Edinburgh Castle Tour: Tickets, Map & Guided Highlights

Summary

Walk ancient cobbles hear royal secrets see crown jewels up close

You’ll follow an expert guide through Edinburgh Castle’s winding paths, hear stories of royalty and rebellion, stand inside St Margaret’s Chapel, and see the Scottish Crown Jewels up close. With your entry ticket and map included, you’ll have time after the tour to explore hidden corners or just soak up those city views.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound — boots and trainers echoing off the Royal Mile’s old stone as we gathered by David Hume’s statue. Our guide, Jamie, had this battered black-and-white umbrella (you can’t miss it), and he started us off with a story about philosophers and stubborn Scottish weather. He handed us these maps that felt oddly ceremonial, like we were about to join some secret society. The castle loomed ahead, part fortress, part fairytale — but less polished than I’d pictured. More real.

We paused at the esplanade while Jamie pointed out the geology under our feet — volcanic rock, apparently, which I’d never have guessed. There was a sharp tang in the air from distant rain on stone (it always smells like that in Edinburgh), and someone nearby was selling fudge that made the whole place feel warmer somehow. Up past the gatehouse, our group shuffled along those uneven cobbles; I kept tripping over my own feet and pretending not to notice. Jamie told us about the One o’Clock Gun — it really does go off every day, which startled me even though he warned us. Some of the kids jumped.

Inside St Margaret’s Chapel — tiny, with thick walls and this soft hush — Jamie explained how it survived sieges and centuries. Someone asked about Mary Queen of Scots’ birthing chamber; Jamie just grinned and said “that’s another story,” then led us up Hawkhill where you could see all of Edinburgh stretching out below. The wind picked up there; I had to hold onto my map so it wouldn’t fly away (someone else lost theirs). In Crown Square he showed us where the Scottish Crown Jewels are kept — honestly, I expected more sparkle but there’s something weightier about seeing them in person after hearing all those stories.

I lingered after the tour ended — you’re allowed to wander on your own once Jamie wraps up in Crown Square. He stuck around for questions; someone asked if people really still live here (they do). I spent a while just sitting by Hospital Square watching visitors drift past, thinking about all the lives tangled up in these stones. It’s odd how a place can feel both ancient and alive at once. Still think about that view sometimes when it rains back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided tour of Edinburgh Castle highlights

• Meet at Royal Mile for check-in
• View castle from the esplanade
• Enter Edinburgh Castle gatehouse
• Arrive at Argyle Battery and view north
• Learn about The One O'clock Gun
• Climb Hawkhill and hear prisoner stories
• Visit St Margaret's Chapel in Royal Quarters
• Explore Crown Square and see Crown Jewels
• Tour concludes; explore castle independently

Top questions

Where does the Edinburgh Castle tour start?

The tour begins at 379-381 High Street on the Royal Mile next to David Hume's statue—not at Edinburgh Castle itself.

Is entry to Edinburgh Castle included in this tour?

Yes, your entry ticket for Edinburgh Castle is included with this guided tour.

How long does the guided tour last?

The tour lasts around 1.5 hours from November through February; durations may vary due to castle events.

Can I explore parts of Edinburgh Castle on my own after the tour?

Yes, after your guide finishes in Crown Square you can explore museums and exhibitions at your own pace.

Are strollers or prams allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Is public transport available near the meeting point?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to 379-381 High Street on the Royal Mile.

Are large bags allowed inside Edinburgh Castle?

No, bags over 30L or suitcases aren’t permitted inside Edinburgh Castle; there are no left luggage facilities nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes an entry ticket for Edinburgh Castle itself plus a detailed map to help you find your way around later. You’ll be guided by a local expert who shares stories as you walk together through key sites like St Margaret’s Chapel and Crown Square—and you’ll have plenty of time afterward for solo exploring or questions before heading back down into town.