Edinburgh Castle Tours

Scotland’s second-most-popular tourist attraction as you learn about the bloody history including stories of the kings and queens who lived in this castle. There is evidence of a fort here for almost 3000 years, and it has been a royal castle since at least King David I’s reign in the 12th century. The Scottish monarchs continued to use it until 1633, and even saw the birth of King James VI within its walls. Your tour will begin on the Royal Mile, then take you to the castle, where you will hear your guide talking about the origins of the castle and its sieges. Once inside the castle walls, the guide will take you through the different parts of the fortress and tell you its fascinating history. Inside the complex, you will find three museums, two prisons, a canine cemetery, the Chapel of Saint Margaret, the National Monument to the fallen of Scotland, the Great Hall, and a Royal Palace.(ENTIRE TOUR WILL REMAIN OUTDOORS; buildings are not accessible during the tour.)

Our Castle Tour enables you to skip the line into Scotland's most iconic fortification.  The 1h30 long tour will cover the 3000 year history of Edinburgh Castle and the significant role it has played in shaping Scotland. Tour leaves from our start point at 192 High Street, by the statue of Adam Smith.

Join us on an unforgettable journey through millennia as we explore the iconic Edinburgh Castle on a walking tour that will bring Scotland's rich history to life! As you explore, your knowledgeable guide will regale you with tales of battles won and lost, royalty and rebels, and the colourful characters who have called the castle home over the centuries. You'll be greeted with breath-taking views of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside, providing a unique perspective on this beautiful city. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a unique and educational experience, a tour of Edinburgh Castle is a must-do activity in Scotland's capital. Come and discover the rich cultural heritage of this iconic landmark, and immerse yourself in the history of one of the most fascinating places in all of Europe! *IN ENGLISH ONLY. Tickets to Edinburgh Castle are included, and the tour takes place inside. Due to guidelines imposed by HES, guides are not allowed inside the covered areas.

Set off on a magical tour of Edinburgh with our fun Potter-head guide, and see the places that inspired JK Rowling to create her wizarding universe. Then, enter the incredible Edinburgh Castle! Starting at Tron Kirk on The Royal Mile, we first head to historic Waverley Station. Then head to Edinburgh University Old College - a famous old campus which provided lots of inspiration for JK Rowling’s creations. We continue through the atmospheric Old Town, stopping at Greyfriars Kirkyard which inspired Tom Riddle's Grave and passing by the Elephant Café where JK Rowling sat for many hours dreaming up the world of Harry Potter! Get amazing views of Edinburgh Castle on our way to Victoria Street - said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley - and we finish near Edinburgh City Chambers where you’ll learn about JK Rowling’s impact on the city. After the tour, you'll be given your tickets to explore the beautiful Edinburgh Castle!

Visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle with an expert guide. Admire the castle's treasures such as the Scottish Crown Jewels, St Margaret's Chapel, Mary, Queen of Scots Birthing Chamber, and more on our guided tour. With your map in hand, your guide will lead you along the ancient cobblestone paths of this national monument. During the tour you will get to discover areas of the castle such as Hospital Square and the Western Panorama, where you can take in the breathtaking views. You will also see some of the more famous parts of the castle including: The One o'Clock Gun, Mons Meg, The Castle Esplanade, Crown Square, and more. Your local guide will tell you stories of the incredible people who have shaped the Castle throughout the centuries. From stories about deadly banquets and daring midnight raids to the death of a queen and the birth of a king. Be sure to set aside some time after tour for further exploration of the museums and exhibitions (not accessible during the tour).

On this incredible tour, we explore the beautiful Scottish Highlands seeing castles, lochs, sculptures and perhaps some ‘Hairy Coos’ along the way. Departing the historic Royal Mile on an air-conditioned bus we head towards the iconic Kelpies, where you can take a close up look at these magnificent sculptures. We make our way towards Balloch, situated to the south of Loch Lomond’s Bonnie Banks. Here you can explore and take an optional hour-long boat cruise on the loch. Departing Loch Lomond we head towards the quaint village of Aberfoyle before exploring the picturesque Duke's Pass. Passing through Callander we make our way to Stirling where you can either take a stroll around the city centre or visit the historic Stirling Castle. Heading back we stop to catch a glimpse of the famous 3 bridges that span the River Forth before returning to Edinburgh *Boat cruise and entry to Stirling Castle are paid for on the day and are not included in the price of the tour.

