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Walking Tours

Edinburgh Castle & National Museum of Scotland Guided Tour

Edinburgh Castle entrance with stone walls and flags.
Edinburgh cityscape featuring the Balmoral Hotel clock tower and Princes Street.
Visitors exploring the grand atrium of a museum with multiple levels and exhibits.
Edinburgh Castle stone walls and towers on Castle Rock, Scotland.

Duration

2 hrs 30 mins

Open today

9:30am - 6:00pm

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Audio guide

Enhance your experience with multilingual audio guide

Guided tour

    • Explore two iconic sites in one experience, gaining insight into Scottish history with expert-led guided tours at both locations.

    • Start your journey at Edinburgh Castle, joining your guide for a 1.15-hour walk through the castle grounds before continuing to the museum.

    • Access includes entry to Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland, with guided tours and live commentary in English.

    • Discover highlights like the Royal Palace, Mons Meg cannon, Arthur’s Seat Coffins, Dolly the sheep, and ‘Scotty’ the T. rex.

    • Enjoy audio tours at the museum in English, French, or German, plus local discounts at Edinburgh Gin Distillery and Gladstone Land.

    • Entry ticket to Edinburgh Castle

    • 1.15-hour guided tour of Edinburgh Castle (exterior)

    • 1-hour guided tour of the National Museum of Scotland

    • Live commentary in English

    • Audio tour in English, French, and German at the National Museum of Scotland

    • Donation to the National Museum of Scotland

    • Local discounts at Edinburgh Gin Distillery and Gladstone Land (subject to availability)

    • Transportation between attractions

    • Tips for the guide

    • Edinburgh Castle internal audio guide (available at an additional £3.50 on-site)

    • Headset and mobile device

  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

  • Explore Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland with a guided tour featuring live commentary, entry tickets, and local discounts.

    Getting started

    Begin your experience by meeting your guide at the Statue of Walter Francis Montagu Douglas Scott in West Parliament Square, directly opposite St. Giles Cathedral. Look for a guide with VoxCity branding and arrive at least 5 minutes before your scheduled time. After your guided tour of Edinburgh Castle, you will make your own way on foot (about 8 minutes) to the National Museum of Scotland, where your next guide awaits by the William Chambers Statue near the entrance.

    What to expect

    Edinburgh Castle

    This iconic fortress sits atop Castle Rock and has played a central role in Scotland’s history as a royal residence and military stronghold.

    Features:

    • Walk the castle grounds with your guide, who shares stories of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the castle’s use as a prison during the Napoleonic Wars.

    • See the six-ton Mons Meg cannon and the Royal Palace as you explore the outdoor areas.

    • Your entry ticket and guided tour provide access to the castle grounds, with live commentary in English for a deeper context.

    National Museum of Scotland

    A major cultural institution, the museum houses collections spanning Scottish history, science, and world cultures.

    Features:

    • Discover highlights such as the Arthur’s Seat Coffins, Dolly the sheep, and ‘Scotty’ the T. rex, one of the most complete dinosaur skeletons in the world.

    • Enjoy a guided tour with live commentary in English, and access an audio tour in English, French, or German by scanning the QR code on your voucher.

    • Your visit includes a donation to the museum and local discounts at Edinburgh Gin Distillery and Gladstone Land, subject to availability.

    Wrapping up

    After your guided tours, you are free to continue exploring the National Museum of Scotland at your own pace using the audio guide. Take advantage of your included local discounts at Edinburgh Gin Distillery and Gladstone Land.

  • What to bring

    • Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as the Edinburgh Castle tour takes place outdoors and involves walking.

    • Bring your own headphones to use with the National Museum of Scotland audio guide.

    • Scan the QR code on your voucher before arrival to download the National Museum of Scotland audio guide to your mobile device.

    What's not allowed

    • Large bags and suitcases are not permitted inside Edinburgh Castle.

    Additional information

    • The experience begins with a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle; after the tour, you will need to walk independently for approximately 8 minutes to the National Museum of Scotland to meet your guide.

    • You must meet your guides at the designated meeting points to receive your tours.

    • The Edinburgh Castle tour covers the castle grounds only and is conducted outdoors, as guides are not permitted to access the interior buildings.

    • Certain areas of the Edinburgh Castle grounds may be closed on short notice by castle authorities.

    • Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
    • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.
    • Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.
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