Explore Edinburgh Castle with a Local Guide

• Private Tour
• Instantly Confirmed
• Carbon Neutral

Unveil the mysteries of Edinburgh Castle and get the most out of your visit on this enriching tour! Get to know everything about this magnificent attraction with the insights provided by a local expert.

Destination

Edinburgh, Scotland

Category

Art Culture Tours

Duration

2 hours

Transport mode

Walking tour

Available languages

English, Dansk, Svenska, Español

Included

• Entrance tickets
• Private guide
• All Withlocals Tours are Carbon Neutral

What you can expect

Choose your local

Get to know these 10 passionate locals, each bringing unique perspectives and talents. Choose your favorite, check their availability, and book to create an unforgettable adventure tailored to you.

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with the host of your choice.

1. Meeting point

   Meet at Outside the Scotch Whisky Experience, next to the black drainpipe located to the right when you are facing the building - Edinburgh to start your journey

   View on Maps

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. Inside the Edinburgh Castle

   Once you are inside, follow your local host’s insights as you check out the must-sees like the Great Hall and St. Margaret's Chapel, as well as the hidden gems that not many know about. Be part of an enriching tour that will satisfy your curiosity and answer all of your questions!

4. Keep Exploring

   After the time with your host is over, you can either stay inside the attraction and keep exploring by yourself or say goodbye outside the attraction where your host will point out other spots to explore in Edinburgh

5. Make it yours

   Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

   Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

   Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

Charles🇳🇱 Netherlands

(About local Alec)

8 February 2025

Exploring the Edinburgh castle with Alec was a wonderful experience and was a highlight of out trip. He is super knowledgable, attentive and has a very warm personality. My wife and I are looking forward coming back to Edinburgh and have Alec show us more of the wonders of the city. The perfect guide

Sonja🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Alice)

9 December 2024

Our tour with Alice was fantastic, she explained us the most intresting storys about the history of Edinburgh, all by heart. It was easy to follow her because she has'nt got a strong accent. We totally forgot to freeze in the cold wind, because her speech was so thrilling and it was like a dive into Edinburgh history. I can totally recommend this tour and would definetely book her again. A dive into the history of Edinburgh!

Margaret

(About local Alice)

30 October 2024

Alice was a fun, informative guide. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with her and would definitely choose her again.Fabulous experience

Suzanne

(About local Svend-Erik)

28 September 2024

Thanks for all the background history etc on the castle & Mary Queen of Scots. We learned a lot and surprisingly had plenty of time. Suzanne Enough time

Mavin🇨🇦 Canada

(About local Alice)

7 September 2024

My husband and I booked two walking trips with Alice. First was the 90 minute Kickstarter Tour for the afternoon when we first arrived in Edinburgh. The second was next day’s Edinburgh Castle Tour. Alice was very friendly, informed and entertaining. Alice is a delightful historian, who obviously knows and loves the city very well. She was also able to quickly detour when it began raining and ducked us into the courts, which were of particular interest to us. We would highly recommend Alice to any traveller, who would like to learn more about Edinburgh, hear some interesting stories made even more fascinating by Alice, the storyteller.Alice Makes Edinburgh Come Alive

Kathleen🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Alice)

7 September 2024

Alice was amazing her story telling was so much fun. She was very informative. When next in Edinburgh I would choose Alice again !!Fantastic guide

Mike🇺🇸 United States

(About local Svend-Erik)

7 September 2024

This is definitely the way to tour the castle. Svend-Erik did a great job of telling the story behind each aspect of the castle and then gave us time to check out that part of the castle ourselves. Would definitely recommend it!Thoroughly enjoyable!

Katie🇺🇸 United States

(About local Svend-Erik)

5 September 2024

Terrific experience with Svend-Erik who was super knowledgeable about all things Scotland (at least to us) from a very complicated history with details to keep us all engaged to fun facts about the castle itself. He was very attuned to our interests and adjusted the pace to suit our needs. I'm sure we could have learned much more with extra time but the 2 hrs was really just right--as my brain felt full at that point and I was ready for a rest! Exceptional Scottish history with a flare

Nancy🇺🇸 United States

(About local Alice)

18 August 2024

Alice was very nice and did a great job on our tour of Edinburgh Castle. Thank you!Knowledgeable guide with theatrical flair!

