The Crown Tour of the Castles of Scotland small group tours

Edinburgh , Scotland

The Crown Tour of the Castles of Scotland small group tours

Active

(1 reviews)

6h - 7h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Embark on a regal journey through Scotland's royal heritage with our Crown Castles Tour. Visit three iconic locations steeped in history and grandeur.Small group tours

1. St Andrews
Begin in the historic town of St Andrews, renowned for its ancient university and majestic ruins. This was the filming location for the scenes where Prince William met Kate Middleton at the University
time - 1 hour

2. Glamis Castle
Glamis Castle was the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Discover its opulent rooms, beautiful gardens, and intriguing tales of ghosts and royalty.
1 hour

3. Balmoral Castle
Conclude at Balmoral Castle, the Scottish residence of the Royal Family. Wander through the extensive gardens and exhibitions, experiencing the charm of the royal retreat.
1 hour

Join us for a captivating day exploring the splendour and stories of Scotland's most prestigious castles. Balmoral Castle is now open to the public until 11th August.
Last minute bookings, shore excursions

Available options

The Crown Tour of the Castles of Scotland small group tours

Pickup included

What's included

3 USB charging points

professional driver / guide

Last minute bookings are available for this tour

air conditioned sedan car

Detailed itinerary

In 2011 William and Kate got married and now have three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Prince William , Duke of Cambridge met his future wife Kate Middleton while they were both studying at St Andrews University in 2001 . St Andrews University is one of the oldest universities in the world . Filming for the Crown has taken place in St Andrews . Scenes were filmed outside the cinema and at the harbour

St Andrews is also the home of golf and features the Old Course .
The time for travelling between locations is included in the total tour duration

The Queen Mother was born in 1900 as Elizabeth Bowes Lyon. She spent a great deal of her childhood at Glamis Castle. Her second child, Princess Margaret, was born at the Castle on August 21, 1930. Glamis Castle was remodelled in the 17th century to look like it does today.
Glamis Castle is the home of the Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne . Glamis Castle has been the home of the Lyon family since the 14th century .
Tickets cost £16 each.
The time for travelling between locations is included in the total tour duration. Glamis Castle is reputed to be the most haunted castle in Scotland

Balmoral was a favourite haunt of Queen Elizabeth II . The Queen stayed there every summer. Balmoral is private property and, unlike the monarch's official residences , is not the property of the Crown .

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert first visited Scotland in 1842 . In February 1848 an arrangement was made that Prince Albert would buy Balmoral .
The time for travelling between locations is included in the total tour duration

What's not included

gratuities

lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 3.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is a city of historic and cultural significance. Known for its medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town, both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Edinburgh offers a unique blend of ancient and modern. The city is famous for its annual festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe, and its iconic Edinburgh Castle.

Top Attractions

Edinburgh Castle

A historic fortress that dominates the city's skyline. It houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

Historical 2-3 hours £18 (adult), £11 (child)

Royal Mile

A historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Lined with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

Historical/Cultural Several hours to explore fully Free to walk, attractions vary

Arthur's Seat

An extinct volcano offering panoramic views of the city. A popular spot for hiking and outdoor activities.

Nature/Adventure 1-2 hours (hike) Free

The Royal Yacht Britannia

The former royal yacht of the British monarchy, now a museum docked in Edinburgh's port.

Historical 2 hours £19 (adult), £10 (child)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Haggis

A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's offal, oats, and spices, typically served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).

Main Course Not vegetarian or vegan.

Scotch Pie

A small, double-crust meat pie filled with minced mutton or beef.

Snack Contains meat.

Cranachan

A traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, honey, and toasted oats.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten.

Irn-Bru

Scotland's iconic bright orange, fizzy soft drink with a unique flavor.

Drink Contains caffeine and sugar.

Popular Activities

Hiking Arthur's Seat Kayaking on the Water of Leith Cycling the National Cycle Network Afternoon tea at The Dome Visiting the Royal Botanic Garden Strolling along Princes Street Gardens Exploring the National Museum of Scotland Visiting the Scottish National Gallery

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season, with long daylight hours and numerous festivals. The weather is generally pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions.

15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) 59°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Scottish Gaelic
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Edinburgh is generally safe for tourists, but as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of your surroundings at night
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air

Edinburgh Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center

By train

Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh Haymarket

By bus

Edinburgh Bus Station (Stance 20)

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and frequent bus services cover the entire city. Key routes include the Airlink 100 to the airport.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FREE NOW

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town New Town Leith

Day trips

Lothian

10-20 km (6-12 miles) • Half day to full day

Lothian offers a mix of historic sites, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activities. Visit historic castles, explore picturesque villages, and enjoy the beautiful countryside.

Fife

30-50 km (18-31 miles) • Full day

Fife is known for its beautiful coastline, historic towns, and the famous St. Andrews, home to the University of St. Andrews and the Old Course golf course.

Stirling

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

Stirling is a historic city known for its castle and its role in Scottish history. It's a great destination for history enthusiasts and those interested in Scotland's past.

Festivals

Edinburgh Festival Fringe • August Edinburgh International Festival • August Hogmanay • December 31

Pro tips

Visit the camera obscura for a unique view of the city
Explore the underground closes for a glimpse into Edinburgh's past
Try a whisky tasting at one of the city's many whisky bars
Walk the Royal Mile at night for a quieter and more atmospheric experience
Visit the National Museum of Scotland for a comprehensive overview of the city's history and culture