Best of · EDINBURGH CASTLE TOURS
Entry is timed, the esplanade fills up in August, and the guided hour is what turns a rock into a thousand years. The 15 below cover both, with prices and start times.
Walk from the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle with guides such as Joe, Jen, Valeria, Nick, or Sonia. Hear stories of Mary Queen of Scots, sieges, and St. Margaret’s Chapel, then explore the castle buildings on your own after the 90-minute outdoor tour.
“it was wonderful to have Joe as a tour guide. He has a wonderful knowledge on the Royal mile and Edinburgh castle.”
Meet your English-speaking guide on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, then walk to the castle for an 80-minute tour of St Margaret’s Chapel, the Great Hall, Crown Square, Mons Meg, the dungeons, and panoramic viewpoints. Guides such as Koffe, Georgia, Ben, Steph, and Alistair bring the stories to life.
“Ali was an amazing tour guide! He was very knowledgeable and funny.”
Enter Edinburgh Castle with a guide such as Joe, Raj, Sonia, or Valeria, and hear sharp stories about Mary Queen of Scots, royal feasts, and Scotland’s battles. The guided walk lasts about 90 minutes, mostly outdoors, followed by free time to explore the castle buildings on your own.
“Its great to start your stay in Edinburgh , short but but very informative. Started and ended on time.”
Meet near the Adam Smith statue on the Royal Mile, then walk to Edinburgh Castle with an English-speaking guide such as Koffe, Greg, Steph, or Euan. Expect 90 minutes of outdoor storytelling, skip-the-line entry, castle history, and free time to explore the buildings yourself.
“Tour guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Really interesting to learn so much about the castle. As it is primarily outside it is important to wrap up warm. Very happy with the tour overall.”
Spend two hours exploring Edinburgh Castle with an English-speaking guide such as John, Sarah, or Charlotte. The tour covers the Crown Jewels, St Margaret’s Chapel, Great Hall, military sites, royal stories, and broad city views, with castle entry included so you can continue exploring afterward.
“Charlotte was lively and theatrical definitely made it interesting!”
Meet All-Star Guides by St. Giles Cathedral, then follow an English-speaking guide through Edinburgh Castle for 1.5 hours of stories about battles, royals, rebels, and the city’s origins. Guides such as David, James, Laura, Robert, and Tommy are known for clear storytelling. Explore independently until closing.
“David our guide was friendly, very knowledgeable and informative. He clearly has a passion for what he is doing and made the tour fun and memorable for us. Definitely would recommend.”
Travel from Edinburgh by air-conditioned bus with an English-speaking driver-guide to the Kelpies, Loch Lomond, the Trossachs, Aberfoyle, and Stirling Castle. The boat cruise and castle entry cost extra, but you get scenic stops, live commentary, and a full day of Scottish history for $61.
“Both Linda and Jamie are funny and super knowledgeable. Me and my best friend from the Philippines had a lovely tour”
Follow guides such as Craig, Linda, Nicola, and Marina through Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, medieval closes, Parliament Square, and Castlehill before a 45-minute introduction to Edinburgh Castle. The walk includes steep cobbles, headsets for larger groups, and free castle time afterward.
“The tour was phenomenal. This is through Mercat Tours, and our guide, Linda, was excellent. So much history and incredible information. The listing when we booked through Viator said 1 hour 15 minutes, but this is a 2.5 hour tour. Keep in mind for planning your day!”
Travel from Edinburgh into Northumbria with an English-speaking driver-guide, visiting tidal Holy Island, Lindisfarne Priory, Alnwick Castle, and its famous gardens. Expect scenic countryside, Harry Potter locations, mead tasting, free time for lunch, and a flexible route shaped by the tides.
“i had the best day! Linda guided us wonderfully. she knows a loooot of history which added a lot of knowledge for me. the places were beautiful and magical. i just wish we could have gotten a bit closer to the Bamburgh castle which was the main reason for my interest on this tour.”
Travel from Edinburgh in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with an English-speaking guide to the 30-meter Kelpies, Loch Lomond, and Stirling Castle. You’ll get scenic roads, Scottish stories, a lunch stop, and 90 minutes inside the castle. Guides such as Craig, Martin, and Kieran are known for lively storytelling.
“Great day trip with Craig at the helm as we toured the Skelpies, Lock Lomond and Stirling Castle. We had lunch on the shores of Lock Lomond which included a short hike before along the shores. Craig provided a thorough review of Scottish history along with related musical soundtracks along the way.We even stopped to feed some cows who recognized Craig. Overall an entertaining and fun journey. Would recommend!”
Meet near Tron Kirk at 2pm, then walk up the Royal Mile with a local guide and enter Edinburgh Castle using priority admission. Expect about 90 minutes of stories, Crown Square, St Margaret’s Chapel, the dog cemetery, and the National War Museum, followed by free time inside the castle.
“Alisdair was great and shared so many fun anecdotes! Very knowledgeable and informative about the castle and surrounding area.”
Meet on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, then walk with a guide such as James, David, or Laura into Edinburgh Castle. Expect lively stories, castle grounds, St. Margaret’s Chapel, Mons Meg, and clear advice for exploring indoor exhibits alone afterward.
“Great tour Edgar was a diamond so accommodating . As a family member was struggling with mobility issues,he got a car to take her to top of the castle x”
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.”
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.”
Travel from Edinburgh by air-conditioned minibus with guides such as Paul, Louise, Peter, and Ross. Visit the Kelpies, Loch Lomond, Stirling, and Stirling Castle, with optional boat and castle tickets bought on the day. Expect lively history, comfort stops, winding roads, and a possible Highland cow encounter.
“I enjoyed the whole day, very informative, entertaining and pleasant guide. Great views at Lake Lomond, enjoyed the sheep and highland cattle. Sterling castle was very interesting. Im so pleased I decided to go on this tour. Thank you for a great day.”
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