Edinburgh Private Early Access Castle Tour

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.
Opt for a full day tour option and extend your journey with a walk along the historic Royal Mile—famous for its cobbled streets, hidden closes, and historic landmarks like St. Giles’ Cathedral—you'll wrap up at Holyrood Palace with a self-guided audio tour of this royal residence.

Meeting Point

The Scotch Whisky Experience

354 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE, UK

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.

What's included:

• Local English-speaking guide
• Pre-opening access ticket to Edinburgh Castle
• Self-guided audio tour of Holyrood Palace (if option selected)

Not included:

• Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
• Gratuities

What to expect:

Duration: between 1 hour, 30 minutes and 4 hours

Edinburgh Castle

Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG

Step into history before the public arrives with this tour of Edinburgh Castle—the only one of its kind offering private early access.
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.

1 hour, 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Lawnmarket

Lawnmarket, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2NT

If a full day tour option selected — Stroll the Lawnmarket and pause to admire the exterior of St. Giles’ Cathedral, a stunning Gothic masterpiece and key site in Scotland’s religious history.

20 minutes

Royal Mile

High St., , Edinburgh, EH1 2PB

If a full day tour option selected — Walk along the iconic Royal Mile, where your guide will reveal its cobblestone streets, hidden gardens, and fascinating stories of Edinburgh’s past. Then continue over to the Canongate area to discover its historic charm, 16th-century buildings, and connections to the British royal family at Canongate Kirk.

40 minutes

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DX

If a full day tour option selected — Conclude your tour at Holyrood Palace, the British monarchs’ official residence in Scotland. Explore its stunning gardens, state rooms, and abbey ruins at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour.

1 hour, 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included