Why choose this Edinburgh tour ?
Edinburgh Castle dominates one of the world’s most heroic and bloody national histories. Set on a dead volcano, the castle is an imposing sight with its thick defensive walls. This 2-hour tour gives you an insider’s view of the city’s number one attraction, first letting you skip the ticket line and then revealing the secrets of this fortress, from one of the world’s few official dog cemeteries to the smallest shrine in the world. Learn about the castle’s wicked and wonderful history from the guide.
Make the most of your Edinburgh adventure
What makes Edinburgh Skip-the-Ticket-Line Castle Walking Tour a unique experience ?
Meet your guide in front of Frankie & Benny’s on 130 High Street by Tron Kirk
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tour Description & Additional Info:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
Options To Choose for Your Trip:
Edinburgh Skip-the-Ticket-Line Castle Walking Tour Inclusions:
Included with Your Ticket
- Skip-the-ticket-line entrance to the Castle
- Local guide
Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
Trending Edinburgh Nearby Tours Likely To Sell Out
Special Instructions:
- This Tour is Provided by Sandemans Tours.
- Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/London.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- This Tour is Rated 4.5 Stars based on 1282 valid reviews on VIATOR.
- Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
- Maximum 9 Travelers is accepted for booking.
OUR TOUR STARTS AT 130 HIGH STREET. WE DON’T ALLOW GUESTS TO JOIN AFTER THE START TIME, AND WE DON’T ALLOW GUESTS TO JOIN IF THEY DON’T SHOW UP IN THE MENTIONED START POINT.
Please arrive 15 mins before departure.
No bags or backpacks over 30L are permitted for security reasons
