The 12 Best Stirling Castle Tours from Edinburgh

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

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

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…”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour

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

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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 626 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) Top rated

Ride from Edinburgh in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide, stopping at the Kelpies, Balmaha on Loch Lomond and Stirling. You get time for a lochside stroll and about two and a half hours in Stirling. Stirling Castle admission costs extra, so you can choose a castle visit or explore town instead.

“This was a lovely experience, we were able to see Stirling Castle, a coo, and many other beautiful sites. Our tour guide was Ry and he was amazing! The tour was small, which made for a great day! Very relaxing way to end our tours in Edinburgh.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Stirling Castle and Whisky Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 386 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $95

Leave Edinburgh at 8:30 am in a small Mercedes mini-coach for Stirling Castle, the Trossachs, Aberfoyle, Loch Lomond and Glengoyne Distillery. A local driver-guide adds Scottish history and stories along the way. Castle and distillery admission, food and drinks cost extra.

“I had a day tour from Edinburgh which was of a very small group of 6 persons. Our guide was Keith who drove us through the countryside on the outskirts of Edinburgh. We first had a visit to the Stirling Castle and then an early lunch at the town of Balmaha. After lunch, Keith led us for a quick walk along Loch Lomand. The highlight of the day was the tour at Glengoyne Distillery in the afternoon in which we got to know how the whisky was produced and tasted 2 glasses of Glengoyne whisky. Keith was professional, attentive and very knowledgeable about the history of Scotland. Enjoyed this day…”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 273 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $62

Leave Edinburgh at 8:30 am for the 30-foot Kelpies, Loch Lomond, the Dukes Pass and Stirling Castle, with a local Hairy Coo guide sharing Scottish stories along the way. You can add a Loch Lomond cruise or pay to enter the castle. Expect a full day, regular comfort stops and an estimated Edinburgh return around 6:30 pm.

“Jason was excellent! He made the day fun and kept the laughter going with his sense of humor. He was even kind enough to wait for me as I had the time wrong to come back to bus.”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Stirling Castle, Whisky & Kelpies Tour starting Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 135 reviews · 9 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $90

Leave Edinburgh at 8:30 am for a 9.5-hour small-group trip to Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and Balmaha, Glengoyne Distillery, and the Kelpies. Expect a castle visit, short hikes, Highland stories, and an optional whisky tour and tasting. Guides have included Pete, Perry, Chris, Cameron, and Aila, though your guide may differ.

“A nice mix of history, landscapes and Scottish culture. Sterling castle was very nice with terrific views of the countryside. The whisky tour was informative and great to sample. Loch Lomond was beautiful. We were blessed with gorgeous weather. Georgie our guide was very personable and knowledgeable.”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Stirling Castle,Trossachs National and Loch Lomond Day Tour from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 74 reviews · 9 hours (approx.)

Travel from Edinburgh to the Kelpies, Balmaha on Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle in about nine hours. An English-speaking driver-guide shares local stories along the way, and you get time to walk by the loch and explore the castle or Stirling town. Castle admission costs £17.50 extra.

“Your guide was an absolute treasure. Loved her stories and loved her personality. Patient with all, knowledgeable, friendly and just lovely!”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Wallace monument, Stirling Castle, Linlithgow Palace Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 46 reviews · 8 hours (approx.)

Travel from Edinburgh in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with Ed of Ed Private Tours, stopping at the Forth Bridges, Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument and Linlithgow Palace. The eight-hour day allows time to explore, and the route can be adjusted to suit your interests. Admissions and meals cost extra.

“Had an awesome day touring Wallace Monument, Stirling Castle, and Linlithgow with Ed! He showed up early, knew tons about Scottish history, and made the trip super fun and relaxed. Ed’s stories brought each place to life, and he was just great company all around. Would definitely recommend booking a tour with him if you want a memorable, hassle-free experience!”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Loch Lomond National Park, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 44 reviews · 9 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $77

From Edinburgh, ride an air-conditioned coach with a driver-guide to the 100-foot Kelpies, Loch Lomond’s village of Balloch, the Trossachs and Stirling Castle. You have time to choose an optional loch cruise and castle visit. Guides named Gary, Kyle and John have brought Scottish history and local stories to the day.

“Excellent tour, marvelled by Garry the tour guide due to his vast knowledge, passion and lovely stories about Scottish culture. The views were splendid along the various lochs culminating with the majestic Sterling Castle.”

Check availability →Read our full review