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Edinburgh Castle

The Esplanade, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG

• 0131 225 9846

Important notice

The Scottish National War Memorial will be closed on Wednesday 29 May from 3pm-6pm and on Wednesday 5 June 9.30am-1pm

Tickets often sell out far in advance, especially over the summer months. Book your tickets online in advance for the best price and to guarantee entry.

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A Edinburgh Castle Flexi-Ticket allows you entry to the castle within one week of your selected date. There is no need to pre-book a timeslot; simply select a date when booking online. You can then choose to visit any day within the validity period. You can book up to six Flexi tickets per transaction. These tickets are the perfect ticket for those “see where the day takes us” adventures and allow for flexibility when exploring Scotland’s capital.

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Afternoon Tea Experience

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Tickets often sell out far in advance, especially over the summer months. Book your tickets online in advance for the best price and to guarantee entry. 1 Apr to 30 Sept: Daily, 9.30am to 6pm (last entry 5pm) 1 Oct to 31 Mar: Daily, 9.30am to 5pm (last entry 4pm)

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There are many ways to experience Edinburgh Castle. Go straight to an exciting part, follow an itinerary, or allow an audio guide to show you around.

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Some of your favourite highlights will be open to visit including the Great Hall, St Margaret’s Chapel and the One o’clock Gun. Please visit the individual pages which detail which areas will be open or closed to visitors.

Fight for the Castle

The Great Hall

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Pick a route around Edinburgh Castle based on how much time you have to spare or what interests you most.

• Portcullis Gate
• Argyle Battery
• Lang Stairs
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Military March

• Fight for the Castle - Argyle Tower

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Nestled at the top of the castle in Crown Square, The Tea Rooms is a stylish and elegant place

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How to Visit Edinburgh Castle: A Fun & Efficient Itinerary! 

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Perched upon the aptly named Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is the most visited attraction in Scotland, welcoming over 1.3 million visitors each year who come in search of views, royal history, and a glimpse at the ‘Honours of Scotland’ – Britain’s oldest crown jewels.

But I’ll be honest – visiting Edinburgh Castle does require some prep work. The first time I visited, I felt underwhelmed because I didn’t know my way around, there were way too many people, and I had zero historical understanding of the sights I was seeing.

… which is a pretty sad way to spend almost £20 for entry!

But don’t worry – I gave Edinburgh Castle another try on my recent month-long stint in Edinburgh, and I’m now the biggest of fans. Turns out, there’s a lot to do at this pricey attraction if you know how to plan for it, which is what I’ll be chatting about today.

So, this post, I’ll be sharing a step by step guide on how to visit Edinburgh Castle like a pro, along with an itinerary to help you plan your visit and make the most of that entrance fee. I hope you find it helpful!

Save this Edinburgh Castle Itinerary for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

How Long to Spend at Edinburgh Castle

Many articles I read before my visit suggested that Edinburgh Castle is doable in about two hours.

… which I now realize is so untrue it hurts!

With several museums, a large war memorial, a royal palace, a Great Hall & several other little stops/activities, if you want to actually see all of Edinburgh Castle’s sights and attractions, you’ll need much more than two hours… especially considering the line to see the Honours of Scotland (AKA the Crown Jewels) can last 20+ minutes. 

In my experience, a more accurate estimate would be 3+ hours if you want to see everything, more if you want to take a more relaxed pace and maybe enjoy some food/drink while you’re there.

Overall, if you’re a history nerd and want to make the most of the castle and its many component museums/attractions, then plan for 3.5 hours minimum.

A Brief History of Edinburgh Castle

Alright, before we dive into Edinburgh Castle logistics and planning, let’s first discuss a bit of history.

Given the age of the castle, much of what you see in-person requires some imagination to bring to life, so having an idea of the castle’s history before your visit can be pivotal in your enjoyment.

… Plus, there’s not a ton of detailed explanations on site (and the audio guides cost extra), so listen up…

Given its clearly strategic position, it should come as no surprise that Castle Rock has been occupied for thousands of years, with evidence dating back all the way to the Iron Age.

The “castle” bit however only has official records dating back to the 11 th  century, though it was likely a modest timber structure at the time, of which nothing remains.

The oldest surviving structure at the castle (and the oldest in the city) dates back to the 12th century. It is of course St Margaret’s Chapel, built by King David I in honour of his mother. This same king is the one credited with turning Edinburgh Castle into a royal residence.

As the years rolled on, royals came and went, with new additions being made to the castle, creating the complex we see today.

The Renaissance of the 1400s for instance brought us the Royal Palace that now houses various royal paintings and displays (including THE closet where Mary, Queen of Scots gave birth to King James VI of Scotland, AKA King James I of England).

The 1500s brought us the Great Hall, which was needed of course for fancy banquets.

The 1600s brought new defences and barracks as the castle eased into its role of a military outpost more than swanky royal digs (since Holyrood was now a comfier option).

… And here we are, centuries later, still exploring all those same places that have somehow withstood the trials of time. Do you see what I mean now that history is so important in “getting” Edinburgh Castle?

