Scotland · SCOTLAND CASTLE TOURS

Scotland’s Castles: 15 Tours from Edinburgh

43 tours  ·  from $51 a head

Edinburgh on its volcanic plug, Stirling over the Forth, Urquhart on the shore of Loch Ness. The 15 below include entry or say clearly when they do not.

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket - An outdoor introduction to a complex castle
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Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

1.Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,540 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $51Our pick

Spend about 90 minutes on an English-language walking tour of Edinburgh Castle, with entry included and time afterward to explore its buildings on your own. Guides such as Joe, Sonia, Raj, and Valeria have led lively tours, though your guide will vary. The guided portion is outdoors, so dress for Edinburgh weather and bring time to stay inside the castle grounds afterward.

“This was my first time using a tour guide for anything and I must say that Sonia was phenomenal!! I didn’t think I would make it to the end of the tour because it was freezing, but Sonia made it well worth it! She was knowledgeable, funny and full of enthusiasm and I would honestly highly recommend her as a tour guide!!”

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Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English - How to use your independent time
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Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English

2.Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,214 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $52

Meet Little Fish Tours on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile for a guided walk to the castle, where your guide explains its history, grounds, dungeons, and Crown Jewels. Skip the entry line, then explore the castle buildings on your own. Guides such as Steph, Euan, Greg, and Koffe have earned praise for lively storytelling and humor.

“Graeme was an incredible guide, keeping adults and children of all ages engaged. His accent makes the tour even better!”

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Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle - Small Group Walking Tour - John Knox House and the Closes
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Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle – Small Group Walking Tour

3.Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle – Small Group Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,523 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $70

Follow a guide along the Royal Mile, through narrow closes and old courtyards, past St Giles’ Cathedral and John Knox House, then up to Edinburgh Castle. The group is capped at 18, and the castle option includes a 45-minute introduction before free time. Guides have included Craig, Linda, Nicola, Marina, and Mally.

“Amazing tour guide and tour, Marina was well informed, so knowledgeable and made the tour fun, I thoroughly enjoyed the tour and would recommend attending sing this if you are visiting Edinburgh.”

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From Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Northumbria - Alnwick Castle, town and gardens
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From Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Northumbria

4.Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Northumbria

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,313 reviews · 9 hours · from $85

Travel by coach from Edinburgh into Northumbria with an English-speaking driver-guide. Cross the tidal causeway to Holy Island, visit Lindisfarne Priory and sample island mead, then spend time in Alnwick, where you can explore the castle and gardens. Guides including Adam, Linda, Ash and Paul Santa have led this route.

“Ash was a great driver and guide! I really enjoyed his commentary and music. The timing at each location was just right. I highly recommend this trip!”

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Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour Including Admission - Following Loch Lomond’s eastern shore
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Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour Including Admission

5.Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour Including Admission

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,305 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $72

From Edinburgh, ride in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach to the 30-meter Kelpies, Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle, where admission is included. The nine-hour day includes a stop in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, time for lunch at your own expense, and a guide who fills the drives with Scottish history, stories and, sometimes, music. Guides vary, so a particular name cannot be guaranteed.

“We could not have been happier with our trip to Stirling Castle. To start, the reservation process was simple and well-conceived. When we arrived at the meeting point in the bus station, we noticed the cleanliness and appreciated the professionalism and friendliness of the staff who checked us in. The vehicle arrived on time and was extremely comfortable for our all-day tour. Our guide and driver Michael was friendly, helpful and informative. He provided terrific historical information and various anecdotes to frame our visits to Lock Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies. All aspects of our journey were well paced and fascinating. I would not hesitate to book another excursion…”

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Edinburgh Skip-the-Ticket-Line Castle Walking Tour - A dog cemetery, a small chapel and other surprises
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Edinburgh Skip-the-Ticket-Line Castle Walking Tour

6.Edinburgh Skip-the-Ticket-Line Castle Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,283 reviews · from $51

Meet a local guide on the Royal Mile for a roughly 90-minute walk into Edinburgh Castle, with priority admission and stories of its battles, Crown Square and dog cemetery. Guides such as Alasdair and Charles have led tours, though the exact route can vary. Afterward, stay to visit the Crown Jewels, St Margaret’s Chapel and the National War Museum independently.

“Charles was very informative on the history of the castle and Scotland itself. Great job Charles. The tour was held on the grounds of the castle but we did not enter anything inside as part of the tour.”

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Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour - Tickets Included - St. Margaret’s Chapel and the oldest stories
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Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour – Tickets Included

7.Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour – Tickets Included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,211 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $51

Join a 90-minute guided walk from the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle, with direct entry included. Guides such as James, David, Laura and Joe have brought the castle’s people and past to life with clear explanations and humor. The tour covers the grounds, then leaves you free to explore the buildings on your own.

“Guide was knowledgable and entertaining. He was accommodating and patient with the groups needs. Great time, even with a young child.”

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Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies Day Tour - Loch Lomond: cruise or shore walk
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Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies Day Tour

8.Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,198 reviews · 9 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $63

Leave Edinburgh at 8:45 am for a 9.5-hour guided coach trip to the Kelpies, Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle, with stops through the Trossachs and at South Queensferry. Your driver-guide handles the route and shares Scottish history and folklore. Loch Lomond cruises and Stirling Castle admission cost extra, so budget for those if you want to go inside or on the water.

“Had a marvelous experience. The tour guide was fabulous and made the whole trip lively.It was worth every penny.”

