Scotland · SCOTTISH CASTLE TOURS

Scottish Castle Tours: The 15 Best

147 tours  ·  from $28

Entry is rarely the expensive part. The 15 below cover the castles worth a guide, from the rock above Edinburgh to the sea stack at Dunnottar, with prices, admission notes and how long each one really needs.

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket - Mary, Queen of Scots and the Great Hall
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Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

1.Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,540 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $51Our pick

Meet near St Giles’ Cathedral and walk to Edinburgh Castle with a guide such as Joe, Raj, Sonia, or Valeria. The 90-minute tour takes place outdoors within the castle walls, covering royal stories, the Great Hall, and major viewpoints. Afterward, explore the palace, museums, prisons, and other buildings at your own pace.

“The tour itself is all outdoors, so bundle up accordingly. After the official tour you are able to go inside the various buildings, which is very cool. Our tour guide was extremely informative and entertaining. We loved it!”

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Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English - Entering the castle without waiting in the main line
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Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English

2.Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,214 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $52

Meet Little Fish Tours near Adam Smith’s statue on the Royal Mile, walk to Edinburgh Castle with an English-speaking guide, and hear stories about its rulers, dungeons, Crown Jewels, and unusual characters. Your guide leads you through the castle grounds for about 90 minutes, then you explore the buildings alone. Guides may include Koffe, Steph, Greg, Graeme, Euan, or Ben.

“Greg was a wonderful guide. He was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. I would recommend this tour.”

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Inverness: The Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle - Eilean Donan Castle is the day’s historic centerpiece
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Inverness: The Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle

3.The Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,039 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $58

Travel from Inverness to the Isle of Skye in an air-conditioned vehicle with a driver-guide, stopping at Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and more. Guides such as Alex, Fiona, and Stewart have been praised for clear storytelling, local insight, and thoughtful photo stops. Castle entry costs extra.

“This tour was fabulous. Mike our tour guide was great. He was incredibly knowledgeable and very personable. He gave us great information about each of the areas we entered.”

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Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle - Small Group Walking Tour - Parliament Square and John Knox House
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Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle – Small Group Walking Tour

4.Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle – Small Group Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,523 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $70

Follow Edinburgh’s Royal Mile with guides such as Craig, Linda, Nicola, or Marina, hearing stories in closes, courtyards, and old tenements before entering Edinburgh Castle. The group can reach 18 people, and the tour includes a 45-minute castle introduction when the castle option is selected, followed by free time inside.

“Craig did an amazing job of explaining the history and context of the Royal Mile. Although we are both over 80, we were able to get to the castle because Craig set a pace that we could keep up. Craig is both personable and knowledgeable. We highly recommend him as a guide.”

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Oban, Glencoe, Highlands Lochs & Castles Small Group Day Tour from Glasgow - Starting at Buchanan Bus Station
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Oban, Glencoe, Highlands Lochs & Castles Small Group Day Tour from Glasgow

5.Oban, Glencoe, Highlands Lochs & Castles Small Group Day Tour from Glasgow

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,432 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $50

Ride from Glasgow in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with a driver-guide such as James, George, Grant, or Caitlin. You’ll stop at Loch Lomond, Inveraray, Kilchurn Castle, Oban, Castle Stalker, and Glencoe, with time for photos, lunch, and short walks. Expect excellent storytelling, changing weather, and a full day on the road.

“Had a great wxperience with Katelyn bery entertaining in every spot that we visit. Highly recommended!”

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Loch Ness Cruise, Outlander & Urquhart Castle Tour from Inverness - Clava Cairns and the Outlander connection
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Loch Ness Cruise, Outlander & Urquhart Castle Tour from Inverness

6.Loch Ness Cruise, Outlander & Urquhart Castle Tour from Inverness

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,384 reviews · 9 hours (approx.)

Spend about nine hours exploring the Highlands around Inverness with a Scottish guide such as Iain, Karen, Emma, or Torquil. Cruise Loch Ness, visit Urquhart Castle, stop in Beauly for lunch, walk Culloden Battlefield, and see the Outlander-linked Clava Cairns. Transport, the cruise, and castle entry are included.