It’s worth noting of course that this condensed history offers just a tiny glimpse of the dramas that have unfolded at this castle over the years. After all, Edinburgh Castle is known as the most besieged place in Britain with a (recorded) 26 sieges.

So yes, if you’re into drama and turbulence, this is definitely a place to visit.

The Best Way to Tour Edinburgh Castle

Alright, with that quick bit of history out of the way, now let’s discuss the best way to visit Edinburgh Castle.

First – get there early in the morning and be the first one there.

We thought we would avoid crowds by booking a late afternoon slot just before the castle closed but it was still swarming with visitors upon arrival, and many of the museums closed far before the actual castle closing time of 6pm, so we missed many of the key attractions.

Yes, I’m very bitter about it and so urge you to not make the same mistake (though to be fair, we did go in late July which is close to peak season). 

Anyways, broadly speaking, if you’re looking for the smartest and most efficient way to visit Edinburgh Castle, I’d say make this your first activity of the day and arrive just before opening time so you can be among the many to storm the gates. This will be more fun if you imagine it’s in a “medieval sacking” kind of way rather than a “I paid £20 to be here” kind of way.

Then, I’d recommend starting at the top of the castle then working your way down, starting with the big must-sees like the Honours of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny, then meandering downwards to appreciate the views, and ending your time at the many museums.

NOTE: I’d highly recommend looking up a map in advance (overkill, I know) but when you’re admitted into the castle you’re pretty much left to your own devices, so having a rough idea of the layout can help a lot.

Anyways, now that we’ve covered the basics of our tactical plan, let’s move onto the step by step one day itinerary for Edinburgh Castle:

Edinburgh Castle Itinerary: Step by Step!

Looking for the best way to tackle Edinburgh Castle in one day? Here are my suggestions, along with loose time stamps where they matter.

9:15isham (or before) Join the Edinburgh Castle Line-Up

Yes, if you want to make the most of a crowdless Edinburgh Castle, then you need to arrive even before the castle opens.

So, head out to join your touristy brethren along the Royal Mile and marvel at how many others were THIS keen to see a castle first thing in the morning.

9:30am: Storm the Castle

When it’s time to let everyone in, make your way up the Castle Esplanade and get those tickets scanned!

Afterwards, make your way over through the entry gate (and the iconic 19th century Gatehouse). You’ll be walking uphill from this point onwards, so get ready to power walk.

If you want a map, you can get one at the Information desk right when you enter. 

You can also grab an audio guide from the nearby desk for an extra fee.

Now, remember: the biggest attraction at the castle with the longest queue is the Honours of Scotland (AKA the Crown Jewels) so make a bee line for it. 

It’s also the highest point of the castle so you get all your uphill stomping out of the way.

There will be many a tempting distraction along the way in the form of viewpoints and cool-looking cannons. DO NOT GIVE IN! We will come back for those later. For now, you want to be first at the crown jewels.

9:35ish: Portcullis Gate / Argyle Tower

Continue your uphill walk through the Argyle Tower and its Portcullis Gate, built 400+ years ago after a particularly bad siege known as the Lang Siege. 

This will be a “gawk and walk” kind of moment because we’re on a mission today with this Edinburgh Castle itinerary, but above head, you’ll see some alarmingly sharp spikes in the raised portcullis (the gridded gate).

Marvel at how lucky you are to not be impaled by that thing, then carry on.

NOTE: Above this gate is Argyle Tower, but we’ll get to that later.

When you arrive at the Argyle Battery, stay strong.

You’ll be tempted to flock to the glorious view over the city like the rest of your fellow visitors, but instead you’re going to take a hard left and climb up…

The Lang Stairs

Totalling 70 steps, the Lang Stairs offer the most efficient (and calf-shaping) way to reach the top of Castle Rock, AKA where you’ll find Edinburgh Castle’s top royal attractions. 

Climb up these steps and proceed to Crown Square, where the castle’s top attractions await.

9:40am: The Honours of Scotland (and Stone of Destiny) 

When you arrive in Crown Square via the Lang Stairs, you’ll have the Scottish National War Memorial to your right. Directly opposite the entrance to this memorial, you should see some queue markers for the Honours of Scotland. Join this queue as soon as you can!

If all goes according to plan, you’ll either have a short wait, or no wait at all.

While going through the queue, there are some (spoilery) pictures that show you what exactly you’ll be seeing inside, but I think more important than photos is understanding the history/significance behind the room’s treasures, especially since the written explanations inside don’t really go into much detail.

So, why is seeing the Honours of Scotland SO cool?

Well, these are the oldest crown jewels in Britain which were even used in the coronation of Mary, Queen of Scots 500+ years ago. 

Next to this historic ‘crown, sceptre and sword’ set  is the cooly named ‘Stone of Destiny’, which historically played a key role in the coronation of Scottish Kings for centuries and centuries…

… until it was stolen by the English. Who took it and slotted it into their Coronation Chair at Westminster Abbey until 1996, when it was returned to Scotland for good.

Of course, that’s not entirely true. This is one of my favourite Edinburgh fun facts – the stone did make a brief return to Scotland in the 1950s… when a group of Scottish students stole it back from Westminster Abbey during a Christmas Day heist.

