Tours, guides and itineraries
There’s a new story to discover around every corner at Edinburgh Castle.
To make sure you don’t miss any, we offer some great ways to explore this Scottish icon, including some suggested itineraries you can follow if you prefer to explore at your own pace.
Itineraries
Be shown around the castle by those who know it best, our wonderful castle guides!
Castle guides will share stories from the most besieged place in Britain. Be entertained by tales of kings and queens past and discover the must-see spots around the castle. You will also be able to take in the spectacular views of Scotland’s capital along the way.
Our tours now include our brand-new audio tour guide system.
Official Guided Tour tickets include admission to the castle and a 30-minute guided tour. Please choose your tour time when booking.
Tour times
1 April to 30 September: 9.45am, 10.15am, 10.45am, 11.15am, 11.45am, 12.15pm, 1.15pm, 1.45pm, 2.15pm, 2.45pm, 3.15pm and 3.45pm.
1 October to 31 March: 10.15am, 11.15am, 12.15pm, 2.15pm and 3.15pm.
Important information
- Official Guided Tours are £3.50 per visitor. Availability is limited on tours and all visitors must pre-book in advance of arrival. Tours are free for Historic Scotland members
- All visitors with pre-booked tour tickets must arrive at the Tour Meeting Point (just through the Main Gate and to the right. View a map) 15 minutes before the pre-booked tour time start time stated on their ticket. Entry to the castle can be very busy so please allow additional time
- If visitors miss the tour start time, they will not be able to join the tour, or any tours later that day
- Upon arrival at the Tour Meeting Point, visitors will be issued a portable wireless receiver and headset
- Tours may be adapted or cancelled in poor weather conditions. If cancelled, visitors will be emailed with as much notice as possible and will be automatically refunded for the price of their tour ticket.
- Tours will take place outdoors, please dress accordingly including sensible footwear. The route requires visitors to walk on steep and cobbled walkways
- Further information on accessibility at the castle can be found in the Access Guide.
- Tours are given in English only
Our audio guide features the voices of four time Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan, celebrated TV and movie actor Bill Paterson and Outlander’s Andrew Gower. Let them take you on a journey and learn about the castle and the people and events that stand out most in its fascinating past.
You can hire an audio guide device from the ticket office and audio booth, or pre-book online when you buy your tickets.
Audio guides are available in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Korean, Polish, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian, Spanish and Ukrainian. Large Print is also available.
You can also use our guide with your own mobile phone or tablet, instead of a headset. You'll need to bring your own fully charged mobile phone or tablet with internet, and we'll show you how to load it in an email before you arrive.
| Ticket type | Audio guide price |
| Adult | £3.50 |
| Concession | £2.50 |
| Child | £1.50 |
Audio guides are subject to availability.
20% discount
For Historic Scotland Members and Explorer Pass holders.
This 3D model has been populated with information giving you an immersive digital tour of the Castle and gives the chance to explore hidden parts too.