“We had an incredible experience on our tour from Inverness to Loch Ness, Outlander sites, and Urquhart Castle all thanks to the wonderful team of Iain and Tony. Iain was our driver and main guide, and he was outstanding. His commentary throughout the day was informative, engaging, and full of wit. He brought Highland history and folklore to life and added personal touches that made the journey feel both intimate and immersive. His deep knowledge of the area and easygoing nature made the tour an absolute pleasure. Tony was behind the scenes making sure everything ran smoothly from timing the cruise to coordinating stops and keeping the group comfortable and…”

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Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour Including Admission - The Kelpies and The Helix in 30 minutes
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Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour Including Admission

7.Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour Including Admission

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,305 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $72

Travel from Edinburgh in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach to the 30-meter Kelpies, Loch Lomond’s scenic eastern shore, and Stirling Castle. English-speaking guides such as Craig, Martin, Kieran, and Lizzie add history, music, and humor. Expect a full, active day with lunch at your own expense and limited time at each stop.

“We really enjoyed our tour. Jim Scott was our tour guide. He was not only knowledgeable about the places we saw but funny as well. We loved the itinerary and had a great time.”

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Edinburgh Skip-the-Ticket-Line Castle Walking Tour - Crown Square and Scotland’s royal treasures
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Edinburgh Skip-the-Ticket-Line Castle Walking Tour

8.Edinburgh Skip-the-Ticket-Line Castle Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,283 reviews · from $51

Meet your guide on the Royal Mile at 2pm, bypass the main entry queue, and spend about 90 minutes hearing Edinburgh Castle stories. Guides such as Alasdair and Charles bring local color, while your ticket lets you continue independently until closing. Expect hills, uneven ground, and a guided visit focused mainly on the grounds rather than castle interiors.

“Charles was very informative on the history of the castle and Scotland itself. Great job Charles. The tour was held on the grounds of the castle but we did not enter anything inside as part of the tour.”

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Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Tour from Inverness - The Old Man of Storr is a quick look
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Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Tour from Inverness

9.Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Tour from Inverness

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,236 reviews · from $94

Travel from Inverness in a small group of up to 16 people, following Loch Ness to Eilean Donan Castle and across Skye Bridge. Guides such as Iain, Emma, Craig, Amber, Harrison, Donnie, and Torquil combine local stories with photo stops at Sligachan, Portree, the Old Man of Storr, Quiraing, and Kilt Rock.

“Harrison was awesome, and really knowledgeable about the area! This was truly an unforgettable experience I could not recommend it enough! Just a PSA make sure you are exactly on time or you will get left behind”

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Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour - Tickets Included - From St. Giles’ to the castle entrance
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Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour – Tickets Included

10.Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour – Tickets Included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,211 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $51

Meet near St. Giles’ Cathedral for a 90-minute guided walk to Edinburgh Castle. Guides such as James, David, and Laura bring the fortress to life with stories of monarchs, attacks, and Scottish politics. Your guide covers the outdoor grounds, then you explore the Crown Jewels, war memorial, chapel, museums, and other interiors at your own pace.

“Fantastic with David, we explored a lot, through a blend of knowledge and humour. Great fun, enjoyed thoroughly”

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Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies Day Tour - The Kelpies and the Helix: a strong opening stop
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Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies Day Tour

11.Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,198 reviews · 9 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $63

Travel from Edinburgh with a driver-guide to the 30-meter Kelpies, Loch Lomond, the Trossachs, Stirling Castle, and South Queensferry. You can add a Loch Lomond cruise and Stirling Castle entry for extra fees. Guides such as Ash, John, Adam, and Morag are praised for lively stories, humor, and Scottish history.

“Our guide was Shug and he did an awesome job with our tour! He was lively and full of Scottish humor, kept the bus rides enjoyable with some Scottish history too! Plenty of time provided at each stop and each stop was worthwhile. 10/10 would recommend!”

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West Highlands, Lochs and Castles Day Tour Including Admission - Luss and the first look at Loch Lomond
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West Highlands, Lochs and Castles Day Tour Including Admission

12.West Highlands, Lochs and Castles Day Tour Including Admission

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,122 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $68

Travel from Edinburgh into the West Highlands in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with an English-speaking driver-guide. You’ll see Loch Lomond, Luss, Rest and Be Thankful, Kilchurn Castle, Inveraray, and Doune Castle, with admission to Doune included. Guides such as Rose, Kieran, Russell, and Ali are praised for lively stories, Scottish music, and careful driving.