But anyways, now you know – those shiny things in the cabinet are very significant indeed. Bask in their sparkliness and make your way down the stairs.

The Royal Apartments

As you exit the Honours of Scotland room, you’ll be led into the Royal Apartments.

This part of the palace has now been re-done with a series of room showcasing royal portraits and artifacts. As you enter the first room with portraits, take note of a doorway in the top right hand corner.

This is the very room where Mary, Queen of Scots gave birth to King James VI of Scotland (AKA King James I of England)!

Though it wasn’t 100% open during my visit, I’ve been told you can normally enter the room to take a look. Instead, I had to meekly steal glances from behind a rope

As you move through the palace, another highlight is the beautifully restored Laich Hall, still used today for fancy state occasions.

The Great Hall

After leaving the Royal Apartments, your next stop should be the Great Hall, also located in Crown Square.

Originally completed in 1511, a highlight of this room is the beautiful woodwork, including the beam-tiful roof.

While originally intended for state occasions and banquets, the room served as barracks from the mid 17th century onwards, turning the once grand room for fancy parties into a smelly and unsanitary frat house. You have Oliver Cromwell to thank for that – his capture of the castle in 1650 marked the start of the castle’s military makeover.

Luckily, the Great Hall today has once again been restored to its former glory for regular folks like you and me to visit and ogle at our leisure.

There’s plenty of interesting objects on display in this room, so be sure to give everything a proper look. Keep an eye out especially to the right of the fireplace for the Laird’s Lug, supposedly used by the king to spy on those below. 

Scottish National War Memorial

Alright, now it’s time to transition from the royal side of Edinburgh Castle to the WAR side. Yeah! Cannons! 

… But before we get to the giant guns and things, we’ll start with a somber memorial.

The final attraction of Crown Square is the Scottish National War Memorial, built in 1927 by a team of 200+ Scottish artists and craftsmen, with architect Sir Robert Lorimer at the helm. 

No photos are allowed inside, so I’ll try to describe it the best I can: imagine a church-like interior with imposing barrel-vaulted ceilings, tall stained glass windows, and light stone walls adorned with monuments commemorating individual regiments.

In front of the monuments, there are red leather-bound books containing the Rolls of Honour, thousands of names belonging to the brave Scots who died in service to their country.

It’s truly a sight to behold, and well worth a lingering visit. If you’re curious, you can see some photos through a virtual tour here.

The memorials here feel especially poignant when you consider that the Great Hall just opposite served as a hospital room for soldiers during the Great War, as it did after Oliver Cromwell took over in 1650 and turned the once prestigious hall into troop accommodation. 

David’s Tower & Half Moon Battery

With all the hard hitting must-sees out of the way, it’s time to exit Crown Square and move onto that gorgeous panoramic view you had to skip earlier.

The views from this perch are absolutely breathtaking, so get your fill of photos while you can… because after you start making your way down, you probably won’t want to climb all the way back up.

One sight to take note of below is the Edinburgh Castle Dog Cemetery, which is home to about two dozen tiny headstones that (if you’re easily moved like me) might make you feel a little teary.

Honouring regimental mascots and dogs of high-ranking officers alike, this small cemetery may boast the best view of any in Edinburgh – a fitting final resting place for the best friends and dogs.

NOTE: You won’t be able to enter the cemetery, but you can let your tears fall over it from above.

Apart from the weirdly moving pet tribute space, there are a number of other interesting sights on this level, for instance…

• Argyle Tower and Fight for Castle Exhibition

And….

St Margaret’s Chapel

This simple, unassuming structure is supposedly the oldest building in Edinburgh and was (according to the official castle website ) a chapel built in the 1100s by King David I for mother, Queen Margaret (canonized in 1250, hence the ‘saint’ bit). 

For centuries, this historic chapel was used as mere storage facility for gunpowder. It wasn’t until the mid 19th century that its origins were rediscovered and today it’s one of Edinburgh Castle’s signature attractions.

… people even still use it for weddings and christenings! 

Just outside of the chapel, you’ll find another one of the signature attractions of Edinburgh Castle: Mons Meg!

She may not look too high tech, but back in her day, Mons Meg was considered a cutting edge piece of gear.

… and she’s looking pretty great for something that’s almost 600 years old!

Given to King James II in 1457, this impressive gun could once upon a time fire a gunstone weighing 150kg for up two miles. In her almost 100 years of service, she was used in sieges aplenty, and today serves her most important role yet, as backdrop to silly tourist selfies.

Now, when you’ve had enough of the views (which may take a while), it’s time to make your way down via…

Foog’s Gate

Once known as “foggy gate”, the true name origins of this 17th century gate are unknown… although given the castle’s location in Scotland, I’d guess fog might have something to do with it.

Anyways, walk through this pretty and mysterious gate, then proceed down towards the Prisons of War Exhibition, which should be on your left.

Prisons of War Exhibition

Once upon a time, the vaults below Crown Square were used as a dark and sad holding space for prisoners of war.

… These days, the space has been converted into a fun exhibition all about prisoners of war, which is much better than actually holding them.

