Private or Group: Which Castle Tours Tour Should You Choose in Edinburgh?
By Editorial Team · Last updated 16/08/2026
- Best season
- May to September
- How to get there
- 4.5 hours by train from London King's Cross, or fly into Edinburgh Airport
- Avg. visit duration
- 2-3 days
Choosing between a private and group castle tour in Edinburgh depends entirely on your priorities for this incredible experience. Generally, group tours offer a more budget-friendly option, with prices ranging from £39 to £840. This broader range reflects the fact that you're sharing the guide’s time and attention with other travellers, allowing us to keep costs lower than a dedicated private tour. The average rating across all 8 available tours is an impressive 4.7/5, indicating a consistently high standard of experience regardless of group size.
However, if flexibility and a tailored pace are paramount, then a private tour might be worth the investment. With a private guide, you can adjust the route, spend more time at specific locations that particularly interest you, and control the overall tempo of the excursion. These tend to sit at the higher end of the price range – upwards of £840 – reflecting this personalized service.
Consider the duration too; tours run from 90 minutes up to a full 720 minutes. A shorter tour will naturally be more economical, while a longer one allows for deeper immersion into Edinburgh's castle history and surroundings.
Ultimately, we recommend carefully weighing your budget against your desired level of individual attention and control. A well-regarded group tour can provide an excellent introduction to the castle’s fascinating story, while a private experience offers a truly bespoke adventure. For the highest rated tour – "Loch Ness and The Highlands from Edinburgh" – achieving 5.0/5 with 24 reviews at £840, you're guaranteed a premium experience.