Enjoy exclusive early access to Edinburgh Castle with a private guide so you can explore its iconic sights and hidden corners before the crowds arrive.
VIP Private Early Access Edinburgh Castle Tour
Summary Description
Highlights
- Enter Edinburgh Castle before it opens to the public.
- Enjoy a fully guided tour of the castle's highlights.
- Explore St. Margaret’s Chapel, Scotland’s oldest building.
- See the Crown Jewels without waiting in line.
- Gain access to areas typically off-limits to guiding.
Description
Beat the crowds and enjoy private early access to Edinburgh Castle on this once-in-a-lifetime tour. With your expert guide, you'll have plenty of space to explore the castle’s highlights—including the Crown Jewels, St. Margaret’s Chapel, and the Great Hall—as well as areas typically off-limits to guiding. This unique experience allows you to soak in the history and panoramic views of Scotland’s capital in rare tranquility.
Step into history before the public arrives with this tour of Edinburgh Castle—the only one of its kind offering private early access. Perched on Castle Rock, this iconic fortress has shaped Scotland's story for centuries. In one unforgettable morning, your guide will you through its serene grounds and reveal the fascinating history and legends behind this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Step into St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh, and marvel at the Great Hall’s magnificent 16th-century ceiling. Your guide will also take you into the Crown Room to see Scotland’s dazzling Crown Jewels up close—without the usual crowds.
This tour offers rare access to areas typically off-limits to guided tours, including the Royal Apartments and exhibitions like the Military Prisons. Experience the castle as it was meant to be: a quiet, reflective journey through Scotland’s history.
End with breathtaking views of Edinburgh from the castle's elevated position. This scenic spot is ideal for capturing unforgettable memories of Scotland’s capital in a way most visitors never get to experience.
Included / Excluded
- Early access ticket to Edinburgh Castle
- Local English-speaking guide
- Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
- Gratuities
Start / End Locations
Start Location: The Scotch Whisky Experience, 354 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE, UK
Start Location Notes: Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at Scotch Whiskey Experience located at 354 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1
Start Location Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hbHuHDRjqbXot31x9
Commentary
Guide : English
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- The tour is in English.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- The castle is reached across the esplanade – a wide area of smooth tarmac, with an uphill gradient of 5 degrees.
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
- Please note that the tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time.No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no shows after tour commencement or departure.
- The castle is reached across the esplanade – a wide area of smooth tarmac, with an uphill gradient of 5 degrees.
- Suitcases and large rucksacks (30L or over) are not permitted in the castle.
- Unable to store luggage, prams, pushchairs or other personal items for visitors.
- Bag searches at the castle entrance as part of our security screening process.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours
Cancellation Notes: Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.
Terms and Conditions
Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.
Additional Information
Ticket Age Range
Adult (15+)
Child (2-14)
Infant (0-1)
Redemption Information
Tickets will be held at the box office
About operator:
Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.
In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Basic Information
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Trip difficulty: Easy
- Max Group Size: 15
- Category: Tours & Sightseeing
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