ticket Included - St. Giles’ Cathedral and the Act of Union
Castle Tours, Castle Tours in Edinburgh, Royal Mile and Old Town Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Edinburgh, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile Walking Tour – Ticket Included

9.Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile Walking Tour – Ticket Included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 894 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $65

Follow Edinburgh’s Royal Mile from Mercat Cross to the Grassmarket, then climb to Edinburgh Castle with a local guide. Expect Scottish history, writers, closes, royal tales, and a chance to see the One O’Clock Gun firing. Guides may include Paul, James, Mark, Zenon, or Alistair. The castle’s museums and indoor rooms are explored at your own pace.

“It was a great experience… whether solo or with a group. I learned a ton and thoroughly enjoyed myself. James had a wealth of knowledge and a great wit to boot!”

Check availability →Read our full review

1 Day Castles, West Highlands and Loch Lomond Tour from Edinburgh - Doune Castle and its screen-famous walls
1-Day Tours, Castle Tours, Castle Tours in Edinburgh, Highlands and Glencoe Day Trips, Highlands Day Trips in Edinburgh, Loch Lomond and Trossachs Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Edinburgh

1 Day Castles, West Highlands and Loch Lomond Tour from Edinburgh

10.1 Day Castles, West Highlands and Loch Lomond Tour from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 850 reviews · 10 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $88

Travel from Edinburgh into the West Highlands with an English-speaking guide, stopping at Doune Castle, Kilchurn Castle, Inveraray, Rest and Be Thankful, and Luss. Expect long scenic drives, castle history, lochs, villages, and a maximum group size of 16, with some days operating on a larger bus.

“Rich did a wonderful job narrating the history of Edinburgh at the same time driving. He was very talented. Since this is a new tour, my suggestion would be to make two less stops. But my favorite stop was visiting the West Highland cows farm it was a suggestion and he made it come true. Enjoyed all the castles that we stopped. I would recommend this tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Edinburgh Full Day Walking Tour with Castle Included -Small Group - Princes Street Gardens and Scotland’s art
Castle Tours, Castle Tours in Edinburgh, Full-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Edinburgh, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Full Day Walking Tour with Castle Included -Small Group

11.Edinburgh Full Day Walking Tour with Castle Included -Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 676 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $112

Spend about five hours walking from elegant New Town streets to the Royal Mile, Greyfriars, Grassmarket, and Edinburgh Castle. Your English-speaking guide, such as Ben, James, or Mark, covers Scottish history, art, architecture, writers, and local legends. Castle entry, a guided castle visit, and selected gallery highlights are included. Lunch is on your own.

“Excellent and informative guide! James created a great tour of Edinburgh full of interesting stories and unique details. Well worth the time & cost.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Rosslyn Chapel, Dunfermline Abbey and Stirling Castle Day Tour - Dunfermline Abbey and Robert the Bruce
Castle Tours, Castle Tours in Edinburgh, Rosslyn Chapel Tours, Stirling and Battlefield Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Edinburgh

Rosslyn Chapel, Dunfermline Abbey and Stirling Castle Day Tour

12.Rosslyn Chapel, Dunfermline Abbey and Stirling Castle Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 649 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $77

Spend about nine hours touring three major Scottish sites from Edinburgh with a driver-guide. Visit Robert the Bruce’s burial place at Dunfermline, explore Stirling Castle, and uncover Rosslyn Chapel’s carvings and mysteries. Guides such as Steven B, Graham, Paul, and Alex are praised for history, humor, music, and practical advice.

“The stops in this tour were all amazing and Chris was a great guide and storyteller. Rosslyn Chapel and Stirling Castle were my favourites. The chapel was stunning and I could have stared at the inside for hours! Wish we could have been there on a day a service was held. Stirling Castle was beautiful with my favourite being Queen Anne's Garden. Would do the tour again!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh - Balmaha and Loch Lomond: beautiful, but allow for wet paths
1-Day Tours, Castle Tours, Castle Tours in Edinburgh, Loch Lomond and Trossachs Tours, National Parks, Stirling and Battlefield Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Edinburgh

Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh

13.Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 626 reviews · 9 hours (approx.)

Travel from Edinburgh to the Kelpies, Balmaha on Loch Lomond, and Stirling in about nine hours. Your English-speaking driver-guide, such as Sophie, Connor, Cara, or Noah, provides live commentary from an air-conditioned vehicle. Add Stirling Castle for £17.50, or use the time to explore Stirling independently.

“I love misty views, seeing mountain peaks covered in mist with brown cut Scottish cows grazing in mountain skirts and then seeing a number of lochs was very exciting. Thanks”

Check availability →Read our full review

Edinburgh: West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles - Luss and the first look at Loch Lomond
Castle Tours, Castle Tours in Edinburgh, Highlands and Glencoe Day Trips, Highlands Day Trips in Edinburgh, Tour Reviews, Tours in Edinburgh

Edinburgh: West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles

14.West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 556 reviews · 10 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $87

Ride from Edinburgh into the West Highlands with a driver-guide, stopping at Doune Castle, Luss, Rest and Be Thankful, Inveraray, Kilchurn Castle, and the Green Welly Stop. Expect about 10.5 hours on the road, live commentary, photo stops, and optional entry to Doune and Inveraray castles.

“It was great, very educational and a wonderful experience. I would definitely recommend this to others”

Check availability →Read our full review

Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of Northumbria - Alnwick Castle, gardens, and Harry Potter connections
Castle Tours, Castle Tours in Edinburgh, Tour Reviews, Tours in Edinburgh

Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of Northumbria

15.Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of Northumbria

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 480 reviews · 9 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $87

Travel from Edinburgh into northern England with a driver-guide, visiting Lindisfarne Priory, Alnwick Castle, and possibly Flodden Battlefield. You’ll have about an hour on Holy Island and two and a half hours at Alnwick. Guides such as John, Neil, Shug, Jada, and Wendy are known for lively local stories.

“Had a wonderful day trip with our guide John who gave us all thr information about each place and gave us ample time to explore each stop at our own pace. We drove across the Scottish border and entered England to reach Alnwick castle. The views are amazing and the ride was smooth and comfortable. Would recommend this trip to everyone.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Castle Tours in Edinburgh

★ 4.5Stirling Castle,Trossachs National and Loch Lomond Day Tour from Edinburgh74 reviews
★ 4.5Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle Very Small Group Tour from EdinburghFrom $95170 reviews
★ 5.0Stirling Castle, Whisky & Kelpies Tour starting EdinburghFrom $90135 reviews
★ 5.0St Andrews & Cliffs and Dunnottar Castle in Spanish.From $89178 reviews
★ 5.0Full-Day Highland Lochs Glens and Castles Tour from EdinburghFrom $87256 reviews

Keep browsing

Castle ToursLoch Ness ToursWhisky Distillery ToursHighlands and Glencoe Day TripsGhost and Underground Vault ToursWalking Tours
Scroll to Top

Explore Scotland

Pick a glen, a castle or a cellar.

Castles

Castle ToursEdinburgh CastleStirling & BattlefieldsRosslyn ChapelHistory Tours

The Highlands

Glencoe Day TripsLoch NessIsle of SkyeLoch LomondBoat Trips

Whisky and food

Distillery ToursWhisky in EdinburghFood ToursPub CrawlsDining

On foot and after dark

Walking ToursGhost & Vault ToursThe Royal MileCity ToursCycling