“Scotland‘s West Highlands are beautiful! Ester was our guide and she was a font of knowledge. Loved visiting Doune Castle, especially if you’re a Monty Pythons fan! Delicious lunch in Inverary at Ocho. Great Whisky shopping there and nice shoppes. Visited Luss on the shores of Loch Lomand. Beautiful scenery. Highly recommend this tour.”

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Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views - Who will enjoy this cruise most
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Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views

13.Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,102 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $30Best value

From Clansman Harbour, cruise Loch Ness aboard a catamaran with indoor seating, an open-air deck, Wi-Fi, sonar, and an onboard bar. Listen to commentary on Nessie, local history, and the loch as you approach Urquhart Castle. Guide Kieran has been praised for his lively humor, though castle access is not included.

“Extremely well organized , great scenery of Loch Ness and amazing views of the Urquhart castle from the boat . Highly recommend .”

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Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile Walking Tour - Ticket Included - St. Giles’ Cathedral and Scotland’s religious divide
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Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile Walking Tour – Ticket Included

14.Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile Walking Tour – Ticket Included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 894 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $65

Start beneath the blue umbrella on the Royal Mile for a guided walk through closes, St. Giles’ Cathedral, Victoria Street, and the Grassmarket. Guides such as Paul, Mark, James, Zenon, and Alistair bring Scottish history to life before leading you into Edinburgh Castle. The tour ends inside the castle, where you can explore on your own.

“This is an informative moderately paced walk highlighting key sites along the Royal Mile. The guide was very knowledgeably and overall we enjoyed the tour. At times it was hard to hear because of the noise and congestion on the Mile but this is to be expected. We had a few challenges that could improve the experience. Ensuring that everyone had castle tickets as we entered the castle area and started hearing about the history instead of at the time we were ready to enter the ticketed area would have saved a significant delay. Also, the guide should be more attentive to make sure the group is together at a…”

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1 Day Castles, West Highlands and Loch Lomond Tour from Edinburgh - Tyndrum and the long road toward Rannoch Moor
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1 Day Castles, West Highlands and Loch Lomond Tour from Edinburgh

15.1 Day Castles, West Highlands and Loch Lomond Tour from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 850 reviews · 10 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $88

Travel from Edinburgh into the West Highlands with an English-speaking guide such as Steve, Cara, Charlie, or Dusty. Visit Doune Castle, photograph Kilchurn Castle, stop in Tyndrum and Inveraray, admire Rest and Be Thankful, and finish in Luss. Expect a long day, narrow roads, changing weather, and plenty of scenery.

“Cancelled the night before an 8am all day tour. We can’t cancel within 24 hours but they can apparently. Created a wasted day in Edinburgh, I’d avoid this company in the future. We found out when we turned up at the office for our tour because their email system didn’t contact us. They were apologetic and showed us the email other people received and we showed them we didn’t get any alerts through email or Viator app so fair play. However we were told there were no options for other tours for the day when we asked and were told they’re not a tourist information center but we could walk…”

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New in Scottish Castle Tours

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★ 5.03 Hour Private Tour of Stirling Old Town and Stirling CastleFrom $20517 reviews
★ 5.0Private Tour of the Highlands, Glencoe and Castles from Stirling7 reviews
★ 4.5Blackness Castle CruiseFrom $2739 reviews
★ 5.0Stirling Castle, Hairy Coo’s & The Trossachs3 reviews
★ 5.0Glasgow Greenock Shore Excursion Highland Lochs, Castles & GlensFrom $4606 reviews
★ 5.0Greenock Private Tour Stirling Castle & Loch Lomond6 reviews
★ 5.0Private Tour from Oban – Highlands, Glencoe, Lochs & Castles9 reviews
★ 5.0Private Outlander & Cawdor Castle TourFrom $4366 reviews
★ 5.0North Highland Tour including Dunrobin Castle and much more From Inverness City16 reviews
★ 5.0North Highland Deluxe Whisky Tour with Castle Option8 reviews
★ 5.0Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns and Loch Ness, Urquhart CastleFrom $4174 reviews
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Edinburgh Castle Tours14Stirling Castle Tours35Eilean Donan Castle Tours7Dunnottar Castle Tours6Rosslyn Chapel Tours10Culloden & Jacobite Tours31Outlander Tours51
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