I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this portion of Edinburgh Castle. Not only are there recreations of the former prison quarters, but there are lots of cool objects on display from this chapter of the castle’s history as well.

An especially cool highlight is a centuries-old etching of an American flag, thought to be left by an American prisoner of war: 

I also really enjoyed reading about the craftiness of various Edinburgh Castle prisoners over the years, from tales of detailed banknote forgery to the creation of elaborate crafts for sale using leftover bones and materials from the prison.

Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Regimental Museum

After the Prisons of War Exhibition, make your way over to the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Regimental Museum housed in the New Barracks, which tells the story of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, AKA the senior Scottish regiment.

Inside, you’ll find uniforms, regalia, medals and more, a key highlight being a French Imperial Eagle captured during the Battle of Waterloo.

NOTE: These museums are run independently from the castle and so have different opening hours. Beware that they may close earlier than the rest of the castle, which was sadly the case during our visit. Are these museums worth it? I have no idea because I didn’t get to see the inside… but if you have an opinion, please let me know in the comments!

New Barracks

While you were technically already in the New Barracks during your visit to the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Regimental Museum, they’re worth mentioning again since his seven story building is the largest one at Edinburgh Castle.

Constructed from 1796 – 1799, these barracks are able to hold a full battalion of 600+ soldiers… and they’re still in use today, which is why they’re not open to the public apart from the museum bit.

You can better admire their size in this photo:

Museum of the Royal Scots and the Royal Regiment of Scotland

Opposite the New Barracks, you’ll find the Museum of the Royal Scots and the Royal Regiment of Scotland, which houses the Royal Scots / Royal Regiment of Scotland’s collections, including a number of shiny medals.

If you’re into military paraphernalia, you will definitely love this portion of your Edinburgh Castle itinerary.

Governor’s House

Now, continuing downhill, you’ll soon find yourself at the Governor’s House.

Built in the mid 18th century, this (relatively) modern looking building is home to the castle’s governor, an honourary title given these days to the General Officer Commanding of Scottish Command.

This isn’t so much an Edinburgh Castle attraction you can visit, more a place to stand and wonder what you did wrong in a previous life to not be living in a place like that.

If you’re lucky like me, there will be men in VERY fancy tuxedos inside drinking champagne out of tiny flutes, adding further insult to injury.

National War Museum

Alright, we have one final museum to tackle as part of our day at Edinburgh Castle, so let’s make it count!

Set in Hospital Square, the National War Museum is home to an extensive collection of items used by Scottish forces throughout the past 400 years of history, from epic historic weapons like Highland broadswords to more modern personal items belonging to Scottish soldiers.

This museum is a must for anyone interested in Scottish war history….. and anyone who fears disappointing me due to their lack of interest in Scottish war history.

Middle Ward (Again)

Alright, now with all the big sights out of the way, it’s time to finally take in some of the sights you skipped on your way in.

The Middle Ward is the largest open space at Edinburgh Castle, with lots to see, including the Argyle Battery, a six-gun battery that was originally built in the 1730s. 

From here, you can also venture back up to Argyle Tower for the “Fight for the Castle Exhibition”, an immersive exhibition that deals with the Wars of Independence chapter of the castle’s history.

1pm: One O’ Clock Gun 

If you’ve followed my initial recommendation of “3.5 hour minimum” closely, then I have great news: you can now cap off your visit with a bang!

… Literally.

Apart from deep fried pizza and Mars Bars, Edinburgh’s One o’ Clock Gun is one of the most consistent things in the city, firing every day at…. you guessed it, one o’ clock, since 1861.

This big bang takes place at Mills Mount Battery, on the right at the far end of the Argyle Battery. When in doubt, look for the lingering crowds.

Now, if you are too early, you can distract yourself with the Castle Timeline here, which showcases important moments from the castle’s history, including the fact that Sir Walter Scott of all people was the one who re-discovered the Honours of Scotland in a vault.

OR you could browse one of the many souvenir shops on-site, or grab a refreshment at one of the cafes (the Redcoat Café is very very close). Either way, the One o’ Clock Gun is the perfect way to wrap up your one day at Edinburgh Castle itinerary. 

… Though for optimal nerd points, you may want to consider exploring and staying even after the gun has been fired!

I Hope This Edinburgh Castle Itinerary & Plan Was Helpful!

Let me know in the comments if you have any more questions. Happy & safe travels!

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Stirling Castle , Scottish whisky and castles tours Scotland

© Private tours Edinburgh, Scotland

Stirling Castle , Scotland

Scottish Whisky and castles tour from Private tours Edinburgh Scotland

Our private group visits a malt whisky distillery and two unique Scottish castles. This tour visits Deanston Distillery, Stirling Castle and Doune Castle, featured in Game of Thrones , Outlander and Monty Python. 5 star reviews, small group tours

Looking for castle tours from Edinburgh ? How about taking a tour from Edinburgh of Scotland's amazing castles and film locations with Private tours Edinburgh  ? Phone / Whatsapp +447305294773 for more details and availability or contact us online .