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West Highlands, Lochs and Castles Day Tour Including Admission - Rest and Be Thankful: pause for the view
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West Highlands, Lochs and Castles Day Tour Including Admission

9.West Highlands, Lochs and Castles Day Tour Including Admission

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,122 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $68

Ride from Edinburgh in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach to Loch Lomond, Inveraray, Kilchurn Castle and Doune Castle. Doune admission is included; Inveraray Castle is optional and open seasonally. Your English-speaking driver-guide adds Scottish history, folklore and music along a full day of scenic stops.

“Russel was very personable and kind. His commentary on the historical sites and general knowledge of area was very interesting. Great day trip!”

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From Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour - What the small-group format means in practice
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From Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour

10.Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,043 reviews · 9 hours · from $57

Travel from Edinburgh in an air-conditioned small-group vehicle to the Kelpies, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, and Stirling Castle. Walk beside the loch, stop for lunch in Aberfoyle, and hear Scottish history and folklore from an English-speaking guide. Guides such as Jim Scott, Martin and David have led recent tours, but your guide will depend on your departure.

“I recently took a bus trip, and it was an incredible experience! We had such a fantastic time exploring and learning about the area, all thanks to our amazing guide, Ian. Not only was he knowledgeable, but he was also a fantastic storyteller, bringing history and fun facts to life in such an engaging way. Ian was always there to help, answering all our questions and making sure everyone was comfortable and entertained. This trip wouldn’t have been the same without his guidance. Highly recommend this tour!”

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From Edinburgh: Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond - Loch Lomond and the Trossachs: scenery with a choice
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From Edinburgh: Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond

11.Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 895 reviews · from $74

Leave Edinburgh for a 10-hour day of big sculptures, loch-side views and Scottish history. The route takes in the Kelpies, Loch Lomond, Aberfoyle, Callander and Stirling, with an optional boat cruise and castle visit at extra cost. Guides such as Pete, Brian and Lucky are known for mixing local stories, music and humor.

“A long day with plenty of variety, with enough time at each stop. Dougie, our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. My favourite bit was The Kelpies - Stunning.”

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Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile Walking Tour - Ticket Included - Makars’ Court and Victoria Street
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Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile Walking Tour – Ticket Included

12.Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile Walking Tour – Ticket Included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 894 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $65

Follow Edinburgh’s Royal Mile from the Mercat Cross and St Giles’ Cathedral to Victoria Street, the Grassmarket and Edinburgh Castle. A local guide covers the Old Town and the castle grounds, with admission included and time to explore the castle’s indoor exhibits at your own pace. Guides have included Paul, Mark, James and Zenon.

“Paul was a fantastic tour guide. He had terrific knowledge of Edinburgh's history and presented it with a lot of fun, humour and energy. We'd highly recommend him.”

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1 Day Castles, West Highlands and Loch Lomond Tour from Edinburgh - Kilchurn Castle above Loch Awe
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1 Day Castles, West Highlands and Loch Lomond Tour from Edinburgh

13.1 Day Castles, West Highlands and Loch Lomond Tour from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 850 reviews · 10 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $88

Travel from Edinburgh with an English-speaking guide to Doune Castle, Kilchurn Castle, Inveraray, Rest and Be Thankful, and Luss. The day lasts about 10.5 hours, with time for lunch and an optional visit to Inveraray Jail. Guides vary, and occasional extra stops may depend on the route and timing.

“This tour was awesome. The West Highlands with the mountains and the lochs were amazing and Steve took us through many roads and showed us many sites. From the majestic Doune and Kilchurn castles to the quaint villages of Loch Lomond and Inveraray, it was a very memorable day. Steve was a great guide - with historical information and great stories and good music. He explained things very well. I would highly recommend this trip and Steve!”

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Edinburgh Full Day Walking Tour with Castle Included -Small Group - Greyfriars Bobby, the kirkyard and the Grassmarket
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Edinburgh Full Day Walking Tour with Castle Included -Small Group

14.Edinburgh Full Day Walking Tour with Castle Included -Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 676 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $112

Start in the elegant New Town and walk through Princes Street Gardens, the Royal Mile, Greyfriars and Victoria Street before reaching Edinburgh Castle. A guide leads a highlights tour at the Scottish National Gallery and, from 1 April 2025, the Georgian House. Groups are limited to 15; guides include Ben, James and Mark.

“The guide was personable and very knowledgable. He seemed to enjoy sharing Edinburgh with us. I highly recommend this tour and this guide.”

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Rosslyn Chapel, Dunfermline Abbey and Stirling Castle Day Tour - Stirling Castle: two hours on a hill above town
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Rosslyn Chapel, Dunfermline Abbey and Stirling Castle Day Tour

15.Rosslyn Chapel, Dunfermline Abbey and Stirling Castle Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 649 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $77

From Edinburgh, travel with a driver-guide to Robert the Bruce’s burial place at Dunfermline, hilltop Stirling Castle and the carved stone interior of Rosslyn Chapel. The day lasts about nine hours and includes time at each stop. Admission costs for Stirling Castle and Rosslyn Chapel are extra, so check ticket details before you go.

“Alex was a wonderful guide and kept the tour group attentive. Stirling Castle was amazing and Rosslyn Chapel was a highlight as well.”

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Edinburgh, further in

Go under the Old Town, out to a distillery, or north into the glens.

After dark

Ghost ToursRoyal Mile ClosesWalking ToursPub ToursHistory Tours

Drams and gin

Whisky TastingsIslay MaltsGin ToursFood Tours

Castles

Edinburgh CastleStirling CastleCastle DaysAlnwick CastleFalkland Palace

On screen

Harry PotterOutlanderHogwarts ExpressRosslyn Chapel