Jill

(About local Alice)

16 August 2024

We spent the day in Edinburgh with Alice. She is amazing! Her ability to keep us captivated with her incredible storytelling was fantastic! We had 4 in our group and we all said the same thing! I have been on so many tours over the years and I must say that Alice was my favorite! Don’t miss out - book with Alice! She is clearly a professional! Thanks so much for a great day Alice! Alice is the BEST

Denise🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Laura)

16 August 2024

Excellent time spent with Laura. Money well spent. She was punctual and really knew her stuff. Would highly recommend.Edinburgh Castle

Cathy🇺🇸 United States

(About local Alice)

16 August 2024

Alice is a true professional storyteller who educates you as she entertains you every step of the way. You will enjoy every minute with this knowledgeable, vivacious guide. She has set the bar high for all future guides we hire. She also is flexible should you want to pop in a shop for a special gift. You won’t be disappointed if you hire Alice.Sign up now!

Marlena

(About local Monica)

1 August 2024

I recently visited Scotland and the first thing I did when I got off the plane was take a tour of Edinburgh Castle with Monica. She is wonderful. I got a comprehensive history of the castle and Scotland’s people. There were so many interesting details. She gave me enough time to explore and answered all my questions. It was like visiting a friend who took me around her city. Monica is super friendly and funny. We talked a lot about the castle as well as other subjects. I felt super comfortable even when traveling solo. This was a highlight of visiting Edinburgh and I was really happy. I also appreciated Monica’s travel tidbits to enhance my experience in Edinburgh. I would highly recommend this tour and Monica to everyone. Edinburgh Castle Tour with Monica

brian🇺🇸 United States

(About local Laura)

5 July 2024

We had a great time with Laura romping around the castle. She was well informed with the current affairs and ancient history, and plenty to facts and tidbits to keep the family amused. Grand Tour

Susan🇺🇸 United States

(About local Monica)

28 June 2024

We enjoyed our tour of Edinburgh Castle with Monica! She was very knowledgeable and shared great stories and history of Scotland as we toured. Highly recommend if you are a history fan! Great tour of Edinburgh Castle

Vanessa 🇺🇸 United States

(About local Alice)

17 June 2024

Despite the wind and the rain, we thoroughly enjoyed our tour of Edinburgh castle with Alice. She’s a masterful storyteller and was able to nimbly guide us through several hundred years of history and many King James’ with ease! Wound definitely recommend!Wonderful experience

Deborah🇺🇸 United States

(About local Svend-Erik)

10 June 2024

Sven was warm, welcoming and extremely knowledgeable. It was clear that the unique stories he shared were ones beyond the usual ones and I loved that!Sven is wonderful!

christenpclark

(About local Monica)

7 June 2024

We had the most wonderful and informative tour with Monica. She was so cheery and knew so much about the history of the castle and the overall history of Scotland and England and even stumped my husband who has thoroughly studied the history of both. We wished we had her for other tours that we had done before this one. Fabulous Edinburg Castle Tour with Monica

Maura

(About local Alice)

7 June 2024

Alice was fantastic! She was so knowledgeable and gave facts and information in such a fun and animated way. We learned a lot and had fun. Highly recommend Alice!Castle Tour

Lisa

(About local Alice)

26 May 2024

Alice is a great storyteller! We had so much fun and so appreciated her flexibility when our delayed flights created issues. We loved her enthusiasm and the fact she took us to interesting places in Edinburgh. Thank you Alice! Alice is the BEST

Jake

(About local Svend-Erik)

14 May 2024

Svend-Erik was wonderful from start to finish. He imparted a ton of knowledge we wouldn't have otherwise known. He had great stories, was super friendly, and offered additional advice of things to do after the tour. Loved him breaking into songs to explain things too! Incredible Castle Experience

mweidhaas🇺🇸 United States

(About local Monica)

13 May 2024

Monica did such a great job. She was filled with history and able to answer all of our questions. Thorough and friendly. We were so glad we had her as our guide. Amazing experience

Edward

(About local Xavier)

12 May 2024

Excellent, insightful tour of Edinburgh Castle with Xavier who knew the history inside out and had a great sense of humour to bootFab Xav!

