Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour

Walk back in time with a 45-min express guided tour of Edinburgh Castle, the fortress where Scotland’s royalty once lived.

Getting started

Meet your guide at the meeting point indicated on your booking voucher. After check-in, join your group for the walk to the castle entrance, where your guide will introduce the route and key highlights.

What to expect

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle crowns Castle Rock as a powerful symbol of Scottish heritage. For centuries, it has stood witness to pivotal moments in the nation’s history. Today, it offers visitors a vivid window into Scotland’s storied past.

Features:

• The Great Hall: Step inside the grand hall where monarchs, including Mary, Queen of Scots, once hosted feasts and gatherings.

• Royal Palace: Visit the former royal residence and discover its role in the lives of Scotland’s kings and queens.

• St. Margaret’s Chapel: See Edinburgh’s oldest surviving building, dating back to the 12th century.

• Royal Mile: Walk the Royal Mile, the historic street linking Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, lined with centuries-old buildings, shops, and landmarks.

• English-speaking guide: Gain insights, get personalised attention, and clarify your doubts from your expert guide.

• Audio tour: After your guided tour and independent exploration of the castle, learn more about the city with an insightful audio tour, available on a digital app.

Extras

• Extended tour: Want more insights on a longer tour? Choose the extended 1.5-hour tour for a more comprehensive experience.

• Skip-the-line entry: Save time by skipping the long queues to Edinburgh Castle.

• Royal Mile walking tour: Go on a guided walking tour of the most famous street in Edinburgh.

• Small-group: In a small-group setting of just 20 guests, you get a better chance to learn in-depth about the castle and get your questions answered in more detail.

Know before you go

What to bring

• Bring a valid photo ID if requested at the entrance.

• Download the audio app before reaching the meeting point to dodge any network glitches at the location. Simply scan the QR code on your voucher and follow the instructions to download the Vox City app and the city map in your preferred language. If you encounter any problems, contact customer@voxcity.com or contact customer support live 24/7 through the website.

• Carry your earphones for an immersive audio guide experience.

What’s not allowed

• Luggage, large bags, and bags over 30L in volume are not permitted inside Edinburgh Castle.

• Due to venue restrictions, your pets are not permitted.

• Drones are strictly prohibited on the premises.

• Access to the roof is not permitted in poor weather conditions.

Accessibility

• The experience is not fully wheelchair-accessible due to uneven terrain and steps within the castle grounds and surrounding areas.

Additional information

• The guided tour takes place outdoors around Edinburgh Castle. Entry to interior buildings is not included during the guided portion, but you may explore them independently after the tour.

• Specific stops during the tour are assigned by castle authorities and may vary.

• Minors must be accompanied by an adult to join the tour.

• Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10-15 mins before your scheduled start time.

• If Edinburgh Castle is unexpectedly closed on the day of your visit, tickets to Holyrood Palace will be provided instead if available.

• Meeting points may vary by tour. Ensure you check your booking confirmation for details.

• Please note the Honours of Scotland (Crown Jewels) will be closed from January 12 to Easter in 2026.