
Edinburgh: The Kelpies, Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Trossachs
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 513 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Edinburgh: The Kelpies, Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Trossachs worth booking?
Edinburgh: The Kelpies, Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Trossachs is a 9-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $61 per person. It scores 86 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 513 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 86 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (513)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $61 per person
Your first stop is The Kelpies, two iconic 30-metre-high horse-head sculptures near Falkirk that celebrate Scotland's industrial heritage and the mythical water spirits of Scottish folklore. Next, visit Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's most significant historic fortresses. Explore its magnificent halls and royal apartments, discover the stories of Mary, Queen of Scots and William Wallace, and take in panoramic views from its hilltop setting. Alternatively, spend time exploring the historic city of Stirling, once Scotland's capital and the coronation site of James VI and I. In the afternoon, travel to the picturesque village of Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond. Wander among its charming cottages, enjoy stunning loch views, or visit the new Luss Distillery for immersive gin experiences and a curated selection of Loch Lomond whiskies.
What you get
About this experience
Your first stop is The Kelpies, two iconic 30-metre-high horse-head sculptures near Falkirk that celebrate Scotland's industrial heritage and the mythical water spirits of Scottish folklore. Next, visit Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's most significant historic fortresses. Explore its magnificent halls and royal apartments, discover the stories of Mary, Queen of Scots and William Wallace, and take in panoramic views from its hilltop setting. Alternatively, spend time exploring the historic city of Stirling, once Scotland's capital and the coronation site of James VI and I. In the afternoon, travel to the picturesque village of Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond. Wander among its charming cottages, enjoy stunning loch views, or visit the new Luss Distillery for immersive gin experiences and a curated selection of Loch Lomond whiskies.
What's included
Included
- Scenic tour through Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park
- Regular stops for photos and rest breaks
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Services of an English-speaking driver guide
Not included
- Entrance to attractions
- Food and drink
- On board restrooms
- Individual hotel / multi-point pick-ups and drop-offs
- Children under the age of 5 are not permitted. Bring ID (passport or birth certificate) to prove age
What you'll see and do
The Kelpies & The Helix
The Helix Park is The Home of The Kelpies - the largest equine sculptures in the world. The visitor centre at the Kelpies has a café, gift shop and you can learn more about The Kelpies themselves.
45 minutes here
Stirling Castle
Time at Stirling Castle feels like stepping into the heart of Scottish history, with sweeping views over the countryside and thick stone walls echoing tales of kings, queens, and battles. Wandering its halls and ramparts, you can almost imagine the lives and dramas that shaped the nation centuries ago. If the Castle is not your thing, you can spend some time historic city which was once the capital of Scotland and the coronation place of James VI and I, and has a population of about 37,000.
90 minutes here · Admission not included
Luss
A visit to Luss offers delightful combination of natural beauty, history and charm. On the western shores of Loch Lomond, the picturesque village is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Its quaint cottages, flower-filled gardens, and breath-taking views of the loch create an enchanting atmosphere that is perfect a leisurely stop. The newly built Luss distillery offers a range of immersive gin adventures alongside a curated selection of dedicated Loch Lomond Whiskies experiences. Whether you're a seasoned gin or whisky explorer, or simply passing through and feeling curious, there’s something here for everyone. If you're lucky you'll get a chance to meet the hairy coos in the paddock opposite the distillery.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
Meet the driver/guide at the bus stop outside West Register House (17 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, EH2 4DJ) for check in at 8:15am for a sharp 8:30am departure. What3Words: ///goats.hangs.major
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet the driver/guide at the bus stop outside West Register House (17 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, EH2 4DJ) for check in at 8:15am for a sharp 8:30am departure. What3Words: ///goats.hangs.major
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Stewart Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 507 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
507 verified traveler reviews for Edinburgh: The Kelpies, Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Trossachs. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
The perfect day trip!!
We had the best day!! Meeting point was easy to get to and find, bus was very clean and comfortable and we took off very promptly at 8.30. What made the day was our amazing tour guide/bus driver Deborah, she was funny, witty, informative and definitely had the gift of the gab, her knowledge of Scottish history was very good and to be able to drive the bus and give the history so well was a skill in itself, her boss is very lucky to have her and she kept everything on time. The places we visited were fabulous and the amount of time we had in each place was just enough. Deborah also managed to fit in an extra visit to a little town at the bottom of the Highlands called Callander where we got up close and personal with some Highland cows!!! (The highlight of my trip) Then back safely to Edinburgh for around 5.30 We will definitely take another one of their tours on our return trips to Edinburgh.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour
Leon was superb guide!. The scenery was breathtaking
via Tripadvisor
Canadians Extravaganza
Deborah was fantastic ie not too bad. Awesome day. Deborah had the right blend of storytelling and wit. Great good and we’re looking forward to booking the next one. Cheers!
via Tripadvisor
History with a giggle!
Wonderful tour with Keith as our guide providing lots of interesting historical information along with comedic relief - thanks for the laughs & a great day! :)
via Tripadvisor
A cold day warmed by enthusiasm.
Absolutely fantastic. Keith's very knowledgeable and enthusiastic on his history. A few good laughs amongst very informative storytelling.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $61 to $63
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 180
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Stewart Tours, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 94.9 and 3 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Stewart Tours runsWhy this scores 86
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Edinburgh: The Kelpies, Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Trossachs: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Edinburgh: The Kelpies, Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Trossachs cost?
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Prices start at $61 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Edinburgh usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Edinburgh: The Kelpies, Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Trossachs take?
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Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Edinburgh is not rushed.
Is Edinburgh: The Kelpies, Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Trossachs worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 86 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 513 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Edinburgh: The Kelpies, Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Trossachs?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Edinburgh: The Kelpies, Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Trossachs suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Edinburgh: The Kelpies, Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Trossachs?
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Around 180 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Edinburgh can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Edinburgh and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Edinburgh: The Kelpies, Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Trossachs start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Edinburgh within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?
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On Outty we rank every Edinburgh experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh, The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Edinburgh: The Kelpies, Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Trossachs?
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Included: Scenic tour through Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park; Regular stops for photos and rest breaks; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Services of an English-speaking driver guide. Not included: Entrance to attractions; Food and drink; On board restrooms; and Individual hotel / multi-point pick-ups and drop-offs. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Edinburgh: The Kelpies, Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Trossachs?
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Meet the driver/guide at the bus stop outside West Register House (17 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, EH2 4DJ) for check in at 8:15am for a sharp 8:30am departure. What3Words: ///goats.hangs.major Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Edinburgh: The Kelpies, Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Trossachs offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Edinburgh: The Kelpies, Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Trossachs?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Edinburgh: The Kelpies, Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Trossachs if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Edinburgh: The Kelpies, Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Trossachs?
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Across 513 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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