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Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile Walking Tour - Ticket Included

1,732 Reviews 4.93 out of 5 stars Based on 1,732 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 98% 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 27 (0) days in advance.

2 hours 15 minutes (approx.)
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Offered in: English

Overview

Make the most of your time in Edinburgh with our guided walking tour that combines a walk on the historic Royal Mile and a guided visit inside Edinburgh Castle (entry included).

The tour will begin on the Royal Mile, where your guide will lead you through cobbled streets, sharing fascinating stories of Scotland’s past and pointing out iconic landmarks like St. Giles' Cathedral, the colourful Victoria Street, and the Grassmarket with its vibrant atmosphere.

Uncover Edinburgh castle's rich history and visit the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Great Hall, and St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in the city. Learn about the dramatic life of Mary, Queen of Scots, and experience the One O’Clock Cannon firing. After the tour, you will have the opportunity to keep exploring the roofed buildings of the castle at your own pace.

What's Included

  • Entrance ticket to Edinburgh Castle and guided tour
  • Guided tour of the Old Town and Royal Mile highlights
  • Local Tour Guide
  • Gratuities
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Tours Meeting Point - Blue Umbrella
180 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1QS, UK

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

End point

Castlehill
Edinburgh EH1 2NG, UK

The tour will end inside Edinburgh Castle.

What To Expect

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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

Royal Mile

Our tour will start on the Royal Mile. Your tour guide will offer an introduction to the city and the history of the Old Town.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Mercat Cross

As we walk on the Royal Mile we will see some of the city 'closes' and understand what these narrow lanes were used for. We'll also stop at the Mercat Cross, a site once used for public announcements and punishments. Can you spot the unicorn at the top?
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

St Giles' Cathedral

In front of the Mercat Cross we will see St. Giles Cathedral. We'll talk about the architecture of the most important church in Scotland, and discover the history of the Presbyterian religion. We will also walk to West Parliament Square to talk about the Act of Union.
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25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Writers' Museum

We leave St. Giles behind us and proceed on the Royal Mile. On our way, we will point out the Heart of Midlothian and explain what this mosaic heart is. A few minutes later, we will enter Makars’ Court, just off the Royal Mile. Here, with the Writer’s Museum as a backdrop, we will talk about Scotland’s most important writers, including Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Victoria Street

From the Writer's Museum we will walk down a few steps to get to Victoria Street, one of the most picturesque streets of the Old Town. As we walk down the street, you will see quirky shops and colourful facades.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Grassmarket

As we reach the bottom of Victoria Street, we will see a large plaza in front of us. This is the Grassmarket, an area famous for its pubs, but with a very dark past!
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Edinburgh Castle

From the Grassmarket we will take some steps to reach the Castle Esplanade. As we walk up the hill we will see the dark spike of the Hub, and explain what this building is. Once on the Castle Esplanade, we will enjoy stunning views of the city and see where the Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Edinburgh Castle

It is finally time to enter Edinburgh Castle. Once inside, we’ll delve into the history and secrets of this building, and recall the fascinating stories of kings, queens, battles and sieges. After the guided tour you will have the opportunity to explore the indoor areas of the castle at your own pace.
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40 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Suitcases and large rucksacks are not permitted in Edinburgh castle.
  • There will be 3 set of steps and 2 steep paths along the route.

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

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

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).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. 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?

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Activity code: C-454922P3

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.93
1,732 reviews

Average 4.93 out of 5 stars based on 1,732 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1,652
4 stars
54
3 stars
14
2 stars
3
1 star
9

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On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Entrance ticket to Edinburgh Castle and guided tour
  • Guided tour of the Old Town and Royal Mile highlights
  • Local Tour Guide
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • The company is not responsible for participants arriving late and missing the beginning of the tour. If the group is no longer at the meeting point when you arrive, please note that the first stop will be the Mercat Cross and the Old Parliament Square.
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Suitcases and large rucksacks are not permitted in Edinburgh castle.
  • There will be 3 set of steps and 2 steep paths along the route.
  • The tour will take place on the outdoor areas of the castle. After the guided visit you will have the time to visit the roofed buildings and the museums
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
  • Operated by a business

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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.
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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