Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Reservations
History
Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock, has been a fortress, royal residence, and symbol of Scottish power for nearly 3,000 years. Its strategic position on an extinct volcano made it a focal point for sieges, battles, and royal intrigue, shaping Scotland’s turbulent history from ancient times to the modern era.
Home to legendary figures like Mary Queen of Scots and King James VI, the castle has witnessed bloody conflicts, royal ceremonies, and political upheavals. Its enduring presence as a military stronghold and cultural icon makes it a must-visit, with its walls steeped in stories of Scotland’s past.
Highlights
- Gain entry to Edinburgh Castle, the city’s most iconic landmark
- Enjoy stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh from Castle Rock
- Uncover 3,000 years of history with figures like Mary Queen of Scots
- Marvel at the grandeur of the Great Hall and Royal Palace (exterior views)
- Admire the UNESCO World Heritage Edinburgh Old Town from the castle grounds
Full Description
Embark on a captivating 1.5-hour guided walking tour of Edinburgh Castle, a fortress that dominates the city’s skyline from its perch on Castle Rock. Meet your guide, fluent in English, Italian, French, German, or Spanish, in front of Advocates Close and walk to the castle’s esplanade. Here, you’ll learn about the castle’s origins, its role in historic sieges, and its significance as the stage for the Royal Military Tattoo.
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As you explore the castle grounds, your guide will lead you through key outdoor areas, sharing tales of kings, queens, and battles that shaped Scotland’s history. Discover the castle’s role as a royal residence for figures like Mary Queen of Scots and its darker moments of conflict. While the tour remains outdoors due to castle regulations, you’ll see the exteriors of notable sites like the Great Hall, Royal Palace, and St. Margaret’s Chapel, along with three museums, two prisons, a canine cemetery, and the National Monument to Scotland’s fallen.
After the guided portion, you’ll have ample time to explore the castle’s buildings independently until closing, including the museums, Royal Palace, and more. With breathtaking views of Edinburgh’s UNESCO-listed Old Town and a rich historical narrative, this tour offers an unforgettable glimpse into Scotland’s storied past.
Why Choose This Experience?
This guided tour is perfect for history lovers and first-time visitors eager to explore Edinburgh’s most iconic landmark. With a knowledgeable guide and access to the castle grounds, you’ll gain insights into nearly 3,000 years of Scottish history, from royal splendor to bloody conflicts, all set against stunning city views.
The flexibility to explore the castle’s buildings after the tour allows you to delve deeper at your own pace, visiting museums, prisons, and the Royal Palace. Available in five languages, this experience caters to a global audience, ensuring an engaging and accessible journey through Edinburgh’s historic heart.
What’s Included
- Entry tickets to Edinburgh Castle
- Live guide (available in English, Italian, French, German, or Spanish)
Itinerary
- Meet at Advocates Close, opposite St. Giles’ Cathedral
- Walk 5 minutes to the castle esplanade
- Guided tour of the esplanade (10 minutes), learning about the castle’s origins and the Royal Military Tattoo
- Guided tour of Edinburgh Castle grounds (75 minutes), exploring key outdoor areas
- Free time to explore castle buildings (museums, Royal Palace, prisons, etc.) until closing
- Tour concludes at Edinburgh Castle
Pricing
From $49 per person
Meeting Point
Meet in front of the entrance to Advocates Close, opposite St. Giles’ Cathedral. Look for the black umbrella with the Scotland City Tours’ yellow logo.
How to Get There
- By Foot: A 5-minute walk from the Royal Mile or Waverley Station to Advocates Close.
- By Bus: Take Lothian Buses (routes 23, 27, or 41) to George IV Bridge, then walk 3 minutes to Advocates Close.
- By Tram: Disembark at Princes Street and walk 8 minutes along the Royal Mile to the meeting point.
- By Car: Limited parking near the Royal Mile; use car parks like NCP Castle Terrace and walk 10 minutes to Advocates Close.
Good to Know
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Backpack (up to 30L permitted)
Know Before You Go
- The tour remains outdoors, with specific stops assigned by castle authorities.
- The castle’s buildings (museums, Royal Palace, prisons, etc.) are accessible after the guided tour for self-exploration until closing.
- The roof is not accessible in poor weather conditions for safety reasons.
- The castle is an active military base, so tours cannot start on the esplanade.
- Pets and drones are not allowed on the castle grounds.
- The tour is conducted in one of five languages (English, Italian, French, German, or Spanish), based on your booking preference.
Reviews
- Great tour! The guide was informative and fun, sharing fascinating castle history. Highly recommend!
- Brilliant experience! Our guide was engaging, and the views from Castle Rock were stunning!
- Loved the tour! The guide’s humor and knowledge made the castle’s history come alive!
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FAQ's
What is the duration of the Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour?
The guided tour lasts 1.5 hours, covering the castle esplanade and key outdoor areas of Edinburgh Castle. You’ll hear about the castle’s 3,000-year history, from sieges to royal residents, with stops at significant sites like the Great Hall and Royal Palace exteriors. After the guided portion, you’ll have free time to explore the castle’s museums, prisons, and other buildings at your own pace until closing. Check availability for specific start times to plan your visit seamlessly.
Is the tour available in multiple languages?
Yes, the tour is offered in English, Italian, French, German, and Spanish, with live guides fluent in each language. When booking, you can select your preferred language to ensure a personalized experience tailored to your needs. This multilingual option makes the tour accessible to a diverse range of visitors, enhancing understanding of the castle’s rich history. Ensure you confirm your language choice when reserving your spot to avoid any confusion.
Can I cancel my booking if my plans change?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for unpredictable travel schedules. The “reserve now, pay later” option also allows you to secure your spot without immediate payment, ideal for keeping plans flexible. This policy ensures peace of mind, especially for international travelers or those with busy itineraries. Always review the specific cancellation terms when booking to understand the process fully and avoid any issues.
Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking on uneven terrain, including cobbled paths and slight inclines on the castle grounds, which may be challenging for those with mobility issues. While the tour remains outdoors, the esplanade and castle grounds require a short walk from the meeting point. Accessibility to buildings post-tour may also involve steps or uneven surfaces. Those with mobility concerns should contact the tour operator beforehand to discuss specific needs and assess suitability.
Can I explore the castle’s buildings during the tour?
The guided portion of the tour is conducted outdoors due to castle regulations, focusing on the esplanade and key external areas. However, after the 1.5-hour guided tour, you’ll have ample time to explore the castle’s buildings independently, including three museums, two prisons, the Royal Palace, St. Margaret’s Chapel, and more, until the castle closes. This setup allows you to delve deeper into the castle’s interior at your own pace, ensuring a comprehensive visit.
