Duration
Open today
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
Audio guide
Guided tour
4.7/5
(199)
Catelin
Alasdair
Tao
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Explore Edinburgh Castle (exterior) with a local English-speaking guide and hear fascinating tales of royalty, sieges, and legendary events in just 45 mins.
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See the Great Hall, St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, and marvel at Scotland’s Crown Jewels independently after the guided tour.
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Stand atop Castle Rock to soak in sweeping views of the city and uncover hidden treasures with your included Edinburgh city audio tour on your own digital app.
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Upgrade for a longer 1.5-hour guided tour, or a small-group Royal Mile guided walking tour with skip-the-line entry to the castle.
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Entry to Edinburgh Castle
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45-min express guided tour of Edinburgh Castle (outside the castle)
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Free time for independent exploration of Edinburgh Castle
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Expert local English-speaking guide
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Edinburgh city audio tour (digital app)
Additional paid upgrades:
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1.5-hour extended guided tour of Edinburgh Castle
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2.15-hour guided tour of Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile
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Skip-the-line entry to Edinburgh Castle
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Small group of max. 20 guests
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15% discount on Edinburgh Gin Distillery experiences (subject to availability; see voucher for details)
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Headset and mobile device
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Edinburgh Castle internal audio guide (£3.50)
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Transportation
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Gratuities
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You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- 199 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
16622722Guests from United States, Canada, Australia and over 10 countries have loved this experienceWhat our guests say
Alasdair
Jan 2026Verified bookingCarolina
Jan 2026Verified bookingRoberta
Jan 2026Verified booking
Joanna
Jan 2026Verified bookingTao
Dec 2025Verified booking
Walk back in time with a 45-min express guided tour of Edinburgh Castle, the fortress where Scotland’s royalty once lived.
Getting started
Meet your guide at the meeting point indicated on your booking voucher. After check-in, join your group for the walk to the castle entrance, where your guide will introduce the route and key highlights.
What to expect
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle crowns Castle Rock as a powerful symbol of Scottish heritage. For centuries, it has stood witness to pivotal moments in the nation’s history. Today, it offers visitors a vivid window into Scotland’s storied past.
Features:
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The Great Hall: Step inside the grand hall where monarchs, including Mary, Queen of Scots, once hosted feasts and gatherings.
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Royal Palace: Visit the former royal residence and discover its role in the lives of Scotland’s kings and queens.
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St. Margaret’s Chapel: See Edinburgh’s oldest surviving building, dating back to the 12th century.
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Royal Mile: Walk the Royal Mile, the historic street linking Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, lined with centuries-old buildings, shops, and landmarks.
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English-speaking guide: Gain insights, get personalised attention, and clarify your doubts from your expert guide.
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Audio tour: After your guided tour and independent exploration of the castle, learn more about the city with an insightful audio tour, available on a digital app.
Extras
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Extended tour: Want more insights on a longer tour? Choose the extended 1.5-hour tour for a more comprehensive experience.
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Skip-the-line entry: Save time by skipping the long queues to Edinburgh Castle.
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Royal Mile walking tour: Go on a guided walking tour of the most famous street in Edinburgh.
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Small-group: In a small-group setting of just 20 guests, you get a better chance to learn in-depth about the castle and get your questions answered in more detail.
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What to bring
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Bring a valid photo ID if requested at the entrance.
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Download the audio app before reaching the meeting point to dodge any network glitches at the location. Simply scan the QR code on your voucher and follow the instructions to download the Vox City app and the city map in your preferred language. If you encounter any problems, contact customer@voxcity.com or contact customer support live 24/7 through the website.
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Carry your earphones for an immersive audio guide experience.
What’s not allowed
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Luggage, large bags, and bags over 30L in volume are not permitted inside Edinburgh Castle.
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Due to venue restrictions, your pets are not permitted.
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Drones are strictly prohibited on the premises.
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Access to the roof is not permitted in poor weather conditions.
Accessibility
- The experience is not fully wheelchair-accessible due to uneven terrain and steps within the castle grounds and surrounding areas.
Additional information
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The guided tour takes place outdoors around Edinburgh Castle. Entry to interior buildings is not included during the guided portion, but you may explore them independently after the tour.
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Specific stops during the tour are assigned by castle authorities and may vary.
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Minors must be accompanied by an adult to join the tour.
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Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10-15 mins before your scheduled start time.
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If Edinburgh Castle is unexpectedly closed on the day of your visit, tickets to Holyrood Palace will be provided instead if available.
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Meeting points may vary by tour. Ensure you check your booking confirmation for details.
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Please note the Honours of Scotland (Crown Jewels) will be closed from January 12 to Easter in 2026.
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- 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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