The Royal Tour: Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile
Discover Edinburgh’s royal landmarks on our Edinburgh Old Town walking tour, a Royal Tour of Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, in a small group with tickets included and an English speaking local guide.
Meeting point
354 Castlehill, EH1 2NE Edinburgh,
Main Points of Interest
Edinburgh Castle
A guided Edinburgh Castle visit with tickets included and a local English speaking guide.
Royal Mile
Royal Mile and Edinburgh Old Town highlights on a small group walking tour.
Holyrood Palace
The King’s official residence in Scotland (Palace of Holyroodhouse), with time to visit the Palace, the Abbey and the gardens using the official audio guide.
Duration and Schedule
Duration: 5 hours
Start time: 10:00 AM
Meeting point: 354 Castlehill, EH1 2NE
What’s Included
English-speaking guide on the walking tour
Palace of Holyroodhouse entry ticket
Edinburgh Castle entry ticket
Official Holyrood Palace audio guide
Small Group Tour
Group size: max 18
Cancellation: free up to 24 hours
Itinerary
This walk connects Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It follows the route once taken by the British royal family, from the medieval castle at the top of the hill to the lavish palace at the bottom of the Royal Mile.
The tour is designed for travellers who want to explore the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, learn about its history, and understand the impact the monarchy had on the city’s development.
Edinburgh Castle - Admission Ticket Included
The tour will start at Edinburgh Castle, Scotland’s most iconic fortress, perched on the Castle Rock.
Your guide will take you through the castle’s fascinating history, from medieval sieges to Mary, Queen of Scots and her son, James VI. You will then have some free time to visit the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Great Hall, and St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in the city.
Edinburgh Old Town: The Royal Mile
From the Castle Esplanade, our small group will then walk down the Royal Mile. This street follows the spine of Edinburgh’s Old Town and connects Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Next, we will visit Victoria Street, named in honour of Queen Victoria. Its colourful façades and elegant curve make it one of Edinburgh’s most photographed streets.
Along the way, we will stop at St Giles’ Cathedral and the Mercat Cross. The latter has been the site of royal proclamations for centuries. Your guide will explain the meaning behind the statue of the white unicorn that crowns the Mercat Cross.
The other side of Edinburgh Old Town: Canongate, the World’s End, and White Horse Close
As we continue down the Royal Mile, we will reach the World’s End Pub, where the Netherbow Port once stood and the medieval Old Town ended. From here, we enter the Canongate, once a separate burgh and now part of the Royal Mile, as well as a residential neighbourhood of Edinburgh.
In the Canongate, we will pass Canongate Kirk, where the royal family still worships when in town. We will also visit White Horse Close, one of the most picturesque corners in Edinburgh, traditionally linked to the royal stables of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
It was at the bottom of the Canongate that the royal residence of Holyroodhouse began to be built in the late 15th century,
Holyrood Palace - Admission Ticket and Audio Guide Included
Our Royal Tour finishes at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Arthur’s Seat and the Salisbury Crags in Holyrood Park provide the perfect backdrop to explain the origin of the name “Holyrood” and the park’s history as a royal hunting ground.
Your guide will introduce the palace and its story. It was here that Mary, Queen of Scots received envoys, and under Charles II the palace regained its Baroque splendour. During Holyrood Week, the Royal Company of Archers welcomes the royal household here.
Tickets to the Palace of Holyroodhouse are included. They will be handed to you at the end of the tour, along with the official audio guide. You are then free to visit the palace at your leisure. Your visit includes the royal apartments, the ruined abbey, and the palace gardens.
Voucher
No need to print it – showing the electronic voucher/confirmation email will be enough.
Free Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the beginning of the tour. After this window has passed, a 100% cancellation fee will apply.
Reduced Mobility
This tour is not recommended for people with reduced mobility. You can request a quote for a private tour tailored to your needs.
Accessibility
Not suitable for wheelchair users, as some buildings along the route are not accessible. Strollers may be allowed, but we recommend bringing a baby carrier to access certain locations.
Please note that backpacks over 30 litres are not allowed inside Edinburgh Castle.
Pets
Not allowed.
What’s Not Included
Bus transportation, food and drinks
Minimum Group Size
A minimum of 4 participants is required to run the tour.
FAQs
What time does the tour start and when is check in
The tour starts at 10:00. Please arrive for check in at 9:50.
How long is the tour
The guided walking tour lasts around 3.5 hours. The Palace of Holyroodhouse visit takes around 1.5 hours using the official audio guide.
Is this a Holyrood Palace tour, an Edinburgh Castle tour, or a Royal Mile tour
It is 1 Edinburgh Old Town walking tour that includes Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile highlights and a visit to Holyrood Palace.
What are the main sights included on this Edinburgh Old Town walking tour
You will visit Edinburgh Castle, walk the Royal Mile with stops such as St Giles’ Cathedral, Victoria Street and some of the most beautiful closes, and visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Are tickets included
Yes. Tickets are included for Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Is the visit inside Holyrood Palace guided
The walking tour is led by an English speaking local guide. The Palace of Holyroodhouse interior visit is self guided using the official audio guide.
Is the visit inside Edinburgh Castle guided
Your guide leads the walking tour and shares the main stories and context. Once inside Edinburgh Castle, you can visit at your own pace.
Are there places to stop for food during the tour
Yes. You can stop for food during the route, and there are cafés at both Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
What language is the tour in
The tour is in English and led by a local English speaking guide.
Is this a small group tour
Yes. Maximum group size is 18.
How much walking is involved
This is a walking tour through Edinburgh Old Town and the Royal Mile, with regular stops along the way.
Is this tour accessible for reduced mobility
This tour is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility. Please contact us if you would like to arrange a private tour.
Can I take photos during the visit
Photography rules depend on each attraction and can change. Please follow the signs and staff guidance at Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Can the tour be cancelled due to weather or Edinburgh Castle closure
Yes. If severe weather, events, or an unexpected Edinburgh Castle closure affect the tour, we may need to cancel. If this happens, we will contact you as soon as possible.
Can I bring pets or animals on the tour
No. Only registered assistance animals are allowed.
What they say about us
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Ready to Explore: Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile
Discover Edinburgh’s most iconic royal sites with our Old Town Walking Tour, featuring a special Royal Route that includes Holyrood Palace, the Royal Mile, and Edinburgh Castle