Richelle🇺🇸 United States

(About local Xavier)

12 May 2024

We had the pleasure of being guided through Edinburgh Castle by Xavier, who is an absolutely phenomenal tour guide. His knowledge of the castle's history was simply astounding, and he delivered the information with such enthusiasm and passion that it made the entire experience unforgettable. His engaging storytelling transported us back in time, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of Scotland's past. His friendly demeanor and willingness to answer any questions added an extra layer of enjoyment to the tour. I highly recommend him to anyone visiting Edinburgh Castle; he made our visit a highlight of our trip!Highlight of our trip from the states!

Micki🇺🇸 United States

(About local Monica)

12 May 2024

Monica's sense of humor and her deep knowledge of Scottish history made for a wonderful morning. We loved the tour.Very fun and informative!

Craig

(About local Monica)

7 May 2024

A wet day with an amazing guide. Entry was delayed due to special event at the castle. Weather was abysmal...Monica did her best to provide a great experience. Would highly recommend Monica to all. A rainy day at Edinburgh Castle

Kim🇺🇸 United States

(About local Alice)

6 May 2024

Alice made our tour personal and so very interesting. Her enthusiasm and animated storytelling brought the castle to life through the centuries of events. So much better than a standard castle tour! Thank you! Edinburgh Castle History Expert Rocks!

Chrissy🇺🇸 United States

(About local Alice)

7 April 2024

Alice was absolutely amazing! From the moment we met her, we felt like we were transported back in time. She is a wealth of information. You know she is fabulous when your teenage son was enjoying himself for our 2 hour private tour. If you want a truly memorable tour of the Edinburgh Castle ask for Alice!! The Absolute Best!

Chris

(About local Alice)

30 March 2024

Meet on time with Alice who was friendly, fun and very informative A fun and informative tour with Alice

Dina🇺🇸 United States

(About local Svend-Erik)

26 March 2024

Svend-Eric was very easy-going and entertaining. We covered 900 years of history at the castle. We met right outside the castle and covered everything at a comfortable pace.

Tania🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Monica)

19 March 2024

We had a 2 hour guided tour of the Edinburgh castle with Monica and she was so knowledgeable and interesting! My son absolutely loved chatting with her and learning from Monica about Scottish history. Monica was kind and patient and taught us so much! The best tour guide we have encountered!! Thank you Monica magic

dianarafeh

(About local Svend-Erik)

8 January 2024

Svend is a very friendly and patient tour guide. He helped us explore Edinburgh Castle through different perspectives as well as spotting great photographic spots for picture perfect Edinburgh from above ! The tour was comprehensive, familial and clear. I have to mention we are a family of 4 with two young boys (10 and 6) and Svend was patient enough to answer all my kids many questions. They have retained many information out of this tour while being entertained. I can say it is a perfect tour for both adults and children. Thank you Svend !! Enjoyable and pleasant tour !

Gysele🇳🇱 Netherlands

(About local Laura)

23 December 2023

We had a great time with our local guide Laura. She knew a lot about the history and told us all about it. She took special care that my mother of 81 years old was covenient during the tour. Edinburgh castle

maria.weiss1080🇦🇹 Austria

(About local Monica)

28 October 2023

Our tour with Monica was a truly exceptional experience. She was an utterly lovely woman who enthusiastically conveyed Edinburgh‘s history and truly managed to keep us all hooked! We would strongly recommend you to do a tour with her!

Jennifer🇺🇸 United States

(About local Laura)

1 October 2023

Laura is an outstanding tour guide. She’s extremely knowledgeable and experienced she insured we got to see everything at the castle and learn so much more. She is entertaining as well as informative. She also provided so much information about Edinburgh in Scotland. In general I would highly recommend her for your next tour.Outstanding tour of Edinburgh castle

Sarah🇺🇸 United States

(About local Monica)

7 July 2023

Booking with Monica was easy. She met us exactly when she said she would at agreed time. She had our tickets ready to go. We found her very knowledgeable and engaging, and enjoyed our almost 2 hours together. Great tour with Monica!

