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Offered languages
- English
Discover the stories behind Scotland's most iconic fortress on this 90-minute guided walking tour.
Meet your expert local guide in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town before taking a short walk up to the castle.
Edinburgh Castle dominates one of the world's most dramatic national histories. Perched atop an extinct volcano and visible from across the city, it has served as a royal residence, military fortress, prison, and symbol of Scottish identity for centuries.
This tour combines expert local storytelling with the freedom and flexibility of purchasing your own castle admission. Rather than paying a bundled ticket price, guests can choose the castle ticket that works best for them, use any eligible discounts, and enjoy complete transparency over admission costs.
Led by SANDEMANs' expert guides, you'll uncover the stories hidden behind the fortress walls, from legendary monarchs and famous battles to the castle's lesser-known secrets and spectacular viewpoints overlooking Edinburgh.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Your Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour with Expert Local Guide starts at Gladstone's Land, 477B Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2NT (please don't go straight to the castle). Look for the golden hawk sign, SANDEMANs' famous red umbrellas and our smiling guides.
Your Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour with Expert Local Guide finishes inside the castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG.
Itinerary
-
1Royal Mile
Meet your guide on the historic Royal Mile and enjoy a short introduction to Edinburgh's Old Town before making your way towards the castle.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Edinburgh Castle
Explore Scotland's most famous fortress while hearing stories of royalty, warfare, prisoners, politics, and legends that shaped the nation.
45 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
3St. Margaret's Chapel
Visit the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh and discover the remarkable story behind this medieval chapel.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
Learn about Scotland's military history and the people who served throughout the centuries.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Edinburgh Castle admission is NOT included in the tour price. All guests must purchase a valid Edinburgh Castle entry ticket separately before joining the tour.
- Edinburgh Castle tickets are subject to availability and we strongly recommend purchasing them in advance. Edinburgh Castle closes at 5:00 PM. Castle tickets are valid only on the date selected.
- Children aged 4 and under may join the guided tour free of charge. Proof of age may be requested.
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Edinburgh Castle admission is NOT included in the tour price. All guests must purchase a valid Edinburgh Castle entry ticket separately before joining the tour.
- Edinburgh Castle tickets are subject to availability and we strongly recommend purchasing them in advance. Edinburgh Castle closes at 5:00 PM. Castle tickets are valid only on the date selected.
- Children aged 4 and under may join the guided tour free of charge. Proof of age may be requested.
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Due to steep hills, uneven surfaces, and historic pathways, this tour is not suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs, or guests unable to walk unassisted.
- No bags or backpacks larger than 30 litres are permitted inside Edinburgh Castle.
- Near public transportation.
- Tour itinerary and content may vary at the guide's discretion to provide the best experience for the group.
- 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
- We unfortunately do not advise guests in wheelchairs to join the Castle Tour, due to the narrow stairways and steep hills. We apologize for any inconvenience or disappointment caused.
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- 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.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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