Two ancient Scottish castles  and a distillery feature in this tour – 

•  Stirling Castle 
• Doune Castle 
• Deanston Highland Malt Distillery

What makes our tours unique ?

• professional driver / guide
• small private tours - only small groups up to four people
• photography / videos - we help customers to take the best possible pictures on their trip
• Scottish music - TV / film themes and Scottish artists
• information about Scottish culture and arts
•   Outlander souvenirs are available, speak to your driver for details

check availability online

Doune Castle featured in Monty Python and the Holy Grail , Game of Thrones , the Outlander TV series and the Outlaw King .

Lowest price guarantee - superb online prices , 30% below other OTAs .

We guarantee you the lowest online prices for our tours , book now and save up to 30% on the same tour from Viator or Tripadvisor

For the latest information about availability and best prices please contact Private Tours Edinburgh by phone / WhatsApp on +447305294773 or  contact us online  .

Check out our  five star reviews  for this private tour.

Five star reviews

To avoid booking fees you can make a booking by phone / WhatsApp on +447305294773 or  contact us online  . 

Check out our brand new range of Scottish travel mugs

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most impressive castles due to its imposing position and amazing architecture. 

Lowest price guarantee - superb online prices , 30% below any other Online travel agents .

For last minute bookings phone / Whatsapp +447305294773 for more details or online on our bookings page

Deanston Distillery makes award-winning Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The Standard Tour finishes off with a tasting of Deanston 12 year old whisky .

Our whisky tours from Edinburgh include a guided tour of the distillery and a tasting of Deanston 12 year old , £5 voucher towards the purchase of any bottle of Deanston 70cl single malt whisky in the distillery shop . Duration: 50 minutes

   Private tours Edinburgh Phone +44131-549-9785 for more details or contact us online .

1 Doune Castle

Originally dating to the 13th Century, Doune Castle near Stirling Doune represented the castle Winterfell in Game of Thrones. It was Castle Leoch, home to Colum MacKenzie and his clan in Outlander TV series and the prequel Outlander Blood of Blood was filmed there in February.

It also features in the 20th century episode when Claire and Frank Randall visit the castle on a day trip.

Once a Royal residence, Doune Castle was rebuilt by Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany in the late 14th Century.

Doune has appeared several times on screen and was widely used in Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

2 Deanston Distillery

In 1974 Deanston produced the very first bottle of Deanston Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky .

The standard tour at Deanston costs £9 per person ( not included on tour price )

Each tour warmly welcomes you into the heart of the distillery, where Deanston makes award-winning Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Here you will see a traditional open top mash tun, gleaming copper stills and a must-see vaulted maturation Warehouse 2B. Join the experienced tour guides on a journey through time, taking you back to the past as a cotton mill and through the evolution of Deanston Distillery . The Standard Tour finishes off with a tasting of Deanston 12 year old whisky .

Guided tour of the distillery Includes a tasting of Deanston 12 year old , £5 voucher towards the purchase of any bottle of Deanston 70cl single malt whisky in the distillery shop Duration: 50 minutes

Every drop of Highland Single Malt is a marriage of the finest local ingredients and the skill of the craft to create the wonderful, fresh, honeyed sweetness that Deanston is known for. The Distillery has a commitment to using a traditional, hand crafted approach to our whisky embodies the honesty of our community. Our adherence to traditional methods combined with the skills and experience of our distillery team makes Deanston the unique single malt it is today.

3  Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most impressive castles due to its dominant position in the Forth Valley and its unique architecture.

From Stirling Castle’s ramparts, visitors can take in views of the Forth Valley and Ben Lomond , as well as one of Scotland’s most important battle sites – Bannockburn (1314). The castle is at the head of Stirling’s historic old town.Like Edinburgh Castle , Stirling sits on a volcanic rock dominating the city skyline .

Stirling Castle is not only one of Scotland’s grandest and most imposing castles, it was also a real favourite with the Stewart kings and queens of Scotland. Their investment in it demonstrated just how much they loved to use it, as well as their desire to ensure it both impressed all who visited it, and represented a statement of their power and wealth. Mary Queen of Scots grew up in the castle .

James IV created the Great Hall, the largest medieval banqueting hall ever built in Scotland, and James V’s Royal Palace, with its lavishly decorated Renaissance façades, was a masterpiece of the period.

Major conservation work has been carried out at Stirling Castle over many years to preserve the attraction as a major national and international monument. The refurbishment of the Great Hall was completed ten years ago . A particular feature of the Great Hall is stained glass windows featuring clan crests . A number of banquets and concerts are held in the Hall throughout the year . A party and concert is held at New Year's Eve at the castle every year .

Whatsapp +447305294773 for more details and availability or contact us online .

Tour price is £290 for up to four people .

entrance tickets

distillery tour tickets

For more details phone +447305-294773 / Whatsapp +447305294773

For the best lunch options please ask the driver .

The ultimate tour of Scotland - book the unique Kelpies Scotland experience and visit the largest equine sculptures in the world ! 

  Book your Kelpies tour online now or phone / WhatsApp +447305294773

Check out our videos of Scotland on Youtube

Your tour guide is David , an experienced tour guide and travel photographer. He is a landscape photographer on Photogold prints

Scotland Tours from Private tours Edinburgh

Book your  day trips from Edinburgh .

