Edinburgh Castle Private Tour
Edinburgh Castle stands on the summit of Castle Rock, an extinct volcano that has shaped the identity of Scotland’s capital for more than a thousand years. Forming part of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, this imposing fortress is the most visited historic attraction in the country and a place where many defining events in Scottish history unfolded.
A private tour of Edinburgh Castle allows you to explore this remarkable site at a comfortable pace, with chauffeur-led travel and flexible timings. Whether you are visiting as part of a wider Edinburgh itinerary or as a dedicated castle experience, the tour provides a thorough introduction to one of Scotland’s most significant landmarks.
Highlights of Your Edinburgh Castle Tour
Crown Jewels of Scotland
Within the Crown Room, visitors can view the Honours of Scotland — the oldest surviving Crown Jewels in Britain. These historic symbols of monarchy include the crown, sceptre and sword of state, each with its own connection to major coronations and royal ceremonies.
The Stone of Destiny
Also known as the Stone of Scone, this ancient coronation stone has been used in the inauguration of Scottish kings for centuries. Its return to Scotland is an important part of the castle experience, and the stories surrounding it reflect the country’s complex royal history.
The Great Hall
Completed in the early sixteenth century, the Great Hall is one of the finest examples of medieval secular architecture in Scotland. With its original hammerbeam roof and collection of weapons and armour, it illustrates how the castle functioned as a royal residence and ceremonial space.
Mons Meg
This enormous medieval siege cannon, gifted to King James II, is one of the few surviving examples of its kind. Positioned on the battlements, Mons Meg highlights the military strength the fortress once commanded.
Historic Military Prison
Deep within the castle are the vaulted chambers that once served as a military prison. Used during several conflicts, including the Napoleonic Wars, these spaces now form part of a detailed exhibition on the life of prisoners held within the stronghold.
Views Over Edinburgh
From the castle battlements, the views across Edinburgh are among the most impressive in the city. The panorama takes in the Old Town, Princes Street Gardens, the New Town, Calton Hill, Arthur’s Seat and the Firth of Forth. Your chauffeur will ensure you have time to explore the viewpoints and take photographs from these elevated terraces.
Tour Logistics
Collection and Travel
You will be collected from your accommodation or chosen meeting point in Edinburgh. Travel is provided in a luxury vehicle from our fleet, allowing you to arrive at the castle entrance comfortably and without navigating the busy city centre.
Timing and Accessibility
The length of your castle visit can be tailored around your schedule. As the terrain includes steep cobbled areas and some steps, we will assist in planning an appropriate route to ensure your comfort throughout the experience. Opening hours and access arrangements at Edinburgh Castle may vary seasonally; we adjust tour timings accordingly.
Your Private Chauffeur-Guide
Your tour is conducted by an experienced chauffeur with extensive knowledge of Edinburgh’s historic sites, traffic routes and visitor access points. With years of touring experience across Scotland, your driver helps coordinate timings, entry and collection, ensuring a smooth and well-organised visit to the castle and surrounding areas.
Extend Your Edinburgh Castle Experience
This private Edinburgh Castle tour can act as a stand-alone experience or form part of a full Edinburgh day tour, a multi-day private itinerary or a wider Scottish Highlands journey. It can easily be combined with visits to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mile, the New Town or Calton Hill, as well as selected museums and galleries.
Practical Information
- Collection from Edinburgh accommodation or agreed meeting point
- Luxury Mercedes vehicles with space for luggage
- Flexible duration to fit your schedule
- Suitable for couples, families and small groups
- Entrance tickets can be arranged on request or purchased separately
Related Private Tours
Edinburgh Castle can be included within several of our wider itineraries. You may wish to consider our
private tours of Scotland, including the
3 Day Private Tour: Edinburgh, Stirling and St Andrews
or the 5 Day Private Tour: Highlands, Isle of Skye and Edinburgh.
To request availability or to discuss a combined Edinburgh itinerary, please visit our contact page.
