Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour

Tour Description

The tour group will meet at the Royal Mile at the scheduled time, just outside St. Giles's Cathedral, from where we'll make our way towards the imposing structure that is the medieval castle. From the castle, we'll be able to take in the most stunning views of the city and surrounding area.

After learning all about this historic location, and receiving your tickets, we'll head inside to begin exploring the castle's main buildings, the 3 museums of the citadel and the war prisons.

Upon reaching the highest point of the castle, we'll see the following places:

• The oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, St.Margaret's Chapel (built around 1130).
• The Crown Square, the castle's main courtyard, from here, we'll be able to see the Great Hall and its spectacular collection of weapons and armour.
• The Scottish National War Memorial.
• The Royal Palace. Did you know that James Stuart, son of Mary Stuart, was born in one of these royal rooms?

Within the walls of the palace, we'll also be able to see the vault that houses the Scottish crown jewels, called the Honours of Scotland, as well as the Stone of Destiny, on which kings were crowned during the Middle Ages.

After 1.5 hours, the guided tour will finish up in the vicinity of the castle.

Ticket to Edinburgh Castle

If you choose to book a tour without a ticket, you'll need to purchase your own ticket. Make sure that the ticket is valid for the same time and day that you have booked your guided tour of Edinburgh Castle. We recommend buying your ticket well in advance, especially in high season. This option is not for those who only wish to visit the outside of the castle, as the tour outside the castle walls is only available for a short period of time. If you do not have a ticket, you won't be able to join this tour.

Please note that the option without tickets is only for those who have purchased or will purchase tickets by other means or have an Explorer Pass. All others must choose the option with a ticket.

Guided Visit

Edinburgh Castle is made up of more than 20 buildings. The guided tour will take place within the citadel, but your guide will tell you about each respective building while standing in front of them. This means you will not go inside the buildings with the guide. However, once the tour has finished you'll be free to go and explore the buildings and monuments at your own pace, that caught your attention during the tour.