Private tours Edinburgh partners with an airport transfers service from Edinburgh to St Andrews , Stirling and other major cities in Scotland. Phone / Whatsapp +447576127097 to book your airport transfer or contact us online .

Castle tours

This photo tour is ideal for beginners / intermediate photographers . Your photo guide will offer assistance as required with taking pictures. Bring your DSLR or iPhone for some amazing pictures of the stunning castles of Scotland .

• whisky tours
• castle tours
• tours of Scotland 
• single malt whisky tasting
• Private tours Edinburgh

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This business has confirmed that they have implemented, and will ensure ongoing compliance with, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels protocols. The Safe Travels stamp is based on self-assessment and it is not a certification.

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Departure days.

• W Wednesday

January — December

Contact details

• +44 (7305) 294773
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• [email protected]

Tour information

• Edinburgh - City Centre
• Edinburgh Airport
• Glasgow Airport
• Glasgow City Centre
• Driver guide
• Small Group (1-16)
• Film and TV

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Private tours edinburgh scotland.

Private Tours Edinburgh offers custom tours of Scotland with a professional guide on hand to give advice & information . Our four castles tours of Scotland including Stirling are five star rated . Outlander & Blood of my Blood tours to Lallybroch ( Midhope Castle ), Castle Leoch (Doune Castle) and other locations . Game of Thrones & James Bond tours. Tour the amazing scenery of Glencoe and the Highlands. Custom tours of Scotland .Shore excursions. Five star reviews . Private Tours Edinburgh distillery tours.Whatsapp +447305294773 for more details of special offers and availability

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The 21 best things to do in Edinburgh

E dinburgh has become synonymous with the annual Fringe Festival, which sees thousands of attendees flock to the city every August. But there are plenty of other amazing sights and attractions that pull in visitors all year round. From whisky tastings, to exploring Japanese gardens and 300-year-old underground passages, this is how you can get to know the Scottish capital.

Read on for all our expert tips, plus here's what you can do for  free in the Scottish capital . We can also help you plan a  weekend in Edinburgh , alongside our dedicated guides covering the best  hotels ,  restaurants ,  bars & pubs ,  nightlife  and  independent shops . 

Find things to do by area

• Out of town

Immerse yourself in the world's biggest arts festival

More than 60 years ago the International Festival’s founders set out to bring art, culture, colour and prosperity to a gritty and grey post-war Edinburgh. Now there are seven festivals in August, including the Fringe, Book and Comedy Festivals. Every year Edinburghers fall in love with it all over again as Auld Reekie becomes, quite literally, the city that never sleeps. 

Insider's tip:  It’s worth planning well ahead as hotels and restaurants book up early and headline shows sell out, but if you haven’t, don’t despair; there’s somehow always a room, tent or even a sofa somewhere, and always another free show.

Contact:   eif.co.uk  

Price:  £-£££

Visit the city's goriest museum

You’ll need a strong stomach and a morbid sense of humour to enjoy the fascinating Surgeons' Hall Museums. There are life-sized tableaux, tools of the surgical and dental trade that will make your toes curl (there’s probably a device for that), gruesome photographs, and pickled and preserved body parts. The unnervingly extensive collections include pathology and histories of surgery and dentistry.

Insider's tip: One of the more disturbing objects on display is a notebook bound in the skin of William Burke – one of the well-known Edinburgh bodysnatchers. It's possibly not the most family-friendly destination, unless your last name is Addams.

Contact:   museum.rcsed.ac.uk

Price:  £

Take your taste buds for a stroll around town

An Eat, Walk Edinburgh tour will provide you with an excellent gourmet introduction to the city. You’ll try 'starter-sized' taster dishes and samples of whisky, wine and beer along the way, but don't expect all the food to be Scottish – this is about all the variety Edinburgh has to offer.

Insider's tip: Plan this activity for day one, as you finish the tour with lots of useful information and a discount card for participating bars and restaurants. You'll also benefit from a lovely glow from the exercise (and the nips of malt whisky along the way).

Contact:  eatwalkedinburgh.co.uk

Explore the Queen's Scottish home

A tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse – Queen Elizabeth II's official gaff in Scotland –  will show you more tapestries, portraits, and plasterwork than you can shake a sceptre at. You'll also be able to see Mary, Queen of Scots' chambers, where her courtier Rizzio was stabbed 56 times and then thrown down the stairs by her jealous husband. There are free audio tours, a gift shop and a smart courtyard café.

Insider's tip: In summer, take a guided tour of the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the nearby abbey, but keep in mind that the star attraction is the Queen’s Gallery with its fabulous exhibitions of the best art from the Royal Collections.

Contact:  royalcollection.org.uk

Price:  ££

See Scotland’s Stone of Destiny

Edinburgh Castle, the city’s most famous landmark, broods over Edinburgh – an elephantine presence on its dramatic volcanic rock. Home to the oldest crown jewels in Britain, Mons Meg and the Stone of Destiny, not to mention the  military tattoo, it’s more than a monument – it’s part of the city’s every day life. In fact, locals have been setting their watches by the one o’clock gun since 1861.

