Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile Walking Tour - Ticket Included
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
Make the most of your time in Edinburgh with our guided walking tour that combines a walk on the historic Royal Mile and a guided visit inside Edinburgh Castle (entry included).
The tour will begin on the Royal Mile, where your guide will lead you through cobbled streets, sharing fascinating stories of Scotland’s past and pointing out iconic landmarks like St. Giles' Cathedral, the colourful Victoria Street, and the Grassmarket with its vibrant atmosphere.
Uncover Edinburgh castle's rich history and visit the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Great Hall, and St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in the city. Learn about the dramatic life of Mary, Queen of Scots, and experience the One O’Clock Gun firing. After the tour, you will have the opportunity to keep exploring the roofed buildings of the castle at your own pace.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Suitcases and large rucksacks are not permitted in Edinburgh castle.
There will be 3 set of steps and 2 steep paths along the route.
The tour will take place on the outdoor areas of the castle. After the guided visit you will have the time to visit the roofed buildings and the museums
The company is not responsible for participants arriving late and missing the beginning of the tour. If the group is no longer at the meeting point when you arrive, please note that the first stop will be the Mercat Cross and the Old Parliament Square.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Royal Mile
Our tour will start on the Royal Mile. Your tour guide will offer an introduction to the city and the history of the Old Town.
Mercat Cross
As we walk on the Royal Mile we will see some of the city 'closes' and understand what these narrow lanes were used for. We'll also stop at the Mercat Cross, a site once used for public announcements and punishments. Can you spot the unicorn at the top?
What‘s Included
Local Tour Guide
Entrance ticket to Edinburgh Castle and guided tour
Guided tour of the Old Town and Royal Mile highlights
Gratuities
Options
Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile
Edin Castle & Royal Mile
Reviews
912 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour with Zenon!
461blaker,,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome tour with Zenon. He’s very knowledgeable about all things Scotland/Edinburgh and stitched together all the sites we visited with informative, interesting commentary
Fun and quick way to learn about Royal Mile and Castle history
tiffany w,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a small tour group but got to learn all about Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and get a tour through the Castle. The tour was really informational and interesting. I hadn’t realized the Harry Potter connections to Edinburgh so that was a fun fact to learn and see some of the author’s inspirations. I was particularly glad for the tour guide within the Castle as many attractions do not allow professional guides to take tour groups into attractions. Our guide was not allowed to go into buildings within the castle with us, but it was great to have him be able to give us the lay of the land and point of particular pieces of interest we may otherwise overlook. The Castle’s wifi was down that day so sadly none of the videos worked and all the stores were closed, but that was no fault of our tour guide, just an unfortunate circumstance of the day.
Edinburgh Royal Mile & Castle
James T,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Paul is an excellent and witty guide. He shared much historical information during the tour. Tour pace is fine. Highly recommend Paul!
Great tour
Leanne D,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Paul our guide was so informative and interesting as he led us around the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. I highly recommend doing this tour with him or this tour company
Mark for President
Traveler19626720072,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Under terrible temperatures, our guide Mark (also partially dying from freezing cold and gusty winds) did a superb job. Very informative and hugely entertaining!
Great experience with Alistair
slakin57,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was such an interesting tour where we learned a lot about the history of Scotland as well as Edinburgh. Our guide Alistair was very knowledgeable (well qualified for the job!) and a great raconteur. It was great that he was able to explain historical events using more contemporary language and terms which enhanced our understanding. He also adapted the tour to suit both the weather, tour numbers and our abilities (eg going inside St Giles to warm up, finding sheltered places to stop, missing out some of the steeper descents/climbs which my husband might have struggled with). The whole walk was well paced and ascents/descents were mainly on slopes rather than stairs. We were lucky to be in a small group (a benefit of doing the tour in Early February!). I would highly recommend.
Engaging Guide for Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle
Krista D,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Royal mile history and Edinburgh castle, mark was very engaging, kept the tour moving along and super knowledgeable.
Entertaining tour of The Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle!
Allen T,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00James was a great and informative tour guide. He was very thoughtful and ensures everyone feels included. He is also humorous.
Exactly what I was looking for.
Zach H,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Mark was our guide and did a perfect job. It’s exactly what I was looking for from a tour. Would highly recommend.
Brilliant! Highly recommended
ldmd77,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I Enjoyed the tour so much and would highly recommend. The tour guide Mark was so knowledgeable and such a great story teller, he was captivating.
-8% off
From £46.92Was £51.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Edinburgh Walking Tours