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Edinburgh Castle Without the Crowds Exclusive Pre Opening Tour

1 Review 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 1 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor |
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100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Edinburgh, Scotland
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from $108.03 per person

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 15 (0) days in advance.
90 to 240 minutes (approx.)
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Overview

Experience Edinburgh Castle like never before. On this once-in-a-lifetime exclusive experience, take a guided tour inside the Castle with only your small group. High season at the castle sees up to 8,000 visitors per day. With your exclusive access join an expert guide and uncover the original 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 only accessible on this newly launched

Opt for a four hour tour option and extend your journey with a guided tour along the historic Royal Mile—famous for its cobbled streets, hidden closes, and historic landmarks like St. Giles’ Cathedral—top off your day at Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British Royals in Scotland. A perfect Scottish day.

What's Included

  • Pre-opening access ticket to Edinburgh Castle
  • Self-guided audio tour of Holyrood Palace (if option selected)
  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
  • Gratuities
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What To Expect

Edinburgh Castle

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.
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1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Lawnmarket

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.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Royal Mile

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.
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40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Palace of Holyroodhouse

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.
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1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
  • The castle is reached across the esplanade – a wide area of smooth tarmac, with an uphill gradient of 5 degrees.
  • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Edinburgh Castle Without the Crowds Exclusive Pre Opening Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-62043P37

Reviews

5.00
1 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 1 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
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4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
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1 star
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On average, this is booked 15 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Edinburgh Castle Without the Crowds Exclusive Pre Opening Tour?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Pre-opening access ticket to Edinburgh Castle.
  • Self-guided audio tour of Holyrood Palace (if option selected).
  • Local English-speaking guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off.
  • Gratuities.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Edinburgh Castle Without the Crowds Exclusive Pre Opening Tour is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Edinburgh Castle Without the Crowds Exclusive Pre Opening Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • Pre-opening access ticket to Edinburgh Castle
  • Self-guided audio tour of Holyrood Palace (if option selected)
  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This tour is in English.
  • This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
  • The castle is reached across the esplanade – a wide area of smooth tarmac, with an uphill gradient of 5 degrees.
  • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
  • Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

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Free Cancellation

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100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).

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