Insider's tip: There are complimentary guided tours to help you make sense of it all, or you can pay for an audio guide. Give the crowds a miss by purchasing tickets and downloading audio guides in advance online and visiting early in the day.

Contact:  edinburghcastle.gov.uk

Book tickets

Take part in a literary-themed pub crawl

As the first Unesco City of Literature, Edinburgh has a long – and sometimes dishonourable – literary history. It's cleverly brought to life on the Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour by two professional actors who focus on writers from the past. Tours start at 7.30pm in the Grassmarket and tickets can be bought online, at the meeting point, or from the Visit Scotland Information Centre in the Waverley Mall.

Insider's tip: The tour makes stops in several pubs where you can have a drink while you enjoy the guides' performance, or if you’re more of a misanthrope there’s a self-guided tour app on the website (but it’s more fun with the live guides).

Contact:   edinburghliterarypubtour.co.uk

Take a whisky masterclass

You may not be sure about the plastic barrel ride at the start, but there are worse ways to learn how whisky is made. The tour leaders at The Scotch Whisky Experience are brilliant and the Gold Tour upgrade is a revelation. Aficionados should opt for the Morning Masterclass, and gourmands should consider the Taste of Scotland Whisky and Food Tour, which includes a three-course meal in the Amber Restaurant.

Insider's tip: After the tour, visit the bar to find 300 whiskies and great views. It also offers Scotland’s other national drink – Irn-Bru – for teetotallers. If you have a cold, ask for a restorative hot toddy.

Contact:  scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk

Go ghost hunting

You can’t throw a haggis on the Royal Mile without hitting a ghost tour, but if you’re looking for one grounded in history, The Real Mary King's Close is the tour for you. You’ll explore hidden 17th-century streets – long considered to be haunted by plague victims who were walled up alive. The odd murder and a healthy population of other ghosts adds further interest.

Insider's tip: Bear in mind there are 58 steps down and 38 up to be negotiated, so it’s not suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs, the claustrophobic, or those with limited mobility. Children under five will not be admitted at all.

Contact:   realmarykingsclose.com

Price:  ££

Step into a world of optical illusions

Even in a high-tech world, a simple pin-hole camera that can project razor sharp moving images from distances that defeat modern cameras feels like magic. Children will love Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, and enjoy learning how to make do-it-yourself spyware using a cardboard box, tin foil and a blanket. There are optical illusions, games and a dizzying holographic exhibit that will delight visitors of all ages, too.

Insider's tip: It’s a great way to spend time on a wet day or revive tired children, and the 360-degree view from the roof is one of the best perspectives on the city – no matter what kind of camera you use.

Contact:   camera-obscura.co.uk

Experience life in 17th-century Edinburgh

Should you find yourself wandering down the Royal Mile, wondering what it was like to live in a towering tenement 300 hundred years ago, you can find out on a visit to Gladstone's Land. The National Trust has meticulously restored this wealthy Edinburgh merchant’s house to provide a fascinating recreation of the cramped conditions – even for the wealthy – in 17th-century Edinburgh. And there’s a good ice cream parlour, too. Try ‘The Butcher’: vanilla ice cream, candied bacon and whisky sauce.

Insider's tip:  You’ll see the kitchen and a pretty panelled parlour, but don’t miss the Painted Chamber. This bedroom contains what is considered the best original wall and ceiling decoration in Scotland.

Contact:  nts.org.uk

Price:  £

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

No one can fail to be stirred by this anachronistic but irresistible spectacle. Perhaps it’s the vibrating beat of hundreds of drums accompanying perfectly drilled marching bands, or the skirl of pipes (or twirl of kilts)? Or the sheer scale of it, under the towering walls of Edinburgh Castle, bursting fireworks overhead making the pulse beat faster. It certainly takes a heart of stone not to feel the pathos of the lone piper’s lament calling from high on the ramparts. Every festival-goer should go at least once (there’s a different theme each year). Just remember to take a handkerchief.

Contact:   edintattoo.co.uk

Tour the city in an open-top bus

You’ll find several sightseeing tours operating under the Edinburgh Bus Tours banner, but The City Sightseeing Tour offers a useful overview of the major attractions, operates all year round and is particularly good for children – the choice of audio commentaries includes a 'Horrible Histories' version for young ones.

Insider's tip:  A Royal Edinburgh ticket will give you 48 hours of access to all three of the available tours plus free entry to Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace and the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Contact:   edinburghtour.com

Dress up like 18th-century landed gentry

A visit to The Georgian House (a National Trust property) on the enduringly fashionable Charlotte Square is an absorbing way to get a sense of what life was like in a prosperous 18th-century household in the New Town – both for the family and those below stairs. The house was designed by Scottish neoclassical architect Robert Adam, and is a particularly fine example of Georgian architecture that's been beautifully and accurately furnished.

Insider's tip:  Do talk to the guides in each room who like to show off their detailed knowledge and if your children aren’t inspired by antiques, they can dress up in the period costumes available in the activity room.

