Departing from Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle: Guided History Tour with Entry Ticket
Scotland's most visited attraction — a thousand years of royal history on an extinct volcano above the city
From
£42/ person
Rating
★ 4.8(10,369)
Duration
Half Day · 1.5 hours
Rating
4.8 ★ (10,369 reviews)
Languages
English, Spanish, French, Italian, German
Group size
Max 15 people
About This Tour
Edinburgh Castle sits on a volcanic plug of basalt rock that has been fortified since at least the 12th century — and occupied as a military stronghold since the Iron Age. Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to the future James VI here in 1566. The Scottish Crown Jewels (the Honours of Scotland) have been kept here since the 15th century. The One O'Clock Gun has fired every weekday since 1861. With a licensed guide, the stories behind every cobblestone come alive.
Highlights
- ✓Skip-the-line entry to Edinburgh Castle
- ✓Licensed guide for the full tour in your language
- ✓See the Scottish Crown Jewels — the oldest in Britain
- ✓Visit St Margaret's Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh (1130s)
- ✓Panoramic views over the city from the Half Moon Battery
Ready to book this tour?
Free cancellation · Instant confirmation
Itinerary
Begin in the Royal Palace where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to James VI in 1566 — in a room so small it surprises every visitor. Then see the Honours of Scotland: the crown, sword, and sceptre that are the oldest surviving crown jewels in Britain, and the Stone of Destiny on which Scottish kings were crowned.
The Great Hall built by James IV around 1510 retains its magnificent original hammerbeam roof. The Scottish National War Memorial commemorates 150,000 Scots who died in the First World War. Walk the Half Moon Battery for views stretching to the Firth of Forth — on a clear day you can see the Kingdom of Fife.
What's Included
- ✓Skip-the-line castle entry ticket
- ✓Licensed guide
- ✓Small group (max 15)
Not Included
- ✗Hotel pickup/dropoff
- ✗Gratuities
Insider Tips
The One O'Clock Gun fires Monday to Saturday at exactly 13:00 — be on the castle grounds to hear it
Book the first slot of the day to avoid the afternoon crowds that build from cruise ship arrivals
The castle esplanade hosts the Edinburgh Military Tattoo every August — an extraordinary spectacle
St Margaret's Chapel (1130s) is the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh — easy to miss, worth seeking out
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Scottish Crown Jewels different from the British Crown Jewels?
Yes — completely separate regalia. The Honours of Scotland (crown, sword, sceptre) date from the 15th and 16th centuries and are the oldest crown jewels in Britain, pre-dating the Tower of London's collection. The Stone of Destiny, on which Scottish kings were crowned, was returned to Scotland from Westminster in 1996.
How long does it take to see the full castle?
The guided tour covers the highlights in 1.5 hours. With free exploration afterwards you could easily spend 3 hours. The castle is large — wear comfortable shoes.
More Tours from Edinburgh
Powered by GetYourGuide
From
£42
per person
Free cancellation available on most dates · Secure booking
Meeting point
Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG
From
£42/ person