Skip-the-Line Edinburgh Castle Walking Tour
Overview
Inclusions
- Skip-the-line entrance to the Castle
- Local guide
- Entry/Admission - National War Museum of Scotland
What to expect
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
Meet your guide in front of Frankie & Benny's on 130 High Street by Tron Kirk
Stop At: Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2PB Scotland
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.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: National War Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle Castle Hill Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh EH1 2NG 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.
Duration: 15 hours
Stop At: St. Margaret's Chapel, Castle Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2EL Scotland
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.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG Scotland
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.
Duration: 45 minutes
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- 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.
- - Guests are encouraged to bring own masks
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
Cancellation
Sandemans tour guide never showed up. We had to buy another set of tickets to the castle and toured on our own.
Sandemans tour guide never showed up. We had to buy another set of tickets to the castle and toured on our own.I accidentally booked this for the wrong month, and when I realized I contacted Viator who said they'd contact the guide service. I understand that it was my mistake (going back and forth on screens resets the date each time) no one even reached out to let me know if they'd consider changing date...
I accidentally booked this for the wrong month, and when I realized I contacted Viator who said they'd contact the guide service. I understand that it was my mistake (going back and forth on screens resets the date each time) no one even reached out to let me know if they'd consider changing dates. I do know they said no cancellations and this was the only tour that wouldn't allow changes to reservations so it is on me. However, I wish I'd gotten some kind of response from the guide service.We arrived early for the Edinburgh Castle Tour at the place described to meet. No tour guide ever showed up!! Do not book with these people!
We arrived early for the Edinburgh Castle Tour at the place described to meet. No tour guide ever showed up!! Do not book with these people!Alasdair did an amazing job explaining the history of the castle and the buildings on the grounds. It was very informative and I’m glad we got to learn more history about Scotland! The castle is more of a military fortress, but it was still beautiful seeing the untouched historical buildings.
Alasdair did an amazing job explaining the history of the castle and the buildings on the grounds. It was very informative and I’m glad we got to learn more history about Scotland! The castle is more of a military fortress, but it was still beautiful seeing the untouched historical buildings.Alasdair, our guide, was local to Edinburgh and was really knowledgeable about the castle and its history. He was happy (and able) to answer any questions and we felt that we learned a lot from having him as our guide.
Alasdair, our guide, was local to Edinburgh and was really knowledgeable about the castle and its history. He was happy (and able) to answer any questions and we felt that we learned a lot from having him as our guide.Such an amazing tour this turned out to be. We were a group of 8 people (3 from the U.S., 1 from New Zealand, 4 from India) and we had an awesome time. Alasdair our guide was outstanding, knowledgeable and Super funny. Highly recommend this.
Such an amazing tour this turned out to be. We were a group of 8 people (3 from the U.S., 1 from New Zealand, 4 from India) and we had an awesome time. Alasdair our guide was outstanding, knowledgeable and Super funny. Highly recommend this.