Palace and Castle Tickets and Tours in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is one of the cities with castles as protagonists and its palaces are not far behind. With its medieval atmosphere and fascinating history, it's a must-see destination for those who love architecture and stories of the past. You will see how, among its cobbled streets, mountains and lakes, you will find authentic jewels that will transport you to times of kings and battles.

If you're wondering what to see and do in Edinburgh, make a point of visiting its main castles and palaces. From Stirling Castle, built on a volcano, to Edinburgh Castle, the jewel in the crown, to the Palace of Huntly House, home to the Edinburgh Museum, each place tells stories of power, love, intrigue and tradition. Although some castles are still owned by noble families, many have been converted into museums, hotels and public spaces, ready to be discovered. Are you ready to explore them?

Stirling Castle is one of the most imposing fortifications on the route through the most beautiful natural sites north of Edinburgh, the Heart 200, the 200 miles to fall in love with Scotland.

Perched on a hill overlooking the River Forth, this castle has been the scene of crucial battles in Scottish history, such as the famous Battle of Stirling Bridge, led by William Wallace. It was also the residence of Scottish royalty for centuries and the place where the legendary Mary, Queen of Scots was crowned.

Here, every corner tells tales of kings, queens, Scottish heroes and is even home to the Pink Lady and the Green Lady, iconic ghosts on some of Edinburgh's ghost and mystery tours. The Stirling Castle tour takes you to explore its royal chambers, Renaissance gardens, the Hall of 7 Tapestries with its mystical unicorn story and the breathtaking views from its ramparts. If you're thinking of a more complete experience, you can book a tour of Stirling, Loch Lomond and the Kelpies, which includes spectacular scenery and other historic icons of the region.

Useful details

• Address: Castle Esplanade, Stirling FK8 1EJ.
• Opening times: Open Monday to Sunday 9.30am to 6pm.

No visit to the Scottish capital is complete without a visit to the imposing Edinburgh Castle, which has witnessed many of the most pivotal moments in Scotland's history. This fortress, whose current construction was ordered by King David I around 1130, overlooks the city from the top of Castle Rock, an ancient volcanic formation that makes it a strategic location. Over the centuries, it has served as a royal residence, military stronghold and symbol of Scottish resistance.

Inside, you'll find treasures such as the Scottish crown jewels, St Margaret's Chapel - the oldest building in the city - and the Stone of Destiny, used in coronation ceremonies. You can also take part in the daily tradition of firing the cannon at 13:00 (except Sundays), while enjoying an unrivalled view of the city.

To ensure your visit, I recommend booking your guided tour of Edinburgh Castle in advance to avoid long queues and guarantee a smooth experience, especially if you list your visit among the things to see and do in Edinburgh in October, when people take advantage of Halloween to see the lone piper who inhabits this haunted castle.

Details of interest

• Address: Visiting Edinburgh Castle is as easy as can be, as it is located in Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, a central location.
• Opening hours: Open Monday to Sunday 9.30am to 5pm.

Linlithgow Palace, located very close to Falkirk, northwest of Edinburgh, is another of Scotland's most important historic sites. This impressive palace was the residence of Highland monarchs for centuries and is best known for being the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots in 1542. Although much of the structure is in ruins, its grandeur is still palpable, especially when you walk through its central courtyard or look out of the windows overlooking the tranquil Linlithgow Lake.

Although Linlithgow is a landmark in Scottish history, partly because it provided security for Edinburgh and Stirling castles, in recent years, streaming has revived its popularity thanks to the Outlander series. Several scenes, particularly those at Wentworth Prison, were filmed here.

Whether you're interested in seeing one of Scotland's cultural highlights, or you're a fan of the series, I encourage you to sign up for one of the Outlander location tours, a great way to discover the key locations of this production and generally learn more about Scotland's history.

Interesting details

• Address: Kirkgate, Linlithgow EH49 7AL.
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 9.30am to 5.30pm.

Also known as the Palace of Holyroodhouse, it is the official residence of the Queen in Scotland and one of the most significant palaces in the Highlands. Situated at the end of the famous Royal Mile, this palace has witnessed important historical moments, including the turbulent times of Mary Queen of Scots. As you wander the halls, you can admire an impressive collection of tapestries, royal portraits and period furnishings.

The palace also boasts the stunning Holyrood Gardens and Holyrood Abbey, ideal for leisurely strolls while enjoying the natural splendour. The tour also gives you an insight into the life of British royalty in Scotland and allows you to explore rooms such as the Great Gallery and the State Apartments.

Although Edinburgh Castle is gaining in popularity, Edinburgh's palace route attracts a large number of visitors as it is both a historic and contemporary landmark. I recommend that you buy your ticket to Holyrood Palace in advance, especially if you have listed your visit as one of the things to do in Edinburgh in May, when Victoria Day is celebrated.

Interesting details

• Address: Canongate, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH8 8DX
• Opening hours: 9.30am-4.30pm November to March, 9.30am-6pm April to October.

A 20-minute drive from the ghostly Edinburgh Castle, the first Bishop of Edinburgh, William Forbes, had Craigmillar Castle erected in 1626, one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Scotland. The castle became famous when Mary, Queen of Scots, used it as a refuge during the political conflicts of her reign.

