Explore Edinburgh’s rich history with the Edinburgh Castle Walking Tour. This guided tour starts at the historic 130 High St and promises a seamless visit thanks to skip-the-line access. Over the course of two hours, you’ll uncover the stories behind Scotland’s military heritage and royal treasures. Highlights include the National War Museum and the enchanting St. Margaret’s Chapel. As you take in breathtaking views from Castle Terrace, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the castle’s significance to the country. Whether you’re visiting solo or with a group, this immersive cultural experience is not to be missed.
This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours In Edinburgh.
Key Points
- This 2-hour guided walking tour provides skip-the-line access to Edinburgh Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks.
- The tour includes stops at the National War Museum and St. Margaret’s Chapel, offering insights into Scotland’s military heritage and medieval history.
- Participants can enjoy panoramic city views from the Castle Terrace and explore the Royal Mile, seeing Edinburgh’s rich cultural tapestry.
- The tour is led by a professional local guide and can be booked for private groups of up to 4 people.
- The tour is priced at K?? 12,922 per group and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour Overview
The Edinburgh Castle Walking Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks. Priced at just K??12,922 per group (up to 4 participants), the 2-hour tour provides skip-the-line access, allowing visitors to bypass long queues and enjoy the castle’s rich history.
Led by a professional local guide, the tour includes stops at the National War Museum, St. Margaret’s Chapel, and the castle itself, where guests can admire panoramic city views.
With a private group option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is a must-do experience for anyone seeking an in-depth understanding of Edinburgh Castle’s cultural significance.
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Itinerary Highlights
Kicking off the Edinburgh Castle Walking Tour, visitors start at the iconic 130 High St location, where they’ll embark on a captivating journey through Scotland’s military heritage.
The first stop is the National War Museum, where they’ll spend 30 minutes exploring the country’s rich military history.
Next, they’ll visit the serene St. Margaret’s Chapel, a preserved medieval site offering a glimpse into the past.
The tour then leads them to the heart of the experience – Edinburgh Castle. Here, guests will spend 45 minutes seeing the castle’s royal treasures and taking in the panoramic city views from the Castle Terrace.
Cultural Experience
Visitors enjoy the rich cultural tapestry of Edinburgh during the walking tour. They explore the Royal Mile, known for its vibrant shops, captivating street performers, and unique architectural marvels. Plus, the tour offers a deeper dive into Scotland’s military heritage at the National War Museum, providing insights into the nation’s storied past. Travelers also visit the serene St. Margaret’s Chapel, a well-preserved medieval site that offers a peaceful respite amidst the bustling city. The highlight of the cultural experience undoubtedly is the tour of Edinburgh Castle, where visitors uncover the historical significance and royal treasures within this iconic landmark.
Explore the Royal Mile | Discover Military Heritage | Visit St. Margaret’s Chapel |
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Shops and Performers | National War Museum | Medieval Site |
Unique Architecture | Scotland’s Storied Past | Peaceful Respite |
Tour Features
A professional local tour guide accompanies visitors throughout the Edinburgh Castle Walking Tour, providing expert commentary and insider knowledge.
This guided tour also includes skip-the-line access to Edinburgh Castle, allowing guests to bypass the often lengthy queues and head straight inside.
Along the way, the tour explores Castle Terrace, where the guide shares hidden stories and historical anecdotes about this iconic Scottish landmark.
The tour features a well-rounded cultural experience, blending Edinburgh’s military heritage, medieval architecture, and stunning panoramic views of the city from the castle’s vantage point.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyBooking Information
To book the Edinburgh Castle Walking Tour, visitors can check availability for different starting times. During the booking process, they can select the number of participants and the desired date. The meeting point is the corner of 130 High St, which can be easily located using the provided Google Maps guidance.
Booking Information | ||
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Check Availability | ✓ | |
Select Participants | ✓ | |
Choose Date | ✓ | |
Meeting Point | 130 High St | Google Maps |
This private group experience offers skip-the-line access to Edinburgh Castle, ensuring a seamless and efficient tour. Visitors can conveniently reserve now and pay later for their Edinburgh Castle Walking Tour.
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Starting Location
The starting location for the Edinburgh Castle Walking Tour is the corner of 130 High St. This easy-to-find meeting spot is conveniently located on the historic Royal Mile, the main thoroughfare in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
From here, the tour guide will lead participants on a comprehensive exploration of the city’s most iconic landmark – Edinburgh Castle. With the tour’s skip-the-line access, guests can quickly enter the castle and begin their journey through Scotland’s rich military and royal heritage.
The starting location is clearly marked and easily accessible, allowing the tour to commence promptly and efficiently.
National War Museum
From the starting point on the historic Royal Mile, the tour moves on to the National War Museum, where participants spend around 30 minutes exploring Scotland’s military heritage.
The museum’s collection showcases the country’s involvement in major conflicts, from the Wars of Scottish Independence to the World Wars. Visitors can view exhibits on weaponry, uniforms, and personal accounts, gaining insights into the sacrifices and heroism of Scottish soldiers.
This portion of the tour provides a deeper understanding of Scotland’s military past and its significance in shaping the nation’s identity.
St. Margaret’s Chapel
After exploring the National War Museum, the tour moves on to the next stop: St. Margaret’s Chapel.
This small, yet well-preserved medieval chapel is one of the oldest buildings in Edinburgh. It dates back to the 12th century and was built by King David I as a private place of worship for his wife, Queen Margaret.
Visitors can admire its Romanesque architecture and learn about its fascinating history:
- It’s the oldest surviving building within the castle walls.
- The chapel was used for royal baptisms, marriages, and funerals.
- It narrowly escaped destruction during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
- The chapel underwent restoration in the 19th century to preserve its original features.
- Today, it remains an important religious site and a popular stop on the Edinburgh Castle tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
The tour generally does not allow participants to bring their own food and drinks. Visitors are expected to purchase any refreshments at the venues or facilities provided along the tour route.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. It’s suitable for visitors of all ages, though children under 5 may require special arrangements. Participants can enjoy the tour’s highlights and sights regardless of their age.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is wheelchair accessible. Guests with mobility challenges can easily navigate the walking tour, and the skip-the-line access to Edinburgh Castle ensures a seamless experience for all participants.
Can I Take Photographs Inside Edinburgh Castle?
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photographs inside Edinburgh Castle. However, there may be some areas or exhibits where photography is restricted, so it’s best to follow any instructions from the tour guide or castle staff.
What Should I Wear for the Walking Tour?
For a walking tour, comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate attire are recommended. Dress in layers to adapt to changing conditions, and bring sun protection or rain gear if needed. The tour involves substantial walking, so consider your physical abilities.
Recap
The Edinburgh Castle Walking Tour is a must-do for anyone seeking to enjoy Scotland’s rich history. With skip-the-line access, you’ll enjoy a seamless experience exploring the castle’s iconic landmarks, including the National War Museum and St. Margaret’s Chapel. This guided tour promises an engaging cultural experience, complete with breathtaking views and fascinating insights into the nation’s military and royal heritage.
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