Edinburgh Skip-the-Ticket-Line Castle Walking Tour | 1 hour 30 minutes

1282 Reviews | Edinburgh
Likely To Sell Out
Select Date and Travelers
You can select up to 9 travelers in total.
Adult (16-99) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 9
2
Child (5-15) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 9
0
Infant (0-4) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 9
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Free Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English Tour - 2pm
2 Adults x $51.98
$103.96
Approx Total
$103.96
English Tour : Tour with an English speaking guide
English Tour - 2pm
2 Adults x $51.51
$103.02
Approx Total
$103.02
English Tour : Tour with an English speaking guide
English Tour - 2pm
2 Adults x $51.58
$103.16
Approx Total
$103.16
English Tour : Tour with an English speaking guide

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English, Spanish
  • Skip-the-ticket-line entrance to the Castle
  • Local guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks

Overview

Edinburgh Castle dominates one of the world’s most heroic and bloody national histories. Set on a dead volcano, the castle is an imposing sight with its thick defensive walls. This 2-hour tour gives you an insider’s view of the city’s number one attraction, first letting you skip the ticket line and then revealing the secrets of this fortress, from one of the world’s few official dog cemeteries to the smallest shrine in the world. Learn about the castle’s wicked and wonderful history from the guide.

Itinerary

  • Edinburgh

    Meet your guide in front of Frankie & Benny's on 130 High Street by Tron Kirk

  • Royal Mile

    Make your way to the castle and experience one immediate advantage to this 2-hour walking tour: you get to bypass the usually long line and go right into the castle. No waiting.

    15 minutes

  • National War Museum of Scotland

    Visit the National War Museum to get an up close view of the battles that have shaped Scotland and Edinburgh. Walk through Crown Square, the main courtyard of the castle. See the Crown Jewels of Scotland, including the Stone of Destiny, an oblong block of red sandstone that was used in the coronation of Scottish monarchs.

    15 hours

  • St. Margaret's Chapel

    Visit St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh. You’ll also see the dog cemetery, the final resting place for canine companions of regimental officers and one of the few cemeteries dedicated to dog in the world. At the end of the tour, you can stay on and explore more of the castle on your own.

    15 minutes

  • Edinburgh Castle

    Listen as your guide shares the insider’s view and secrets of this ancient spot. Learn, for example, about the bloody battles and invasions that have taken place here over the centuries. Your ticket to enter the Castle allows you to stay right through to closing time. Feel free to continue exploring the Castle at your own pace, once the tour is finished.

    45 minutes

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please be aware that Edinburgh Castle stays open until 5pm and your Castle Ticket is only valid on the day of purchase.
  • Children (4 or under) can join the Edinburgh Castle Tour for free. We reserve the right to ask for a valid ID for children joining our tours.
  • Our tour starts at 130 Royal Mile on the corner with Stevenlaw’s Close. We don't allow guests to join after the start time, and we don't allow guests to join the tour if they don't show up in our current start point at 130 High Street.
  • The independent guides who employ us to market their tours have your best interests in mind; while the tour usually includes the sites & stories mentioned and lasts about 1.5 hours, your tour may vary depending on what your guide thinks is best for your group
  • No bags or backpacks over 30L are permitted for security reasons
  • Unfortunately, the steep hills and uneven ground mean that this tour is not suitable for pushchairs or those unable to walk unassisted
  • Children under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

Free Cancellation

December 31100% refund
January 01No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

4.7

1282 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    1074
  • 4 stars
    126
  • 3 stars
    29
  • 2 stars
    20
  • 1 star
    33

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 1074 reviews with 5 stars

Great tour with Alasdair!

Published on Feb, 2025

Wonderful 90 minute guided tour of the castle and immediate area. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable.

Great tour with Alasdair!

Published on Feb, 2025

Wonderful 90 minute guided tour of the castle and immediate area. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable.

Edinburgh is beautiful with rich history

Published on Dec, 2024

Tour of the castle was very informative and our guide, Alisdair, was the best! Being a native Edinburgher, he knew his history!

Edinburgh is beautiful with rich history

Published on Dec, 2024

Tour of the castle was very informative and our guide, Alisdair, was the best! Being a native Edinburgher, he knew his history!

Edinburgh is beautiful with rich history

Published on Dec, 2024

Tour of the castle was very informative and our guide, Alisdair, was the best! Being a native Edinburgher, he knew his history!

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