Scotland · CASTLE TOURS

The 15 Best Castle Tours in Scotland

52 tours  ·  from $31 a head

Some of these you walk into off the street and some take a whole day to reach. The 15 below cover Edinburgh, Stirling, Urquhart and the ones standing out in the lochs, with entry prices, what the guide adds and how far each one is from a city.

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket - Meeting near St Giles Cathedral and walking uphill
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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.”

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Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English - A guided approach to Edinburgh Castle
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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”

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Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle - Small Group Walking Tour - Starting at Mercat Cross and St. Giles Cathedral
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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.”

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Oban, Glencoe, Highlands Lochs & Castles Small Group Day Tour from Glasgow - Leaving Glasgow for Loch Lomond
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Oban, Glencoe, Highlands Lochs & Castles Small Group Day Tour from Glasgow

4.Oban, Glencoe, Highlands Lochs & Castles Small Group Day Tour from Glasgow

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,432 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $50

Travel from Glasgow into the West Highlands in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with a driver-guide such as James, George, Grant, or Caitlin. You’ll see Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Inveraray, Kilchurn Castle, Oban, and Castle Stalker, with photo stops, history, music, and time for lunch.

“A very informative tour made more so by our guide. His knowledge of the history of the areas we visited linked with local music and musicians made for a very enjoyable tour.”

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Loch Ness Cruise, Outlander & Urquhart Castle Tour from Inverness - Guides, vehicles, and the value of the day
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Loch Ness Cruise, Outlander & Urquhart Castle Tour from Inverness

5.Loch Ness Cruise, Outlander & Urquhart Castle Tour from Inverness

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,384 reviews · 9 hours (approx.)

Spend about nine hours touring the Highlands from Inverness with an English-speaking guide such as Iain, Karen, Emma, or Torquil. Cruise Loch Ness, explore Urquhart Castle, eat lunch in Beauly, walk Culloden Battlefield, and visit the Outlander-linked Clava Cairns in a small group of up to 34.

“Best tour we have taken so far. Meet up was easy and simple. Bus was nice. Tour guide, Turquil was absolutely marvelous; amusing, highly entertaining, highly knowledgeable and you could tell he had a real pride and love for his country and lands. Cruise was nice. The castle was incredible. We have been to many, this was the best so far, and the time of day was perfect for pictures. The village we lunched at was very quaint and the priory there was very nice. The distillery was good, quality whiskey. The Cairn stones were majestic. Now, the Culloden Battle Fields, this is a humbling experience. Highly suggest spending the…”

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Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour Including Admission - Leaving Edinburgh for The Kelpies
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Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour Including Admission

6.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.”

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Edinburgh Skip-the-Ticket-Line Castle Walking Tour - St. Margaret’s Chapel and the castle’s quieter details
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Edinburgh Skip-the-Ticket-Line Castle Walking Tour

7.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.”

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Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Tour from Inverness - The Old Man of Storr is a short but powerful stop
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Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Tour from Inverness

8.Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Tour from Inverness

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,236 reviews · from $94

Travel from Inverness in a small group of up to 16 people, with an English-speaking guide such as Iain, Emma, Craig, or Donnie. The full-day route includes Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, Sligachan, Old Man of Storr, Quiraing, and Kilt Rock. Expect dramatic views, local stories, and a long day on winding roads.

“Torquil was awesome! Super knowledgeable—clearly a local—and kept things fun with just the right mix of history and humor. The stops were well-timed, so the 12-hour tour never dragged. I loved that he explained his choices (like pulling ovRead more”

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Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour - Tickets Included - Entering Edinburgh Castle and meeting the outdoor tour
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Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour – Tickets Included

9.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.”

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Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies Day Tour - The Kelpies begin the day with a jolt
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Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies Day Tour

10.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!”

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West Highlands, Lochs and Castles Day Tour Including Admission - Rest and Be Thankful brings the big views
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West Highlands, Lochs and Castles Day Tour Including Admission

11.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.”

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Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views - Watching for Nessie
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Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views

12.Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,102 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $30Best value

Sail from Clansman Harbour on a one-hour Jacobite Loch Ness cruise with indoor and outdoor seating, free Wi-Fi, sonar-assisted Nessie searches, and views of Urquhart Castle. Kieran is one guide praised for lively commentary, while the onboard bar sells hot and cold drinks and snacks. The boat returns to the same harbor.

“I enjoyed the cruise. Could've spent longer. Worth it just to be on the water. Scottish hot chocolate, yummy”

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Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile Walking Tour - Ticket Included - St. Giles’ Cathedral and the Act of Union
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Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile Walking Tour – Ticket Included

13.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!”

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1 Day Castles, West Highlands and Loch Lomond Tour from Edinburgh - Doune Castle and its screen-famous walls
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1 Day Castles, West Highlands and Loch Lomond Tour from Edinburgh

14.1 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.”

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Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Small-Group Day Tour from Inverness - The Quiraing, a brief taste of wild Skye
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Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Small-Group Day Tour from Inverness

15.Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Small-Group Day Tour from Inverness

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 796 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $69

Join a local driver-guide for a full day from Inverness to Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, and Skye’s Trotternish Peninsula. Travel in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, with stops at Kilt Rock, the Old Man of Storr, and the Quiraing. Guides such as Claire, Kev, Helen, and Ryan add history, humor, music, and local insight.

“Emily was both the tour guide and driver and my first solo trip tour in a small mini van so got to know some of the other visitors and Emily was lovely. Had good stopping points for toilets and amazing stunning scenery we went to. My first rabbies tour I think as my trip before that I went on a coach tour for twelve hours. You see a lot in that time and I've wanted to see isle of Skye for several years so it didn't disappoint :D”

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New in Castle Tours

★ 4.0Stirling Castle, Trossachs, Loch Lomond and Whisky TourFrom $8913 reviews
★ 5.0Torridon, Applecross and Eilean Donan Castle Small-Group Day Tour from InvernessFrom $5578 reviews
★ 5.0Full-Day Private Tour to Urquhart Castle Loch Ness and Inverness72 reviews
★ 5.0Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond Walk & Whisky Distillery Tour from GlasgowFrom $9079 reviews
★ 4.5Stirling Castle,Trossachs National and Loch Lomond Day Tour from Edinburgh74 reviews
★ 5.0Dunrobin Castle and Glenmorangie Distillery – Local Private Tour84 reviews
★ 5.0Urquhart Castle, Culloden, Clava Cairns, Loch NessFrom $220103 reviews
★ 5.0Loch Ness,cawdor castle,inverness,Culloden battlefield,& more from invergordon109 reviews
★ 4.5Culzean Castle & Burns Country Tour from Glasgow Incl AdmissionFrom $136109 reviews
★ 5.0Loch Ness,Culloden Battlefield,Cawdor Castle & Much More From Inverness City153 reviews
★ 5.0Inverness Castle, Clava, Culloden Battlefield and Loch NessFrom $188171 reviews
★ 5.0Secret Loch Ness, Inverness Castle visit, Culloden, Clava CairnsFrom $229143 reviews
★ 5.0Private Tour of Highlands, Oban, Glencoe, Lochs & Castles from Glasgow169 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

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