Take an adventure into the Highlands as you explore the lochs, mountains and castles of Scotland. Enjoy spectacular views of Kilchurn castle, wander around Inveraray and explore its 18th century castle before reaching the village of Luss. Your modern coach will ensure that you see some of the best sites that Scotland has to offer in comfort on this 10 hour tour of the Highlands. Inveraray Castle is open to visitors Thursday to Monday, 1 April – 31 October

Our unique 5-star tours, as awarded by the Scottish Tourism Board, offer the chance to explore and experience Scotland in the perfect setting. You will be accompanied by our knowledgeable guides who have a wealth of stories, myths, and legends to entertain you with, and of course, we welcome questions! We operate our tours in an 16-person capacity to allow you the freedom to spend more time 'sight-doing' as opposed to sight-seeing. What a wonderful tour you’re choosing. The Stirling Castle, Kelpies, Loch Lomond, and Whisky Distillery tour is designed to give you a fantastic overview of Scotland, all packed into one beautiful day.

Discover Edinburgh’s most exclusive Afternoon Tea experience in the city’s most iconic tea room — a venue steeped in authenticity and history. Every detail has been carefully curated to offer you an unforgettable experience, complete with spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle. Savour a selection of premium Scottish teas, thoughtfully chosen to showcase the country’s unique flavours and rich traditions. All accompaniments — from freshly baked scones to delicate cakes and savoury bites — are handmade on site, ensuring exceptional freshness and quality in every bite. For those with a savoury palate, we also offer an alternative version of Afternoon Tea, perfect for anyone who prefers something less sweet. What makes this tea room truly special? That’s a secret we’ll reveal only during your visit — making this experience full of charm, flavour, and a touch of mystery.

* Entrance to Alnwick Castle included in tour price (upgrade to include Gardens can be purchased on arrival). Explore the stunning scenery of the Scottish Borders on this full-day tour of Kelso, Alnwick Castle and Berwick. Head to the pretty border town of Kelso and soak up the atmosphere in the large market square. Visit the ruins of Kelso Abbey, then cross the border and travel on to Alnwick Castle, the setting for Hogwarts Academy in the Harry Potter movie series. Continue onward along the Northumberland coast to the walled town of Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Wizards, warriors, and a wee bit of seaside mischief - this small-group adventure’s got it all! We’re heading south to the Anglo-Scottish border, where blood-soaked battlefields tell tales of centuries-old clashes. Then, it’s off to the jaw-droppingly gorgeous seaside village of Bamburgh. Fancy a wild run along the beach? Go for it! Want to explore the mighty Bamburgh Castle, standing proud since the 5th century? Even better. But let’s be honest, you’re really here for Hogwarts, aren’t you? That’s right, we’re off to Alnwick Castle, where Harry Potter took his first broomstick flight! Soak up its spellbinding history, pose like a wizard, and channel your inner Gryffindor (or Slytherin, we don’t judge). And if you’re more into period drama than magic wands, you’ll be chuffed to know this grand fortress also starred in Downton Abbey. Epic battles, coastal beauty, and a dash of movie magic, aye, this one’s a belter!

From under the watchful eye of Edinburgh Castle, we will make the way to the Kelpies at Helix Park, a striking art installation where passengers will have the chance to take photographs and get refreshments. From there we will travel through the Trossachs National Park to the village of Balloch and the shore of Loch Lomond. Here you will have the opportunity to take a scenic, guided cruise on Scotland's largest loch for an additional fee. Alternatively you can explore the village, take a stroll along the footpath that runs alongside the loch, or simply relax with an ice cream. After that it's off to Aberfoyle for lunch before continuing over the Duke's Pass through the National Park and make the way up to Stirling Castle, where you will have the chance to explore one of Scotland's most important historic castles for an additional fee. We will finally head back to Edinburgh, arriving just in time for people to head out for dinner at around 6.30pm.

Experience the freedom of exploring without the extra weighting in Edinburgh. Our luggage storage service ensures your belongings are secure, allowing you to enjoy the wonders of your destination with peace of mind. Whether you're waiting for a late flight, have arrived early for your stay, or simply want to explore without the burden of your bags, our service is the perfect solution. Store your bags at prime locations near major attractions, transport hubs, and popular areas, making your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Blackness Castle Cruise - take in views of Blackness Castle, the ship that never sails and featured in Outlander. There are also views of Limekilns village, mentioned in Robert Louis Stevenson's Kidnapped. It was from Limekilns that David Balfour and Alan Breck were carried across the Forth in a rowing boat. You will also see the Three Bridges as you have never seen them before. For your comfort relax onboard in the observation lounge or on the outside decks and listen to the guided commentary while you enjoy a drink from the bar. The Marine Wildlife, during your tour, you will find plenty of opportunities to see a wide variety of marine wildlife including seabirds, porpoises and seals.

Edinburgh Castle is one of the most evocative castles in the whole of Britain and has dominated the Edinburgh skyline for centuries. In this 3-hour private tour you will explore this great castle and discover its interesting and sometimes bloody history. There is a maximum group size of 6. We are proud that on August 16th 2022 our tour was featured as the Star Prize on CBS Price Is Right.