The 6 Castle Day Trips in Edinburgh That Earn Their Price

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

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

This 9.5-hour Timberbush tour links the Kelpies, Loch Lomond, the Trossachs, Stirling Castle, and South Queensferry by air-conditioned coach. Guides such as Ash, John, Adam, Morag, and Graham add Scottish history, music, humor, and local stories. The cruise and castle entry cost extra.

“Overall it was a good experience for our family, covered main attractions as mentioned in the itinerary on time. Our guide Alastair was good.”

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

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

Travel from Edinburgh in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with an English-speaking driver-guide. Visit Doune Castle, pause at Loch Lomond, Luss, Kilchurn Castle, Rest and Be Thankful, and Inveraray. You’ll get scenery, Scottish stories, and free time for lunch.

“It was a great experience! We love it! Our driver Hannah was amazing. Our only complaint is that we did not have enough time in Inveraray. Either you visit the castle or walk around the town and eat. An additional hour in Inveraray would have been perfect. I would preferred to skip Loch Lomond and spend the extra time in Inveraray.”

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

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

Travel from Edinburgh with a driver-guide to Dunfermline Abbey, Stirling Castle, and Rosslyn Chapel. You’ll get Scottish history, royal drama, fine views, and plenty of time at each stop. Entrance to Stirling Castle and Rosslyn Chapel costs extra, so plan for those fees before you go.

“Alex was a wonderful guide and kept the tour group attentive. Stirling Castle was amazing and Rosslyn Chapel was a highlight as well.”

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

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

Travel from Edinburgh in a small air-conditioned coach with a local guide to the Kelpies, Loch Lomond, and Stirling. You get live commentary, a short lochside walk, and free time in Stirling. Add the £17.50 Stirling Castle admission for the fullest experience.

“The tour is great and you see amazing places. Some areas are difficult to walk in and it should be stated in the description so people wear the right footwear and those with any physical limitations can make decisions if this is the right tour for them.”

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5.From Edinburgh: West Highland Lochs and Castles Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 623 reviews · 10 hours · from $85

Travel from Edinburgh into the West Highlands on a 10-hour Timberbush bus tour with live English commentary. See Doune, Inveraray, and Kilchurn castles, Loch Lomond, Loch Awe, Loch Lubnaig, Luss, and Rest and Be Thankful. Castle entry, meals, and drinks cost extra.

“The Tour was simply amazing. We had so much fun with our Guide Gillian, she told us a lot about the scenery and History of the places we visited. I highly recommend doing such a tour, to see the beautiful Highlands with all its lochs, Bens and Glens.”

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6.Harry Potter’s Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 431 reviews · 9 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $88

Spend about nine and a half hours with an English-speaking guide from Edinburgh, visiting Bamburgh Castle, Alnwick Castle, and Coldstream. Expect scenic border roads, Harry Potter filming connections, optional castle admission, and a small group of up to 16, though a larger bus may sometimes operate.

“Alnwick castle is stunning. Absolutely do not miss the gardens. They are a must see! If you are a Harry Potter fan this is a must.”

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