Britain · TOURS IN SCOTLAND
Scotland is further than the map suggests and most of the good days are long ones. The 15 below sort the Highland runs, the loch cruises and the island crossings by what they cost, where they leave from and how much of the day is spent on the road.
Walk from Edinburgh’s Royal Mile through old closes to Greyfriars Kirkyard and the South Bridge vaults. Your costumed guide plays a historical character, mixing grim stories, local history, and theatrical scares. The 6:45pm departure suits families, while later tours may feel more atmospheric.
“We had a really good time! David was amazing, lots of information and fun! 100% recommend this to everybody :)”
Walk from Edinburgh’s Lawnmarket into the vaults beneath South Bridge on a one-hour English tour with Auld Reekie Tours. Guides such as Josh, Louisa, James, Kieran, and Aimee combine Edinburgh history with stories of crime, poverty, witchcraft, and ghosts. Expect uneven ground, tight passageways, steep steps, and no toilet stop.
“I loved the tour of the vaults! Guide did a great job explaining the history of the vaults and the city. The problem was the group was too large. We had 40 people in the tour. Made it difficult to get around in the vaults and even harder to hear the tour guide. People would talk constantly and the guide couldn’t control such a large group.”
Spend about 12.5 hours touring the Highlands from Edinburgh by air-conditioned coach, with stops at Glencoe, Fort Augustus, the Commando Memorial, and Pitlochry. Add a Loch Ness cruise, Urquhart Castle visit, or Deanston whisky option for an extra fee. Guides such as Ryan, Rod, John, William, and David bring the drive to life with stories and local tips.
“The trip to loch ness was amazing, our coach driver Nick was amazing commentator, the booking through website was quite easy. The cost of trip for two people was affordable and there were proper breaks.”
Travel from Edinburgh in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with an English-speaking guide such as Jim, Kenny, Chaz, or Shea. Stop at Callander, Glencoe, Fort Augustus, Spean Bridge, and Pitlochry, then cruise Loch Ness. It is a scenic, information-packed day, but expect many hours on the road.
“Chaz was amazing and her knowledge of every aspect of the tour was exceptional. We had sufficient bathroom breaks and opportunities to shop in local stores.”
Walk Edinburgh Castle’s grounds with a guide such as Joe, Raj, Sonia, or Valeria, hearing sharp stories about Mary Queen of Scots, royal life, and Scotland’s past. The guided portion stays outdoors, but your ticket lets you explore the palace, museums, prisons, and other buildings on your own afterward. Plan for about 90 minutes, plus extra castle time.
“Our guide is a man with immense passion and knowledge of Scottish history. Ask any questions you like. Use your mobile phone to learn more. An informative and exciting experience. After the guide leaves, wonder around, explore photos and cafes.”
Meet your English-speaking guide by the Adam Smith statue on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, walk uphill to Edinburgh Castle, and enter with admission included. Guides such as Koffe, Steph, Greg, Graeme, and Euan bring Scottish stories to life during the 90-minute outdoor tour. Afterward, explore the castle buildings at your own pace.
“We booked the Old Town Walking Tour on our last visit to Edinburgh through the same company, Little Fish. It was such a good tour that this time we booked the Castle Walking Tour. Not only was the tour as good as the last but we also had the same excellent guide Euan. He was very informative and delivered his guide with a humorous twist. We would recommend both tours if you are visiting the city. They are really good value for money and a great way to find out about the history of Edinburgh. If you’re lucky you may get Euan as your guide as well!”
Travel from Edinburgh through Callander, Glencoe, Fort William, and Pitlochry to Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous from the Harry Potter films. An English-speaking driver-guide handles the long scenic day, with photo stops, meal breaks, and a chance to see the Jacobite Steam Train. Guides may include Keith, Scott, Alastair, Brian, Anthony, or Leon.
