Edinburgh in a Day Tour with VIP Early Access to Edinburgh Castle
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Uncover Edinburgh’s highlights in one day without the crowds. Start with exclusive early access to Edinburgh Castle for a VIP access exploration of Scotland’s most iconic landmark. Stroll through centuries of history as you explore in the company of an expert guide. Let your guide bring the historic Royal Mile to life with stories of its famous characters, cobbled streets, hidden closes, and historic landmarks. Enter inside King Charles's official Scottish residence, Holyrood Palace and learn the secrets of the Monarchy.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The 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.
Photography and filming are not permitted inside the Palace
Eating and drinking are not permitted inside the Palace's State Apartments.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Local English-speaking guide
Self-guided audio tour of Holyrood Palace
Early access ticket to Edinburgh Castle
Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
Gratuities
What To Expect
Edinburgh Castle
Enter Edinburgh Castle with exclusive early access before the site opens to the public. Enjoy rare peace and quiet as you explore its breathtaking views and iconic landmarks, including the Crown Room, Great Hall, and St. Margaret’s Chapel.
Lawnmarket
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.
Options
Edinburgh in a Day Tour with VIP Early Access to Edinburgh Castle
Reviews
2 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highly recommend!
Alyssa K,
Jun 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00The ability to skip the line and enter the castle before the public and receive an entertaining, knowledgeable small group tour was by far the way to see Edinburgh Castle! Highly recommend! We then had a great walk down the Royal Mile with our guide Tom who was very kind and full of information about the history of the Royal Mile as well as recommendations for food and shops along the way. Very nice and patient guide that kept the tour moving. The end of the experience includes admit ticket to Holyrood Palace and gardens, but you don’t have to go right away, you just have to use your ticket by the end of day. So, you can easily find lunch after the Royal Mile and rest then continue on to the palace to finish your day. You do have to get to the end of the Royal Mile, to the palace to get your ticket for entry. So if you’re tempted to break off and shop/eat beforehand you won’t get your ticket for the palace because the guide obtains this for you at the gate. All in all, one of our better tours so far. Have done well with Walks UK tours so far.
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Operated by Walks - UK