United Kingdom Edinburgh

Activities in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour

from

US$ 23.88

9.40 / 10

4,701 reviews | 53,322 travellers

Fantastic. It was very interesting. It was clear that our guide, Fran, is passionate about history and the city. He gave us a lot of information in a very educational and fun way!

 10 Cristina
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the service starts
No queues

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US$ 23.88

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Fantastic. It was very interesting. It was clear that our guide, Fran, is passionate about history and the city. He gave us a lot of information in a very educational and fun way!

  Cristina

Edinburgh Castle is one of the most famous, and most visited sights in Scotland; don't miss this Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour, if you find yourself in town! Discover the history and secrets behind this famous location that sits atop a now-dormant volcano

Description
Edinburgh Castle is one of the most famous, and most visited sights in Scotland; don't miss this Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour, if you find yourself in town! Discover the history and secrets behind this famous location that sits atop a now-dormant volcano
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.
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Details
More Information

Duration

1h 30m.

Language

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

Included

English–speaking guide

Ticket to Edinburgh Castle (depending on selection)

When to book?

You can book up to the tour start time subject to availability. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilets. An accompanying person is required.
Sustainability
All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.

Sustainability Code

Our providers commit to:

Provide a safe and satisfying experience.

Reduce, reuse, recycle.

Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.

Uphold fair employment standards.

Foster the growth of local communities.

Preserve the integrity of local culture.

Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.

Ensure ethical treatment of animals.

Operate with honesty and transparency.

Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

Printed material is avoided.

The activity helps the dissemination of local cultural heritage.

No single-use plastics are used.

No printing of documentation required.

Has a carbon footprint offset policy.

Has a gender equality policy.

Promotes local employment.
Provider
Somos Escocia Show more

Somos Escocia

Corporate name: SOMOS ESCOCIA LTD

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Pets

Not permitted.
Frequently asked questions
Q - ¿Puedo acceder al Castillo de Edimburgo con una maleta? Can I enter Edinburgh Castle with a suitcase?

A - No, entry will only be permitted to those with bags no bigger than 30L.

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

A - This activity requires a minimum of 4 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

If you have any other questions please contact us.
Cancellations

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts. Any cancellations after this time or no-shows on the day will not be refunded.
Meeting point

Meeting point

Where does the activity end?

351 High Street

Edinburgh Castle

View map

Where does the activity end?

Edinburgh Castle
Reviews

Our customers' reviews
These are genuine reviews written by our customers.

5 out of 4,701 reviews

9.4 / 10

 9.3755413741757 4,701 reviews | 53,322 travellers

326 traveler-submitted photos

 10

Apr / 26 / 2025

L

Luisina

Ribadeo, Spain

Nos encontramos a la hora indicada y nos dirigimos al castillo. Justo fue la hora del cañonazo de la una asique tuvimos momento de emoción y todo! El guía, Marcos, muy correcto, familiar y amable. Nos explicó muchas anécdotas que cumplimentaron super bien la visita ! Totalmente recomendable. Translate this opinion into English.

We met at the appointed time and headed to the castle. It was just in time for the 1 o'clock cannon shot, so we had a moment of excitement! The guide, Marcos, was very polite, friendly, and kind. He shared many anecdotes that made the visit a great addition! Highly recommended. Opinion translated. Show original.

 10

Apr / 21 / 2025

M

Marta Ull Picot

Valencia, Spain

Un tour espectacular por el Castillo de Edimburgo. Marcos fue un guía de diez: explicaciones claras, interesantes y llenas de anécdotas que hicieron que la visita fuera amena y muy divertida. Se nota que disfruta enseñando y eso se transmite en cada momento. Gracias a él entendimos mucho mejor la historia del castillo y de Escocia. ¡Nos dejó el listón muy alto en cuanto a explicaciones de guías! Una experiencia totalmente recomendable y un guía de cinco estrellas. Translate this opinion into English.

A spectacular tour of Edinburgh Castle. Marcos was a top-notch guide: clear, interesting, and anecdotal explanations made the visit enjoyable and very fun. You can tell he enjoys teaching, and that comes through in every moment. Thanks to him, we understood the history of the castle and Scotland much better. He set the bar high for us in terms of guide explanations! A highly recommended experience and a five-star guide. Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled with my partner

 10

Apr / 20 / 2025

M

Maria Fernanda

Barcelona, Spain

Nuestro guía fue Manu. Un chico súper majo de Sevilla que lleva viviendo 4 años en Edimburgo. Nos gustó mucho su explicación sobre la historia del castillo y además nos compartió su lista de recomendaciones de lugares por visitar y restaurantes. Translate this opinion into English.

Our guide was Manu. A super nice guy from Seville who has lived in Edinburgh for four years. We really enjoyed his explanation of the castle's history, and he also shared his list of recommended places to visit and restaurants. Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled with my partner

 10

Apr / 17 / 2025

C

Cristina

Spain

Santiago es un guía excepcional; nos trasmitió con mucha pasión la historia del castillo, y nos recomendó los sitios más importantes que ver (el castillo es enorme, y la visita guiada se realiza solo por los exteriores. Una vez finalizada, puedes visitar por libre los edificios que desees). La visita al castillo merece la pena, pero en mi opinión, si no la haces de manera guiada te pierdes muchas cosas. Por eso recomiendo este tour. Translate this opinion into English.

Santiago is an exceptional guide; he passionately shared the castle's history with us and recommended the most important sites to see (the castle is enormous, and the guided tour only covers the exterior. Once you're done, you can explore any buildings you want on your own). The castle tour is worth it, but in my opinion, if you don't take a guided tour, you'll miss out on a lot. That's why I recommend this tour. Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled with friends

 8

Mar / 15 / 2025

A

Aldo

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Nuestra Guia, Angeles "la sevillana". fue muy entretenida con sus explicaciones historicas demostrando pasion y conocimiento sobre la historia de los hechos vinculados al castillo. Además nos dio muy buenos tips de que espacios del castillo visitar con detenimiento. Logro mantener el interes durante toda la visita. Translate this opinion into English.

Our guide, Angeles "the Sevillian," was very entertaining with her historical explanations, demonstrating passion and knowledge of the events surrounding the castle. She also gave us excellent tips on which parts of the castle to explore in detail. She managed to maintain our interest throughout the entire visit. Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled with my partner

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May 2025

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Tour without ticketTour with ticket

Book

See availability

Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour

Tour Description

Ticket to Edinburgh Castle

Guided Visit

Free cancellation

Meeting point

Where does the activity end?

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