Christina🇺🇸 United States

(About local Laura)

31 May 2023

Laura was a wonderful guide and provided a lot of excellent context and history that helped me enjoy and appreciate the castle even more than if I had toured it alone.Great information and tour

jlf2056🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Laura)

20 May 2023

We had an amazing tour with Laura. She was funny and very knowledgeable. We enjoyed that she wove in personal stories during the tour. Going with a local is the way to go.Fun and Knowlesgeable tour guide

Molly🇺🇸 United States

(About local Laura)

24 April 2023

Laura is a wealth of knowledge of the City of Edinburgh and the Edinburgh castle! She was great answering all of our questions and giving history and fun facts! We highly recommend Laura for a tour!!Laura gives a wonderful tour

Camilla🇸🇪 Sweden

(About local Laura)

30 March 2023

We had a great time with Laura. She gave a great tour of the castle and it’s history while adding a personal touch of Scotland’s history, both past and present.Personal Tour of Edinburgh Castle

Emma🇸🇪 Sweden

(About local Monica)

28 February 2023

We had a fantastic tour of Edinburgh Castle with Monica! She was enthusiastic, friendly and taught us a lot about Scottish history. We were awed by the depth of her knowledge as well as by the ease with which she shared it. Our two teenage boys - usually a tough crowd - loved the tour as well! We highly recommend any tour with her!Edinburgh Castle

k.znider🇳🇱 Netherlands

(About local Monica)

7 February 2023

Monica was terrific. She knows everything about the Edinburgh castle and its history. We had a lovely tour. She is very personable and will answer any question you have about the tour, Scottish culture, history, etc.A fantastic guide.

JOSPEH🇺🇸 United States

(About local Monica)

2 February 2023

Great tour great storiesEdinburgh sojurn

Bettina🇺🇸 United States

(About local Monica)

30 December 2022

Monica gave us a tour of the Edinburgh Castle. She did a great job explaining about the history of the castle as well as some very entertaining stories about Scottish history. I would highly recommend her if you are looking for a tour guide.Monica was great!

Angela🇺🇸 United States

(About local Monica)

21 December 2022

This tour was the first thing we really did on our first day in Edinburgh and it did not disappoint! We had such a good time talking and learning from Monica. She was personable and made the tour fun and interesting! If you are looking for a tour, definitely recommend booking one with her!!Best Tour Ever

Luis🇵🇦 Panama

(About local Laura)

9 October 2022

Laura was fun and very informative on the tour. She was very accomodating and made sure we were comfortable with the pace. I highly reccomend any tour with her.Great informative tour

Jacquelyn🇺🇸 United States

(About local Monica)

8 October 2022

First, Monica was great to work with from the planning perspective so our experience started out stress free and all we had to do was meet her. This was only an inkling of the great experience on the tour day. Monica is knowledge on the history, tells great background stories for context and ensured we not only loved our castle and walking tour but had us taking hours later about the day. I highly recommend Monica for any tour in Edinburough. We will use her again and tell all of our friends. Thank you for everything!Enjoyable Experience!!

Christa🇺🇸 United States

(About local Monica)

27 August 2022

Monica was a wealth of knowledge! Absolutely wonderful, answered so many questions, very prompt and courteous! We had a great time!Well worth it!

kzkmpcdpq5🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Monica)

16 August 2022

Monica war wunderbar. Sehr angenehme Stimme und sympathische Person. Sie hat uns viel über Edinburgh und die schottische Geschichte erzählt. Ihre Begeisterung war in jedem ihrer Worte zu spüren und sprang auf uns über. Eine tolle Erfahrung. Vielen DankGroßartige Führung

Beverly🇺🇸 United States

(About local Laura)

10 July 2022

Such a wonderful time with Laura! I have no idea how she keeps so many facts straight…and shares them in such a wonderfully entertaining manner. Thank you Laura for a wonderful tour. History made real