“This is a great way to see the main sights of the highlands. Our tour guide, Anthony, was wonderful. Our bus had an unforeseen maintenance problem, which delayed us by several hours, but Anthony kept spirits high despite the difficulties. Even though my trip went awry, I would still highly recommend”
At The Chocolatarium on Cranston Street, you’ll follow cocoa from tree to bar, sample chocolates from Scotland and around the world, then design your own bar to take home. Guides such as Kelly, Coco, Bogi, and Hannah keep the 90-minute session lively. It suits adults and children aged six and up.
“Loved our guide Coco, great personality and very knowledgeable about chocolate. Many options for tastings and also for the “make your own” chocolate. Highly recommend!”
Walk Edinburgh’s Old Town with guides such as Robbie, Jenny, Orla, and Xander, linking Rowling’s inspirations to Castlehill, Greyfriars, the Royal Mile, Princes Street, and Edinburgh Castle. Expect Harry Potter trivia, local stories, and a house quiz on an easy 1.5-mile route. The tour runs in all weather and ends near the castle.
“Our guide Robbie was great and the experience was amazing, would totally recommend/do it again in future! He shared many Harry Potter world fun facts I did not know even though I am a big fan of HP, totally worth the experience.”
Follow an English-speaking guide from the Royal Mile through shadowed lanes, North Bridge, Calton Hill, and a historic cemetery. Hear true stories of witch trials, Burke and Hare, executions, murder, and hauntings, then finish at a local pub. Guides may include Niamh, Brian, James, G, or Charlie.
“Absolutely brilliant. G was an awesome guide, super enthusiastic and very knowledgable. Lots of fun information and spooky locations”
Spend a full day touring the Highlands from Edinburgh with an English-speaking driver-guide. Stop at Callander, Loch Tulla, Glencoe, Fort William, the Commando Monument, Fort Augustus, and Pitlochry. You can add a Loch Ness boat cruise, enjoy frequent photo stops, and hear Scottish history, stories, music, and local legends along the way.
“This was a full-day tour with many beautiful stops along the way. We really enjoyed it—the tour guide was amazing and shared fun, interesting information throughout the day.”
Spend about an hour behind the scenes at Celtic Park, visiting the home dressing room, Celtic FC Boardroom, dugout, tunnel, and pitchside areas. Guides such as Brian, John, Fiona, and Eric bring club stories to life. The tour is in English, capped at four people, and includes time for photos and trophies.
“The whole experience was fun. Desmond was a fabulous guide, really involved everyone. By the time we went through the tunnel towards the pitch even I liked football!”
Ride from Edinburgh into the Highlands with an English-speaking driver guide, stopping in Perthshire, the Cairngorms, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and Glen Coe. You can add a Loch Ness cruise and castle visit for £30 per adult, cash only. Guides such as Jamie, Chris, Ben, Terri, and Alan are known for lively history and good road commentary.
“Make sure you have cash. We were not told in description that one event was cash only and had to use atm at a rest stop. Scenery was amazing, guide told great stories and Linda on Loch Ness was fantastic!”
Ride through Edinburgh after dark on a vintage Routemaster while an in-character guide such as Tommy Terror or Sinead O’Horror tells stories of Burke and Hare, witch hunts, executions, and restless spirits. The 60 to 75 minute tour passes the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Holyroodhouse, Greyfriars, and Grassmarket. Expect theatrical fun rather than a serious history lesson.
“The tour is brill and interesting. Enjoyed the tour. The tour guide and drive made the tour. Kept all the visitors going”
See Edinburgh from an open-top double-decker on a 70-minute loop with 15 stops, including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Holyrood, and Dynamic Earth. Your 24-hour ticket lets you hop off to explore, then continue by bus. Audio comes in nine languages, with a children’s commentary and free headphones. Up to three children travel free with each paying adult until March 31, 2026.
“Great way to see the sights in Edinburgh. Lean history and decide the sights you want to see more endepth.”
Pick a nation, a city or a castle.
