Historical Tours in Edinburgh
Browse the available activities in this category and open each page for full details.
From GBP 39Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour - Entry Tickets Included
We pre-collect your tickets so that our Castle Tour gives you easy access into Scotland's most iconic fortification. The 1h30 long tour will cover the 3000 year history of Edinburgh Castle and the significant role it has played in shaping Scotland. Tour leaves from our start point at 192 High Street, by the statue of Adam Smith.
From GBP 39Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour - Tickets Included
Join us on an unforgettable journey through millennia as we explore the iconic Edinburgh Castle on a walking tour that will bring Scotland's rich history to life! As you explore, your knowledgeable guide will regale you with tales of battles won and lost, royalty and rebels, and the colourful characters who have called the castle home over the centuries. You'll be greeted with breath-taking views of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside, providing a unique perspective on this beautiful city. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a unique and educational experience, a tour of Edinburgh Castle is a must-do activity in Scotland's capital. Come and discover the rich cultural heritage of this iconic landmark, and immerse yourself in the history of one of the most fascinating places in all of Europe! *IN ENGLISH ONLY. Tickets to Edinburgh Castle are included, and the tour takes place inside. Due to guidelines imposed by HES, guides are not allowed inside the covered areas.
From GBP 53Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile Walking Tour - Ticket Included
Make the most of your time in Edinburgh with our guided walking tour that combines a walk on the historic Royal Mile and a guided visit inside Edinburgh Castle (entry included). The tour will begin on the Royal Mile, where your guide will lead you through cobbled streets, sharing fascinating stories of Scotland’s past and pointing out iconic landmarks like St. Giles' Cathedral, the colourful Victoria Street, and the Grassmarket with its vibrant atmosphere. Uncover Edinburgh castle's rich history and visit the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Great Hall, and St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in the city. Learn about the dramatic life of Mary, Queen of Scots, and experience the One O’Clock Cannon firing. After the tour, you will have the opportunity to keep exploring the roofed buildings of the castle at your own pace.
From GBP 45Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands
Mythical beasts, tall tales and dramatic scenery: explore the beauty of Scotland in a day on this one day coach tour. Leaving from Edinburgh, we head northwest passing famous landmarks such as Linlithgow Palace: birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, the mystical Kelpies, and the dramatically perched Stirling Castle. Continuing north we arrive in Glencoe for some photos of the dramatic ridges called the Three Sisters. We stop in the Fort William area for lunch before heading into the natural beauty of the Great Glen as we pass Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Heading further into the highlands we arrive in the small picturesque village of Fort Augustus - you can choose to take part in an optional boat cruise here. The road home will be time to relax and take in the Highland scenery. Final refreshment stop is at the historic town of Pitlochry before continuing the journey home over the Firth of Forth alongside UNESCO Forth Rail Bridge enroute back into Edinburgh.
From GBP 22Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town
Journey along Edinburgh's Royal Mile hearing some of Edinburgh's darker history before visiting the infamous hidden and supposedly haunted vaults beneath the South Bridge in Edinburgh Old Town. Hear tales of how the poor and unfortunate lived in these former slums. Explore these dimly lit vaults by candlelight, once the haunt of criminals, body snatchers and witches alike, said by some to now be occupied by a few of the spirits of these inhabitants long since dead. Each vault has stories of crime, disease, death and lots more... with which your guide shall enlighten you in all the gory details! You will see a genuine witchcraft temple, recently used by a Wiccan coven and you will enter their former temple. Join us to learn why it is no longer safe for them to practice their craft in that vault. DARE you step inside the infamous stone circle?
From GBP 41Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket
Scotland’s second-most-popular tourist attraction as you learn about the bloody history including stories of the kings and queens who lived in this castle. There is evidence of a fort here for almost 3000 years, and it has been a royal castle since at least King David I’s reign in the 12th century. The Scottish monarchs continued to use it until 1633, and even saw the birth of King James VI within its walls. Your tour will begin on the Royal Mile, then take you to the castle, where you will hear your guide talking about the origins of the castle and its sieges. Once inside the castle walls, the guide will take you through the different parts of the fortress and tell you its fascinating history. Inside the complex, you will find three museums, two prisons, a canine cemetery, the Chapel of Saint Margaret, the National Monument to the fallen of Scotland, the Great Hall, and a Royal Palace.(ENTIRE TOUR WILL REMAIN OUTDOORS; buildings are not accessible during the tour.)
From GBP 62St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
Contrast elegant architecture with sweeping coastal views. Compare the ruins of a wind-swept castle with the curves of an ancient golf course. And visit Scottish villages and towns that offer far more than their small size should allow. An ancient university, breathtaking medieval ruins, and quaint coastal villages: explore all this and more on our adventure through Fife.
From GBP 65Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh
Immerse yourself in spectacular scenery, beguiling mystery and dramatic history on this day trip from Edinburgh. Traveling to the Scottish Highlands, witness the stunning vistas of Cairngorms National Park and cruise along world-famous Loch Ness in search of the Loch Ness Monster and tour Urquhart Castle ruins. Admire an ancient castle in Stirling as you pass by, learn about the massacre at Glen Coe and the adventures of Scottish legend William Wallace, whose life is depicted in the film ‘Braveheart.’ Be sure to bring your camera to capture stunning views and maybe even a glimpse of ‘Nessie’! Please note on December 26 there will be no castle or cruise available
From GBP 39Edinburgh Castle Tickets and Tour - Local Expert Guide In a Kilt
Join the only Edinburgh Castle guided walking tour that guarantees a local guide wearing a Scottish kilt! Explore Scotland’s most famous fortress with a local expert, proudly dressed in a traditional kilt for an authentic experience. What to Expect: A truly Scottish experience – Your kilted guide will share dramatic stories of kings, queens, and epic battles. Discover Edinburgh Castle’s secrets – See the Crown Jewels, St. Margaret’s Chapel, and stunning views of the city from the top of Castle Rock. Engaging storytelling – Learn about the castle’s past through history, legends and local insight. Skip the confusion – Navigate the key sites with an expert local guide. Why Choose This Tour? The ONLY tour that guarantees a local guide—don’t settle for less! A fully immersive experience for history lovers and first-time guests – History comes to life with a guide in authentic Scottish dress, sharing real Scottish stories. Book now to walk through history with a true Scotsman!
From GBP 200Hogwarts Express and Scottish Highlands Tour from Edinburgh
Runs 7 April - 22 October 2026 (selected dates) Escape the city for the day by coach and follow in the footsteps of the world’s most famous wizard, Harry Potter. Scotland has played a huge part in the story of Harry Potter, from the scenic filming locations and inspiring architecture to the coffee shop where J.K. Rowling is said to have written the first novel. Riding the Jacobite Steam Train is a bucket-list experience for any traveller, but even more so for Harry Potter fans who know that they are in fact boarding the Hogwarts’ Express! Our passionate guides will immerse you in all the magic of Harry Potter, plus the real-life beauty and history of Scotland. Disclaimer: This Tour is an unlicensed and unauthorised tour of sites related to the Harry Potter franchise. This tour does not have any association with, connection to, sponsorship by or endorsement of, the Harry Potter franchise nor the author J.K. Rowling.
From GBP 45Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William
Take in the stunning Highland locations made famous by the Harry Potter and James Bond film series. Passing famous landmarks such as Linlithgow Palace, the mythical Kelpies, and the dramatically perched Stirling Castle on route to the Highlands. Head north through Glencoe while your Driver / Guide points out the film locations for the James Bond and Harry Potter franchise Stop in the Fort William area for lunch before a short drive to the Glenfinnan viaduct which was made famous from its scenes in the Harry Potter movies from the filming of the Hogwarts Express. Take a short walk to the viewpoint, where you will have unparalleled views over Loch Shiel and across to the viaduct. We will do our best to arrive in time to watch the train cross the viaduct. The road home will be time to relax and take in the Highland scenery. Final stop is at the historic town of Pitlochry before continuing home over the Firth of Forth alongside UNESCO Forth Rail Bridge enroute back into Edinburgh.
From GBP 53Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle - Small Group Walking Tour
Edinburgh’s Master Storytellers, Mercat Tours, are redefining the walking tour, promising to enrich and deepen your connection with Edinburgh’s people and its past far beyond your visit. Take the Story Home: evoke the memories: - Listen to the tour playlist The castle towers over Edinburgh from up high on its ancient volcanic rock – a literal fortress, looking out over the city’s stunning landscapes. Battles and sieges were fought over it, royalty lived and died within its walls, and countless generations have been inspired by it. Step into Edinburgh Castle alongside your Master Storyteller, with all entry arrangements handled so you can stay immersed in the story. As a certified B Corporation, we're dedicated to responsible tourism practices that benefit our community and environment. Join an unrivalled journey into Edinburgh's past, engaging all the senses to create a truly memorable experience that lasts long after your visit.