Learn to cook Scottish fare

Gourmands can get to grip with local ingredients on a full-day cookery course. The well-regarded Edinburgh New Town Cookery School runs small one-day courses that are both professional and fun. Use the best Scottish ingredients in the Fish and Shellfish Workshop, or learn how to cook with game in a masterclass of meat. Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy mastering the indulgent creations in the patisserie workshop and at the end of the experience, you’ll get to try your hard work with a glass or two of wine in an elegant dining room with views all the way to the Firth of Forth.

Insider's tip: Book early as courses fill up quickly.

Contact:   entcs.co.uk

Visit Edinburgh's 'other castle'

Locals like to take visitors to this charming alternative to Edinburgh Castle. Craigmillar Castle is one of best examples of the medieval variety in Scotland and much of the structure is in remarkably good order. Explore from the top of the tower house to the gloomy basement where a skeleton was found walled up in the early 19th century. Mary, Queen of Scots stayed here twice – the area is still called Petit France.

Insider's tip:  Wood from ancient yew trees in the inner courtyard is said to have been used for making bows, which is an interesting fact for inspiring children’s imaginations in a place where they are positively encouraged to run wild.

Contact:   historicenvironment.scot

Tee up for outstanding city vistas

The Gentleman Golfers of Leith established the 'rules of golfing' on Leith Links in 1744, arguably making Edinburgh the home of golf. While you can no longer play in Leith, the 18-holes at the Edinburgh City Council-run Braid Hills Golf Course is a bargain. The layout itself is vertically challenging and is a Par 71 course. You can hire clubs and trolleys if you haven’t brought your own.

Insider's tip: It's worth a round even if you’re not a golfer, if only for the glorious views across the city to the Firth of Forth. Also be sure to look out for the gorse bushes – an unusually painful hazard.

Contact:   edinburghleisure.co.uk

Climb aboard a floating royal residence

The Royal Yacht Britannia was apparently frozen in time long before she was decommissioned. Look out for the various props found inside – there's everything from well-used board games in the sun lounge to toothbrushes in tumblers in the crew quarters. Together, the items bring Britannia, and the Queen’s fascinating frugality, to chintz-upholstered, brass-polished life. The comprehensive tour proceeds at a leisurely pace set by handheld recorded information delivered in suitably plummy tones.

Insider's tip:  Do plan to pause in the Royal Deck Tea Room for remarkably good simple lunches or a slap-up tea. Don’t miss the gift shop either, which is amusingly filled with stuffed corgis. 

Contact:  royalyachtbritannia.co.uk

Take in a unique distillery

There are any number of distilleries in Edinburgh, from micro to maxi, but the Port of Leith distillery is the first vertical distillery in Scotland, already a local landmark and just a hop from the Ocean Terminal tram stop. It’s a striking building and a fascinating tour; the guides lively, well-informed and engaging – although it’s worth going just for the views from the bar at the top. In fact, consider booking a table for a few cocktails and perhaps the steak pie or the Clava brie tartiflette. There’s a shop as well selling Port of Leith white port and Olorosa sherry as well as blended whisky.

Contact: leithdistillery.com

Out of Town

Discover the city on two wheels.

You can take a gentle three-hour guided ride around The Royal Mile, New Town, Holyrood Park and Portobello with Edinburgh Bike Tours, or hire by the day for your own tour on Edinburgh’s extensive system of cycle routes; tagalongs, trailers and bikes for children are available. You’ll need to be fit, but not Tour de France standard.

Insider's tip: Catch the sea breeze on a full-day tour along the coast, which takes in historic Cramond, Queensferry and the Forth Bridges. You’ll escape the city traffic and see fascinating areas other tours don’t touch.

Contact:   edinburghbiketours.co.uk

Explore underground coves

Many locals don’t know about Gilmerton Cove, and it is certainly one of the city's more obscure attractions. Even archaeologists can’t explain the 300-year-old underground passages and rock-furnished rooms, hand carved from sandstone and hidden underneath the streets of this quiet suburb; but there are plenty of theories, as the enthusiastic guides will tell you. Maybe it was a meeting place for the Hellfire Club, a hiding place for Covenanters, or a drinkers’ den? Make up your own mind when you visit.

Insider's tip: Tours must be pre-booked and are unsuitable for wheelchair users and children under five. Steep steps and rough (sometimes wet) floors require sturdy shoes. Remember to take a torch for solo exploring.

Contact:   gilmertoncove.org.uk

Amble through a Japanese garden

Lauriston Castle is a 16th-century tower house with Victorian extensions. The building overlooks the Firth and is surrounded by woodlands and a Japanese garden. Inside, it's home to an impressive collection of fine furniture and ceramics, as well as the personal belongings of its wealthy owners. Look for the newspaper in the sitting room reporting the sinking of the Titanic. 

Insider's tip: Take a pleasing 15-minute stroll to the Boardwalk Beach Club café. It sits right on shores of the Firth and has a huge outdoor seating area with blankets, great views and yummy soups, sandwiches and scones. Children and dogs are looked after, too.

Contact: edinburghmuseums.org.uk

Price: £; the grounds are free

How we choose

Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.

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