
Private Edinburgh Castle Tour
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 18 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Edinburgh Castle Tour worth booking?
Private Edinburgh Castle Tour is a 3-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $334 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 18 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (18)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $334 per person
Edinburgh Castle is one of the most evocative castles in the whole of Britain and has dominated the Edinburgh skyline for centuries. In this 3-hour private tour you will explore this great castle and discover its interesting and sometimes bloody history. There is a maximum group size of 6. Internal rooms are by audio guide due to mandatory castle rules. We are proud that on August 16th 2022 our tour was featured as the Star Prize on CBS Price Is Right.
What you get
About this experience
Edinburgh Castle is one of the most evocative castles in the whole of Britain and has dominated the Edinburgh skyline for centuries. In this 3-hour private tour you will explore this great castle and discover its interesting and sometimes bloody history. There is a maximum group size of 6. Internal rooms are by audio guide due to mandatory castle rules. We are proud that on August 16th 2022 our tour was featured as the Star Prize on CBS Price Is Right.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Local guide
- Private tour
- Professional guide
- Edinburgh Castle Tickets
Not included
- Food and drinks
What you'll see and do
Edinburgh Castle
We will explore the battlements of Edinburgh Castle.
180 minutes here · Admission included
St. Margaret's Chapel
Visit the oldest building in Edinburgh.
10 minutes here · Admission included
The Great Hall
Visit the medieval Great Hall in Edinburgh Castle
15 minutes here · Admission included
Scottish National War Memorial
Experience the moving national war memorial.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Mons Meg
See the famous Mons Meg cannon.
5 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, ru, cmn, ja, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Ye Olde England Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum age is 5
- Dress code is smart casual. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 18 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
18 verified traveler reviews for Private Edinburgh Castle Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Very busy site with lots...
Very busy site with lots of visitors. So much history! Andy did a great job, he was informative and energetic.
via Viator
Very interesting tour
Andy, our tour guide was great, so knowledgeable, enthusiastic and interesting. It was so good to hear stories, facts and information in such a way - Willis highly recommend
via Viator
Tony was an extremely...
Tony was an extremely knowledgeable guide. His passion for history was apparent and appreciated. Thanks.
via Viator
Andy was fantastic! We...
Andy was fantastic! We had a great tour of the castle and learned so much. We enjoyed our time immensely.
via Viator
Great Private Tour Experience
Andy was great, added a lot to the tour with his perspective as a local and his deep knowledge of Scottish history. He did a great job connecting with us before the tour ensuring we had a smooth meetup and were ready for the activity.
Response from the operator: We really appreciate you taking the time to leave us such a nice review. I'm really glad that you had such a good time with Andy. Thanks so much!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Ye Olde England Tours, who run 55 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 55.2.
See everything Ye Olde England Tours runsWhy this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Edinburgh Castle Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Private Edinburgh Castle Tour cost?
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Prices start at $334 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 Private Edinburgh Castle Tour take?
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Plan for about 3 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 Private Edinburgh Castle Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 18 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Edinburgh Castle Tour?
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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 Private Edinburgh Castle Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Edinburgh Castle Tour?
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Around 6 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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Edinburgh Castle Tour 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 Private Edinburgh Castle Tour?
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Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Local guide; Private tour; Professional guide; and Edinburgh Castle Tickets. Not included: Food and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Edinburgh Castle Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 5 listed pickup locations in and around Edinburgh. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Private Edinburgh Castle Tour offered in?
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It is offered in German, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, English, Italian, French and Spanish. 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 Private Edinburgh Castle Tour?
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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.
Is Private Edinburgh Castle Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Edinburgh Castle Tour 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 Private Edinburgh Castle Tour?
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Across 18 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, small groups. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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