Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Scotland’s second-most-popular tourist attraction as you learn about the bloody history including stories of the kings and queens who lived in this castle.
There is evidence of a fort here for almost 3000 years, and it has been a royal castle since at least King David I’s reign in the 12th century. The Scottish monarchs continued to use it until 1633, and even saw the birth of King James VI within its walls.
Your tour will begin on the Royal Mile, then take you to the castle, where you will hear your guide talking about the origins of the castle and its sieges.
Once inside the castle walls, the guide will take you through the different parts of the fortress and tell you its fascinating history. Inside the complex, you will find three museums, two prisons, a canine cemetery, the Chapel of Saint Margaret, the National Monument to the fallen of Scotland, the Great Hall, and a Royal Palace.(ENTIRE TOUR WILL REMAIN OUTDOORS; buildings are not accessible during the tour.)
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please note in poor weather conditions the tour will remain outdoors as access to the castle buildings is not available for tour groups
Tour will be inside the castle walls, but outdoors, with free time after the tour to to explore the castle an to go inside every building (Museums, Royal Palace, prisons, and much more). We can not access those buildings during the tour, but the tour will still be carried out within the castle grounds.
The castle is a complex of buildings, not a single building.
On this tour you will be guided around Edinburgh castle, with specific stops assigned by the castle authorities.
Bags over 30L in volume are not allawed inside the castle.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Edinburgh Castle
Explore one the most important fortresses in the history of Scotland. Walk inside the castle for 1 hour and 10 minutes to enjoy the wonderful royal palace, where Mary Queen of Scots once lived, and admire the Great Hall of the 16th century where parties and feast took place. After the exploration with a guide, you can spend a free time inside the castle until closing time
What‘s Included
Entrance ticket & Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour
Entre fees
Pet Not allowed. Only guide dog.
Gratuities
Options
Italian Tours
Tour du Château d'Édimbourg
Spanish Tour
Spanish Tour : We also have the Edinburgh Castle tour in Spanish, every day at 10am and 1:30 p.m.
Edinburgh Castle Tour, English
German Tour
We also offer the Castle Tour on Thursdays and Saturdays
Reviews
5,638 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour. An absolute must do
Thomas C,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I was part of a group with Joe as our guide. He was great. Friendly & knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Edinburgh.
Fantastic informative tour of Edinburgh Castle
C7803DFdenisel,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic tour, lots of interesting information delivered in a way that kept your attention and made your laugh.
Tour guide nick
Chloe L,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nick was an amazing guide! Super jolly lad and told many fun stories for the perfect amount of time. Could not have asked for a better guide. (if he says the joke “what the fooge” he got that joke from us)
amazing tour experience
Z2401QIcathyt,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was very interesting and informative, i highly recommend it. It was about an hour and half long. My tour guide was Niamh, she is very knowledgeable, kind and funny!
Highly recommended tour with Niamh
735gladstoneb,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great and informative tour hosted by Niamh
Tour Guide
Kayla B,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful castle, great history, and Niamh was a terrific tour guide!
Fantastic and very informative..
E8039HFandrews,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a fantastic tour with the lovely Niamh , who was so knowledgeable friendly funny and approachable...I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone...
Great time!
Andrea N,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Many interesting stories, nice presentation, funny stories too.
Amazing tour!
paolasG1129RG,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jen was absolutely amazing! She knows all the history and details from the tour. Her explanations, viewpoints and topics covered through the whole tour were incredibly informative and engaging. At all points she was thoughtful of making sure everyone understood the site’s importance. She even managed to make us all laugh☺️. I would definitely take another tour with her.
Edinburgh castle tour guide by NIAMH
I9533BNmonikak,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide NIAMH was the best we could have!!! Enjoyed it and learned a lot about Scotland!!! Niamh thank you very much!!! You were adorable!!!!
From £37.00
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Operated by Scotland City Tours - Somos Escocia