Although more modest in size compared to other castles, Craigmillar has a distinctive pale pink colour, and between its gargoyles, the comical nod to the French and its stately style make a fairy-tale impression. In addition, its structure features towers, defensive walls and a series of chambers that show what life was like in the Middle Ages.

A visit to Craigmillar Castle allows you to freely explore its well-preserved ruins and enjoy the stunning views across Edinburgh's city centre. If you're looking for a quieter option to learn about the city's history, this castle is ideal.

Interesting details

• Address: Craigmillar Castle Road, Edinburgh EH16 4SY.
• Opening hours: Open Monday to Sunday 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Carla's Tip

One of Edinburgh's most popular cycle routes starts at Craigmillar Castle. It's a route of approximately 20 miles that passes through Dean Village, the River Leith, Portobello and the Union Canal, ideal if you like to ride on two wheels.

The Palace of Huntly House, also known as the home of the Museum of Edinburgh, is an elegant 16th century building in the heart of the historic Canongate district. Although smaller than other palaces, its Renaissance façade and historical significance make it a place worth noting.

The palace houses a fascinating collection of over 200,000 objects, as well as recurring exhibitions on Edinburgh's history, from its early days as a medieval settlement to its role as a modern capital.

By visiting the Palace of Huntly House, visitors can learn about daily life in ancient Edinburgh, view ancient documents and explore artefacts that tell the city's rich history. It is an ideal place for those wishing to delve deeper into the capital's past.

Details of interest

• Address: 142 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DD.
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 10am - 5pm.

Dalmeny Castle, located to the west of Edinburgh, is a majestic private residence noted for its neo-Gothic architecture and fascinating history. It was commissioned by Archibald Primrose, the 4th Earl of Rosebery, in the early 19th century and has since been part of the Rosebery family estate for generations.

Although privately owned, guided tours are the only way to gain access to the castle and discover its secrets. In fact, its interior has been the setting for film shoots, such as the movie "The Big Score", starring Brooke Shields, Cary Elwes and Drew Barrymore, among other actors, which adds an extra attraction for the film-curious.

The tour of the palace offers a detailed look at its exquisite furnishings and art collections. Highlights include an important collection of Napoleonic artefacts and its tapestry series.

The influence of Meyer de Rothschild, a member of the famous banking family and husband of Hannah de Rothschild, is evident in many of the chateau's pieces and décor. The Rothschild family's legacy and exquisite taste is reflected in every corner of the mansion, making it a must-see for lovers of history and art.

Interesting details

• Address: Dalmeny House, South Queensferry, Edinburgh EH30 9TQ.
• Opening times: Access is by scheduled guided tours only during certain months of the year.

Built in 1590 by Sir Archibald Napier, father of the famous Scottish mathematician John Napier, Lauriston Castle is an enchanting corner of Edinburgh that offers a perfect blend of history, nature and architecture. Although it has undergone several renovations over the centuries, it is known for its Edwardian décor, inherited from the last owners, who transformed the interior with elegant period furnishings and an exquisite art collection that you can appreciate by booking a guided tour, the only way to access the castle's interior.

However, the real gem of Lauriston Castle is to be found in its outdoor grounds. The gardens, which are free to enter, are serene spaces ideal for strolling and enjoying spectacular views of the coastline. But the highlight of this visit is undoubtedly the Japanese Garden, officially known as the Kyoto Friendship Garden.

Designed in 2002 by Takashi Sawano to strengthen ties between Edinburgh and Kyoto, this tiered garden is one of the largest in the UK. With its volcanic rocks, small bridges, maples and bamboo pavilions, strolling through this space is a unique experience that invites meditation and relaxation.

Interesting details

• Address: 2a Cramond Road South, Edinburgh EH4 5QD.
• Opening times: The gardens are open to the public all year round from 8am - 7.30pm. Guided tours of the castle's interior are available Tuesday to Sunday from 1.30pm - 3pm.

In addition to the classic tip of wearing comfortable shoes to visit Edinburgh's palaces and castles, I recommend:

• Book your tickets in advance: some palaces and castles require or recommend booking in advance, especially in high season, to avoid long lines and secure your access.
• Check the photography rules: most of these places do not allow the use of drones and restrict the areas that can be photographed. Be sure to ask or read the rules before attempting to capture images.
• Carry as little luggage as possible: while you may find castles and palaces with locker facilities, this is likely to involve an additional charge or may not have space to store your luggage at all. It's best to carry a small backpack or your wallet and leave the rest at the hotel or in the car.
• Forget sharp objects: Bags and backpacks are often searched at the entrance, and all sharp objects such as scissors, knives and razors, no matter how small, should be left at the entrance for everyone's safety.
• Do not bring food and drink: these are usually prohibited, with the exception of bottles of water.
• Set aside half a day for your visits: while visits to palaces and castles often take about 2 hours, that time takes only the interior, not including the gardens, which can add to the time, so if you fancy a 1-day palace visit in Edinburgh, plan for a maximum of 3 palaces so you can see them in depth.
• Be prepared for rainy days: the Highlands are known for their unpredictable weather, so it's advisable to pack rain gear, even if you plan to visit the interiors. Some castles also have indoor activities that can save the day if the weather doesn't work out.