Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour With Entry Ticket

Edinburgh Castle is a must-visit destination in Scotland’s capital. This guided walking tour provides an engaging way to explore the castle’s rich history and stunning architecture. From the Great Hall to the Royal Palace, visitors will uncover captivating stories that bring the castle’s past to life. With stunning panoramic views of the city, the tour offers an immersive experience that’s both educational and awe-inspiring. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, this guided tour is a great way to discover the enduring allure of Edinburgh Castle.

Key Points

• A 1.5-hour guided walking tour of Edinburgh Castle, offering insights into its nearly 3000 years of history and panoramic city views.
• Tour available in multiple languages, including German, Italian, English, and Spanish, with prices starting from Kč 1,046 per person.
• Exploration of key sites within the castle, such as the Great Hall, Royal Palace, and two prisons, with opportunities for self-guided exploration afterward.
• Entirely outdoor experience, with no access to interior buildings during the tour, making it unsuitable for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users.
• Highly rated tour by over 7,726 reviews, with praise for the informative and humorous guides and the captivating storytelling of the castle’s history.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

What does the Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour entail?

It’s a 1.5-hour walking tour that provides entry to Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress. The tour’s live guides are fluent in German, Italian, English, and Spanish. Priced from Kč 1,046 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights include exploring nearly 3000 years of history, visiting key sites like the Great Hall and Royal Palace, and capturing panoramic city views from Castle Rock.

The tour remains outdoors, with buildings inaccessible during the tour but available for exploration afterward.

Highlights and Features

The Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the significant historical fortress and gain insights into nearly 3000 years of Scotland’s history.

Key sites on the tour include the Great Hall, Royal Palace, Chapel of Saint Margaret, three museums, two prisons, and a canine cemetery.

Visitors can capture panoramic city views from Castle Rock and admire the UNESCO World Heritage Edinburgh Old Town.

The tour also covers the castle’s origins, sieges, and the Royal Military Tattoo.

However, the tour remains outdoors, and buildings aren’t accessible during the tour but can be explored afterward.

Tour Experience

The guided tour includes a walk to the castle, where the tour guide regales visitors with captivating stories about the fortress’s origins, the sieges it has endured, and the renowned Royal Military Tattoo.

The tour remains entirely outdoors, with no access to the castle’s interior buildings. However, visitors can explore these areas at their leisure after the tour.

The meeting point is in front of Advocates Close, opposite St. Giles’ Cathedral, easily identified by the black umbrella with the Scotland City Tours logo.

While the tour offers stunning panoramic views, it may not be suitable for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users.

Accessibility and Restrictions

Though the guided tour of Edinburgh Castle offers a wealth of historical insights and scenic views, it may not be suitable for all visitors.

The tour is primarily designed for those with full mobility, as it involves extensive outdoor walking. Visitors with mobility impairments or those who use wheelchairs may find the tour challenging.

Plus, certain areas of the castle, such as the roof, may be restricted in poor weather conditions. The tour also prohibits the presence of pets and drones, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all participants.

The key accessibility and restrictions include:

1. Not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

2. Pets and drones are prohibited.

3. Roof access is restricted in poor weather conditions.

4. Buildings aren’t accessible during the tour, but can be explored afterward.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Visitors to the Edinburgh Castle guided tour have overwhelmingly praised the experience, with an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on over 7,726 reviews.

Reviewers highlight the informative and humorous guides, singling out Australian Dave and Jen for particular praise.

The tour’s transportation and value for money also receive high marks, with 4.6/5 and 4.5/5 ratings, respectively.

Positive feedback emphasizes the guides’ ability to bring the castle’s nearly 3,000 years of history to life through captivating storytelling.

Exploring Edinburgh Castle

As guests embark on the guided tour, they’ll explore nearly 3,000 years of Edinburgh Castle’s storied history.

Edinburgh Castle’s guided tour explores nearly 3,000 years of its captivating history, immersing visitors in its storied past.

The tour takes them through key sites, including:

1. The Great Hall, a magnificent 15th-century structure that showcases the castle’s grandeur.

2. The Royal Palace, home to legendary figures like King James VI.

3. The Chapel of Saint Margaret, a 12th-century church with stunning Romanesque architecture.

4. Three museums, two prisons, and a canine cemetery, each offering a glimpse into the castle’s diverse past.

Captivating tales of sieges and the Royal Military Tattoo will bring the castle’s history to life.

Discovering the Castle’s History

Edinburgh Castle’s storied past unfolds as guests embark on the guided tour. The tour explores nearly 3,000 years of history, from the fortress’s origins to its sieges and the reign of King James VI.

Visitors discover the Great Hall, Royal Palace, and Chapel of Saint Margaret, as well as three museums, two prisons, and a canine cemetery. The guide weaves captivating tales, bringing the castle’s past to life.

Key figures and events are highlighted, offering guests a deeper understanding of this significant historical landmark. The tour culminates with panoramic city views from Castle Rock.

Capturing Panoramic City Views

From the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle, visitors are treated to panoramic vistas of the city’s stunning skyline.

The castle’s elevated position atop Castle Rock offers breathtaking views of:

Perched atop Castle Rock, the castle offers breathtaking vistas of Edinburgh’s captivating landscape.

1. The historic Old Town, with its charming buildings and winding streets.

2. The majestic Edinburgh New Town, with its elegant Georgian architecture.

3. The iconic Arthur’s Seat, a towering volcanic peak that dominates the city’s eastern skyline.

4. The shimmering waters of the Firth of Forth, which stretch out to the horizon.

These sweeping views make the Castle a must-visit destination for any visitor to Edinburgh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Purchase Additional Items at the Castle’s Gift Shop?

Yes, visitors can purchase additional items at the Edinburgh Castle’s gift shop after the guided tour. The shop offers a variety of souvenirs, books, and local Scottish products.

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Castle Buildings?

Photography is generally allowed inside the castle buildings, but visitors should follow any specific rules or restrictions. Some areas may have limited or no photography permitted to preserve the historic atmosphere and protect sensitive exhibits.

Are There Any Dining Options Available Within the Castle Grounds?

There are several dining options within the Edinburgh Castle grounds, including cafes and restaurants serving a range of Scottish cuisine. Visitors can enjoy snacks, light meals, or afternoon tea during their castle visit.

Can I Explore the Castle at My Own Pace After the Guided Tour?

Yes, visitors can explore the castle at their own pace after the guided tour. The tour provides an overview, but guests are free to wander the castle grounds and buildings independently as they wish.

What Are the Entry Requirements for Visiting Edinburgh Castle?

To visit Edinburgh Castle, guests must purchase entry tickets. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the visit or in advance online. Some discounts may be available for seniors, students, and children. Visitors must follow any safety protocols in place at the time of their visit.

The Sum Up

The guided walking tour of Edinburgh Castle offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the castle’s 3000-year history. With engaging storytelling and access to significant historical sites, this tour provides an immersive experience that showcases the castle’s architectural wonders and stunning panoramic views of the city. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or seeking a memorable sightseeing adventure, this tour is an excellent way to explore one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks.

You can check availability for your dates here: