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Experience the best of Edinburgh Castle

Discover the history, heritage, and grandeur of Scotland’s iconic castle with Edinburgh Castle tickets. Enjoy guided tours, breathtaking views over Edinburgh, and a journey through the city’s royal past.
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Slide 1 of 13, Guided tour group outside historic stone architecture at Edinburgh Castle, Scotland.
Guided tour group outside historic stone architecture at Edinburgh Castle, Scotland.
45 mins - 2 hrs 15 mins
Audio guide
  • Explore Edinburgh Castle (exterior) with a local English-speaking guide and hear fascinating tales of royalty, sieges, and legendary events in just 45 mins.

  • See the Great Hall, St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, and marvel at Scotland’s Crown Jewels independently after the guided tour.

  • Stand atop Castle Rock to soak in sweeping views of the city and uncover hidden treasures with your included Edinburgh city audio tour on your own digital app.

  • Upgrade for a longer 1.5-hour guided tour, an expert Spanish, Italian, French or German guide, an express guided tour or a small-group Royal Mile guided walking tour.

More details
  • Explore Edinburgh Castle (exterior) with a local English-speaking guide and hear fascinating tales of royalty, sieges, and legendary events in just 45 mins.

  • See the Great Hall, St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, and marvel at Scotland’s Crown Jewels independently after the guided tour.

  • Stand atop Castle Rock to soak in sweeping views of the city and uncover hidden treasures with your included Edinburgh city audio tour on your own digital app.

  • Upgrade for a longer 1.5-hour guided tour, an expert Spanish, Italian, French or German guide, an express guided tour or a small-group Royal Mile guided walking tour.

from
£39
Slide 1 of 12, Hop-On Hop-Off bus on a street in Edinburgh with historic buildings and Arthur's Seat in the background.
Hop-On Hop-Off bus on a street in Edinburgh with historic buildings and Arthur's Seat in the background.
Explore at your pace
1 more
  • Unlock Edinburgh’s royal heritage with entry to three iconic landmarks and 48-hour hop-on hop-off access to 50+ well-placed stops across the city.

  • Travel across 3 routes covering the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish Parliament, with the freedom to hop on and off as you explore.

  • Buses run approximately every 30 minutes and include multilingual audio guides on Red and Blue routes, live English commentary on the Green route, Horrible Histories children’s narration, and a mobile app with live tracking.

  • Visit Edinburgh Castle to see the Crown Jewels, explore the royal apartments at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and tour the State Apartments aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia.

  • With dedicated stops near each attraction, this combo ensures seamless travel between castle, palace, and royal yacht, keeping your sightseeing efficient.

More details
  • Unlock Edinburgh’s royal heritage with entry to three iconic landmarks and 48-hour hop-on hop-off access to 50+ well-placed stops across the city.

  • Travel across 3 routes covering the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish Parliament, with the freedom to hop on and off as you explore.

  • Buses run approximately every 30 minutes and include multilingual audio guides on Red and Blue routes, live English commentary on the Green route, Horrible Histories children’s narration, and a mobile app with live tracking.

  • Visit Edinburgh Castle to see the Crown Jewels, explore the royal apartments at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and tour the State Apartments aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia.

  • With dedicated stops near each attraction, this combo ensures seamless travel between castle, palace, and royal yacht, keeping your sightseeing efficient.

from
£81
Slide 1 of 11, Visitors exploring the courtyard of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh.
Visitors exploring the courtyard of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh.
Explore at your pace
  • Experience Scotland’s most iconic landmarks in one expertly curated day, with a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle followed by access to Palace of Holyroodhouse.

  • Step inside Edinburgh Castle and explore its essential highlights, including the Great Hall, St. Margaret's Chapel, and the Crown Jewels.

  • Enjoy richer context throughout, as your expert guide brings to life the stories behind every chamber, crown, and courtyard.

  • Continue to Palace of Holyroodhouse, where you can explore the historic State Apartments and the evocative ruins of Holyrood Abbey with a multimedia guide.

  • For a more intimate experience, upgrade to a small-group guided tour of the palace, complete with an English-speaking expert and a complimentary guidebook for a refined finish.

More details
  • Experience Scotland’s most iconic landmarks in one expertly curated day, with a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle followed by access to Palace of Holyroodhouse.

  • Step inside Edinburgh Castle and explore its essential highlights, including the Great Hall, St. Margaret's Chapel, and the Crown Jewels.

  • Enjoy richer context throughout, as your expert guide brings to life the stories behind every chamber, crown, and courtyard.

  • Continue to Palace of Holyroodhouse, where you can explore the historic State Apartments and the evocative ruins of Holyrood Abbey with a multimedia guide.

  • For a more intimate experience, upgrade to a small-group guided tour of the palace, complete with an English-speaking expert and a complimentary guidebook for a refined finish.

from Original price£61
£57.95

5% off

Slide 1 of 12, Tourists with a guide at the entrance of Edinburgh Castle, Scotland.
Tourists with a guide at the entrance of Edinburgh Castle, Scotland.
4 hrs
  • Set out on a 2-hour, small-group Harry Potter-themed walking tour of Edinburgh and later explore the rich history of Edinburgh Castle.

  • Explore Rowling's inspiration for the lore at sites like Greyfriars Kirkyard, Victoria Street, and the Elephant Café with a local Potter-head guide.

  • Hear behind-the-scenes stories about the city’s influence on the wizarding universe, from Diagon Alley to Tom Riddle’s grave.

  • After the tour, step into Edinburgh Castle and discover centuries of Scottish history at your own pace.

  • Wander through the Great Hall and chambers, and marvel at the Crown Jewels as you uncover stories of legends that helped shape the nation.

More details
  • Set out on a 2-hour, small-group Harry Potter-themed walking tour of Edinburgh and later explore the rich history of Edinburgh Castle.

  • Explore Rowling's inspiration for the lore at sites like Greyfriars Kirkyard, Victoria Street, and the Elephant Café with a local Potter-head guide.

  • Hear behind-the-scenes stories about the city’s influence on the wizarding universe, from Diagon Alley to Tom Riddle’s grave.

  • After the tour, step into Edinburgh Castle and discover centuries of Scottish history at your own pace.

  • Wander through the Great Hall and chambers, and marvel at the Crown Jewels as you uncover stories of legends that helped shape the nation.

from
£58
Slide 1 of 11, Edinburgh Castle on Castle Rock with lush greenery and a red HOHO sightseeing bus in Scotland.
Edinburgh Castle on Castle Rock with lush greenery and a red HOHO sightseeing bus in Scotland.
Explore at your pace
Audio guide
  • Combine a 45-minute guided tour of Edinburgh Castle’s exterior with a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass for a flexible city adventure.

  • Walk the castle exterior with a local English-speaking guide and hear fascinating tales of royalty, sieges, and legendary events.

  • Explore the Great Hall, St. Margaret’s Chapel, and Scotland’s Crown Jewels at your own pace with the included city audio tour app.

  • Access the Red Route with 14 stops across the city, hopping on and off at your leisure as buses arrive every 20 minutes.

  • Learn Edinburgh’s history via a multilingual audio guide, enjoy 360-degree open-top bus views, and visit iconic stops including John Knox House, Grassmarket, and Holyrood.

More details
  • Combine a 45-minute guided tour of Edinburgh Castle’s exterior with a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass for a flexible city adventure.

  • Walk the castle exterior with a local English-speaking guide and hear fascinating tales of royalty, sieges, and legendary events.

  • Explore the Great Hall, St. Margaret’s Chapel, and Scotland’s Crown Jewels at your own pace with the included city audio tour app.

  • Access the Red Route with 14 stops across the city, hopping on and off at your leisure as buses arrive every 20 minutes.

  • Learn Edinburgh’s history via a multilingual audio guide, enjoy 360-degree open-top bus views, and visit iconic stops including John Knox House, Grassmarket, and Holyrood.

from Original price£61
£56.12

8% off

Slide 1 of 9, Tour guide leading a group through a historic alley on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
Tour guide leading a group through a historic alley on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
2 hrs 15 mins
  • Join a small-group, English-guided walking tour through Edinburgh’s Old Town and uncover hidden stories from its centuries-old past.

  • Stroll along the Royal Mile with a Mercat storyteller, hearing vivid tales of royalty, rebels, poets, and the everyday people who once lived here.

  • Explore historic closes, wynds, and courtyards that offer a glimpse into life within Edinburgh’s walled Old Town.

  • Continue your experience with entry to Edinburgh Castle, including a 45-minute guided introduction at the gates before exploring independently.

More details
  • Join a small-group, English-guided walking tour through Edinburgh’s Old Town and uncover hidden stories from its centuries-old past.

  • Stroll along the Royal Mile with a Mercat storyteller, hearing vivid tales of royalty, rebels, poets, and the everyday people who once lived here.

  • Explore historic closes, wynds, and courtyards that offer a glimpse into life within Edinburgh’s walled Old Town.

  • Continue your experience with entry to Edinburgh Castle, including a 45-minute guided introduction at the gates before exploring independently.

from
£49
Slide 1 of 11, Edinburgh Castle exterior and actor in period costume during Underground Ghost Experience.
Edinburgh Castle exterior and actor in period costume during Underground Ghost Experience.
45 mins - 1 hr 15 mins
Audio guide
  • Experience Edinburgh’s top attractions in one day with a combo that covers the city’s fortress and its underground, including guided tours and chilling tales.

  • Take a 45-minute guided walk around Edinburgh Castle’s exterior with an English-speaking guide, uncovering stories of royalty, battles, and legendary events.

  • Explore the Great Hall, St. Margaret’s Chapel, and Scotland’s Crown Jewels at your own pace using the included audio tour app.

  • Discover Edinburgh’s darker history on the Underground Ghost Tour, walking the Old Town with an English guide through St. Giles Cathedral, former parliament sites, and notorious jail locations.

  • Visit Greyfriars Kirkyard and South Bridge Underground, hear spine-tingling stories of poltergeists and body snatchers, and learn about loyal Bobby, the dog who guarded his master’s grave for 14 years.

More details
  • Experience Edinburgh’s top attractions in one day with a combo that covers the city’s fortress and its underground, including guided tours and chilling tales.

  • Take a 45-minute guided walk around Edinburgh Castle’s exterior with an English-speaking guide, uncovering stories of royalty, battles, and legendary events.

  • Explore the Great Hall, St. Margaret’s Chapel, and Scotland’s Crown Jewels at your own pace using the included audio tour app.

  • Discover Edinburgh’s darker history on the Underground Ghost Tour, walking the Old Town with an English guide through St. Giles Cathedral, former parliament sites, and notorious jail locations.

  • Visit Greyfriars Kirkyard and South Bridge Underground, hear spine-tingling stories of poltergeists and body snatchers, and learn about loyal Bobby, the dog who guarded his master’s grave for 14 years.

from Original price£60
£56.40

6% off

Slide 1 of 11, Edinburgh Castle on Castle Rock, Scotland, with visitors enjoying a whiskey tasting experience.
Edinburgh Castle on Castle Rock, Scotland, with visitors enjoying a whiskey tasting experience.
45 mins - 50 mins
Audio guide
  • Make the most of your time in Edinburgh with this exceptional-value combo, seamlessly pairing Edinburgh Castle with The Scotch Whisky Experience while enjoying a 5% saving.

  • Step back through centuries of history at Edinburgh Castle on a 45-minute expert-led walking tour, uncovering stories of monarchs, sieges, and enduring legends.

  • After your guided introduction, take time to explore the castle at your own pace—admire the Scottish Crown Jewels, visit St. Margaret’s Chapel, and take in views from Castle Rock.

  • Continue your journey at The Scotch Whisky Experience with the 50-minute Silver Tour, where you’ll discover the craft behind Scotland’s national drink and enjoy a guided tasting.

  • Explore more with multilingual audio guides available in 20 languages, and take home a crystal souvenir tasting glass to round off your experience in style.

More details
  • Make the most of your time in Edinburgh with this exceptional-value combo, seamlessly pairing Edinburgh Castle with The Scotch Whisky Experience while enjoying a 5% saving.

  • Step back through centuries of history at Edinburgh Castle on a 45-minute expert-led walking tour, uncovering stories of monarchs, sieges, and enduring legends.

  • After your guided introduction, take time to explore the castle at your own pace—admire the Scottish Crown Jewels, visit St. Margaret’s Chapel, and take in views from Castle Rock.

  • Continue your journey at The Scotch Whisky Experience with the 50-minute Silver Tour, where you’ll discover the craft behind Scotland’s national drink and enjoy a guided tasting.

  • Explore more with multilingual audio guides available in 20 languages, and take home a crystal souvenir tasting glass to round off your experience in style.

from Original price£66
£61.51

7% off

Slide 1 of 11, Edinburgh Castle exterior and interactive courtroom scene at Edinburgh Dungeon.
Edinburgh Castle exterior and interactive courtroom scene at Edinburgh Dungeon.
45 mins - 1 hr 20 mins
Audio guide
  • Maximise your day in Edinburgh with a combo ticket for a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle’s exterior and entry to The Edinburgh Dungeon’s 80-minute live show.

  • Explore Edinburgh Castle with a 45-minute express English-guided tour of the exterior, then enjoy free time to roam the grounds and interiors.

  • Uncover the castle’s history, visit the Great Hall and St. Margaret’s Chapel, and take in panoramic city views from Castle Rock with the included audio tour app.

  • Prepare for spooky thrills with entry to The Edinburgh Dungeon, an immersive 80-minute experience featuring live actors, theatrical sets, and dramatic effects.

  • Encounter infamous characters like Burke & Hare and Major Weir, then cap off the experience with the Drop-Dead Ride’s vertical plunge for a thrilling finale.

More details
  • Maximise your day in Edinburgh with a combo ticket for a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle’s exterior and entry to The Edinburgh Dungeon’s 80-minute live show.

  • Explore Edinburgh Castle with a 45-minute express English-guided tour of the exterior, then enjoy free time to roam the grounds and interiors.

  • Uncover the castle’s history, visit the Great Hall and St. Margaret’s Chapel, and take in panoramic city views from Castle Rock with the included audio tour app.

  • Prepare for spooky thrills with entry to The Edinburgh Dungeon, an immersive 80-minute experience featuring live actors, theatrical sets, and dramatic effects.

  • Encounter infamous characters like Burke & Hare and Major Weir, then cap off the experience with the Drop-Dead Ride’s vertical plunge for a thrilling finale.

from Original price£60
£57

5% off

Pro tips to help you make a pick

Edinburgh Castle involves walking on cobbled paths and uneven terrain. Wear comfortable and sturdy footwear to explore the site comfortably, especially if you plan to climb to the upper areas for panoramic views.

About Edinburgh Castle

Dominating Edinburgh's skyline, Edinburgh Castle perches atop Castle Rock, offering a glimpse into Scotland's past. From the splendor of the Crown Jewels to the stunning views, every corner of this fortress narrates a fascinating chapter of Scotland's enduring legacy.


AddressCastlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, UK
Year opened1103
Founded byKing David I
Visitors per year2000000
Expected wait time - Standard30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
Unesco status1992

Did you know?

Deep within David's Tower lies a time capsule, placed during its construction in 1892. This hidden container holds newspapers, coins, and other artifacts, offering a fascinating glimpse into the late 19th century when the tower was built.

Why visit Edinburgh Castle?

Historical majesty

Uncover centuries of Scottish history within the castle walls, from royal residences to military strongholds. Explore the Great Hall, witness the Stone of Destiny, and more.

Highlights

Plan your visit

Esplanade Entrance

Esplanade Entrance

Location: This entrance is at the lower end of the Royal Mile and leads to the Esplanade, a large open space in front of the castle.

Accessibility: The Esplanade Entrance is accessible for visitors with mobility challenges, and the castle provides ramps and other facilities for ease of access.

Castle Gate Entrance

Castle Gate Entrance

Location: Located within the castle walls, this entrance is part of the main gatehouse.

Accessibility: Accessible for visitors, but the terrain within the castle can be uneven. Some areas may require additional assistance for those with mobility challenges.

Argyle Battery Entrance

Argyle Battery Entrance

Location: Situated on the western side of the castle, the Argyle Battery Entrance provides access to the western part of the castle, including the National War Museum.

Accessibility: Some parts may have stairs or uneven surfaces, so visitors with mobility challenges should check for specific accessibility information.

Lang Stairs Entrance

Lang Stairs Entrance

Location: This entrance is located near the Half Moon Battery, providing access to the upper parts of the castle.

Accessibility: Involves stairs, so it may not be suitable for visitors with mobility challenges. Check for alternative routes or assistance.

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What our guests say

Maria N

Colombia
Family
2 weeks ago
It was an interesting, informative and fun tour that gave us a general perspective of the city, the history and what we would find in the castle. It was fantastic we were able to get in the castle with these tickets as the official ones were ale ready sold out!

Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour with Entry Tickets

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