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Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle - Small Group Walking Tour

1,678 Reviews 4.84 out of 5 stars Based on 1,678 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 97% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Edinburgh, Scotland

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 84 (73) days in advance.

2 hours 15 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

Edinburgh’s Master Storytellers, Mercat Tours, are redefining the walking tour, promising to enrich and deepen your connection with Edinburgh’s people and its past far beyond your visit.

Take the Story Home: evoke the memories:
- Listen to the tour playlist

The castle towers over Edinburgh from up high on its ancient volcanic rock – a literal fortress, looking out over the city’s stunning landscapes. Battles and sieges were fought over it, royalty lived and died within its walls, and countless generations have been inspired by it.

Step into Edinburgh Castle alongside your Master Storyteller, with all entry arrangements handled so you can stay immersed in the story.

As a certified B Corporation, we're dedicated to responsible tourism practices that benefit our community and environment.

Join an unrivalled journey into Edinburgh's past, engaging all the senses to create a truly memorable experience that lasts long after your visit.

What's Included

  • Enhanced, hand-picked sounds of Edinburgh, delivered through TourTalk audio devices
  • Small group experience
  • Tickets to Edinburgh Castle with your Storyteller
  • Transportation to/from meeting point
  • Gratuities (if not already included)
  • Personal expenses
See 3 moreSee 4 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

High Street
Edinburgh EH1 1RF, UK

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Castlehill
Edinburgh EH1 2NG, UK

Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG. This tour ends inside Edinburgh Castle

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

St Giles' Cathedral

View the exterior and hear the history.
Read more

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Parliament House

View the exterior
Read more

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Edinburgh Old Town

Explore on foot. Hear the history from your guide
Read more

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Royal Mile

Explore on foot with your storytelling guide.
Read more

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

John Knox House Museum

View the exterior and discover the history with your guide
Read more

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

St. Margaret's Chapel

Included with castle entry ticket.
Read more

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Castlehill

Enjoy the views over Edinburgh.
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Edinburgh Castle

If the "castle included" option is selected you will enjoy a 45 minute introductory tour of Edinburgh Castle with your guide and then have as much free time as you like to explore the Castle afterwards
Read more

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Show 7 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Tours are guaranteed all year round, so please dress for the weather, with comfortable shoes.
  • Please note: Edinburgh Castle will not admit visitors with bags larger than a 25litre capacity
  • Please note that we cannot accept babies or children under the age of 5 on this tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle – Small Group Walking Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-293401SECRETS

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.84
1,678 reviews

Average 4.84 out of 5 stars based on 1,678 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1,489
4 stars
137
3 stars
33
2 stars
8
1 star
11

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 84 (73) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Enhanced, hand-picked sounds of Edinburgh, delivered through TourTalk audio devices
  • Small group experience
  • Tickets to Edinburgh Castle with your Storyteller
  • Exclusive Sounds of Edinburgh Playlist
  • Exclusive multi-sensory experience; with master Storyteller guides
  • Transportation to/from meeting point
  • Gratuities (if not already included)
  • Personal expenses
  • Bags larger than 25 liters (not permitted inside Edinburgh Castle)

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Tours are guaranteed all year round, so please dress for the weather, with comfortable shoes.
  • Please note: Edinburgh Castle will not admit visitors with bags larger than a 25litre capacity
  • Please note that we cannot accept babies or children under the age of 5 on this tour.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 18 travelers
  • Operated by a business

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For your protection and stress-free bookings, use our secure platform to pay for bookings. Mercat Tours

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Free Cancellation

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

Earning rewards

  • Rewards can be earned by making bookings on the Cool Destinations website. You will be able to see the value of the rewards you can earn during the booking process.
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