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Edinburgh Castle Without the Crowds Exclusive Pre Opening Tour

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Overview

Available languages

English

Mobile ticket

Experience Edinburgh Castle like never before. On this once-in-a-lifetime exclusive experience, take a guided tour inside the Castle with only your small group. High season at the castle sees up to 8,000 visitors per day. With your exclusive access join an expert guide and uncover the original Crown Jewels, St. Margaret’s Chapel, and the Great Hall—as well as areas typically off-limits to guiding. This unique experience allows you to soak in the history and panoramic views of Scotland’s capital in rare tranquility only accessible on this newly launched

Opt for a four hour tour option and extend your journey with a guided tour along the historic Royal Mile—famous for its cobbled streets, hidden closes, and historic landmarks like St. Giles’ Cathedral—top off your day at Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British Royals in Scotland. A perfect Scottish day.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This tour is in English.

This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.

The castle is reached across the esplanade – a wide area of smooth tarmac, with an uphill gradient of 5 degrees.

Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.

Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Local English-speaking guide

Pre-opening access ticket to Edinburgh Castle

Self-guided audio tour of Holyrood Palace (if option selected)

Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off

Gratuities

What To Expect

1

Edinburgh Castle

Step into history before the public arrives with this tour of Edinburgh Castle—the only one of its kind offering private early access. In one unforgettable morning, your guide will you through its serene grounds and reveal the fascinating history and legends behind this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Step into St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh, and marvel at the Great Hall’s magnificent 16th-century ceiling. Your guide will also take you into the Crown Room to see Scotland’s dazzling Crown Jewels up close—without the usual crowds. This tour offers rare access to areas typically off-limits to guided tours, including the Royal Apartments and exhibitions like the Military Prisons. Experience the castle as it was meant to be: a quiet, reflective journey through Scotland’s history.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Included
2

Lawnmarket

If a full day tour option selected — Stroll the Lawnmarket and pause to admire the exterior of St. Giles’ Cathedral, a stunning Gothic masterpiece and key site in Scotland’s religious history.

20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Full Day Tour with VIP Castle

Duration: 4 hours: Tour Edinburgh Castle before it opens to the public, stroll down the Royal Mile, and visit Holyrood Palace—all in one day!

VIP Early Access Castle Tour

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes: Enjoy exclusive early access to Edinburgh Castle with a private guide so you can explore its iconic sight without crowds.

Reviews

5.00

1 review

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

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  • No Crowds - tour of Edinburgh Castle

    Scarlett C,

    Jun 27, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    Best thing we did in Edinburgh! Being at the castle, learning so many key facts and stories of the site, prior to it being open to the public was a fantastic experience. No crowds - just a small group. Highly recommend this tour!

From £79.00

5.00
1 review
Check availability

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