Britain · CASTLE TOURS
Windsor is a working royal house, Edinburgh sits on volcanic rock and half the good ones are an hour outside a city. The 15 below compare admission, guided access and the day trips that reach them, with prices and travel times.
Visit Windsor Castle at your own pace with admission, a multilingual multimedia guide, the State Apartments, and St. George’s Chapel when open. Allow 2.5 to 3 hours. You’ll walk uphill and cover long distances, so wear comfortable shoes and arrive ready for airport-style security.
“it was very interesting and we spent over 2 hrs visiting the Castle, St George's Chapel and the apartments. it was awesome.”
Travel from Inverness to the Isle of Skye with a Timberbush driver-guide such as Alex, Fiona, Karen, or Liall. You will visit Portree, Eilean Donan Castle, Kilt Rock, Lealt Falls, and the Old Man of Storr, with live commentary and photo stops along the way.
“Spectacular day. Our driver Alex was the best and very kind and considerate. The stops were the perfect amount of time. So many stunning sites. I highly recommend this tour. I’d also say you get to see enough of Loch Ness on the way so no need to book a separate tour to it on another day.”
Set out from Victoria with a guide such as James, Richard, or Angela for a fast-paced tour of Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath. You get royal apartments, prehistoric stones, Georgian streets, and optional Roman Baths entry, all by coach with Wi-Fi and USB charging.
“Guide Pablo was friendly, full of information, and great at managing people to get them back on the bus on time. Very happy with the whole day although air conditioning on bus could have been more effective on a hot day. Would recommend the tour highly.”
Sail for 50 minutes from Clansman Harbour across Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle and back. You’ll hear stories about the loch, scan the water with onboard sonar, and enjoy castle views without leaving the boat. Guides have included Iain and Liall, with snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi available onboard.
“it was brilliant and the staff were excellent and very helpful. thank you”
From Inverness Bus Station, ride with a live English-speaking guide to Loch Ness, cruise toward Urquhart Castle, and spend about an hour among its ruins. Guides such as Linda, Kieran, Katie, and John are known for lively local stories. Winter departures also include the Loch Ness Centre.
“Both guides - Katie and Peter (guide on the boat) are brilliant. The tour is very interenting, educational and fun. One can experience and appreciate this wonderful area even more with them. I wholeheartedly recommend booking this tour. P. S. Try the hot chocolate on the boat.”
Travel from Glasgow in a 16-seat minicoach with an English-speaking guide such as George, Maggie, James, or Peter. See Loch Lomond, Inveraray, Kilchurn Castle, Oban, Castle Stalker, and Glencoe, with photo stops, lunch time, and Highland stories along the way.
“This trip was amazing! Our guide George was so funny and knowledgeable and gave so many fun insights and stories! The views and the stops were perfect!!”
Join Rabbie’s from Inverness for a full day across Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, and the Isle of Skye. Your English-speaking driver-guide, such as Amy, Mick, Ryan, or Nick, handles the long route while you enjoy Portree, the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing.
“I had the most amazing day! Ryan was the perfect guide, he was funny and he had a lot of tips, and also, it was incredible to hear the history behind every single stop.”
Travel from Glasgow with an English-speaking Timberbush guide through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, stopping in Luss or Balloch, Aberfoyle, Callander, and Stirling Castle. Add the one-hour loch cruise and castle entry for a fuller day. Guides such as Michelle, Jack, Stuart, and Wee Davie are known for lively local stories.
“10,000 out of 10! Michelle made this tour just absolutely incredible! She was so knowledgeable and thought of every little detail from a sample nip of Scotch whiskey to the Scottish flag for photos. She gave us picturesque views of places we didn’t expect to see and little cakes we may not have tried otherwise plus so much more. She had plenty of recommendations in the towns and just went above and beyond in every way. She was warm and welcoming, the ride was smooth and fun, the sights were just gorgeous. I cannot recommend this trip and MICHELLE enough! She provided water and little candies for the ride, offered…”
Travel from Edinburgh with an English-speaking driver-guide such as Adam, Linda, or Paul Santa. Cross to tidal Holy Island for Lindisfarne Priory and mead, then spend about three hours around Alnwick Castle and Gardens, filming sites for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.
“Only point that I want to highlight is the seat I was seating in, 2 one on the right was reclined making it a bit uncomfortable...else everything was planned beautifully and thoughtfully. thanks”
Travel from Edinburgh in a comfortable minibus with an English-speaking guide to the Kelpies, Loch Lomond, the Trossachs, and Stirling Castle. You’ll get a lakeside walk, free time at the castle, and lively Scottish history from guides such as Jim, Martin, David, and Stephen.
“The places we visited were amazing! Loch Lomond is a very relaxing place which is a national park. Sterling g castle is a must even better than the Edimburgh castle and quiet this time of the year.The highlight of the trip was the guide Jim Scot who has a fantastic sense of humor and kept us entertained the whole time. He was also extremely informative and very good story teller. Thanks Jim for the fantastic tour!”
Travel from London by luxury coach with an English-speaking guide such as Callum, Andy, Nick, or Sam. Explore Canterbury, choose the cathedral, walk the White Cliffs, and tour Dover Castle, including its wartime tunnels if time allows. The day is full but well planned.
“I liked how there was plenty of time to explore on our own at each stop.”
Leave Edinburgh with The Hairy Coo for a full day of castles, lochs, scenic roads, and the 30-foot Kelpies. Your English-speaking driver-guide, such as Pete, Brian, Colin, or William, handles the winding roads and adds history, music, humor, and useful stop-by-stop tips.
“A long day with plenty of variety, with enough time at each stop. Dougie, our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. My favourite bit was The Kelpies - Stunning.”
Travel from Earl’s Court to Windsor by air-conditioned coach, hearing castle history from guides such as Nick, Eva, or Andy. Explore Windsor Castle at your own pace, see St George’s Chapel and the State Apartments when open, then return to London in the early afternoon.
“Great tour. Guide very I formatve giving us heaps of Windsor history on the way there and on return trip. Highly recommend this 1/2 day trip.”
Set out from Inverness with an English-speaking guide such as Karen, Iain, Harrison, or Torquil. See Loch Ness, explore Eilean Donan Castle at extra cost, eat in Portree, and stop at Skye icons including the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing.
“Sonia was the best guide. She spent the whole time telling us about the history, traditions and myths. It was the most incredible experience. Highly recommended”
Spend a full day at Dover Castle with access to Henry II’s recreated palace, the Great Tower, medieval defenses, wartime tunnels, and the Dover Castle Under Siege attraction. Plan at least three to four hours, and allow extra time for guided tunnel tours and the steep paths between sites.
“there are two parts to this castle, the midevil part which is nice, and since it was a term break, kids had their own acrivities, and other part is its relevance suring the WW2 which as a history lover was absolutly special for me ♥️, both the WW2 tunnel tour and hospital tour was so informative, and gives you a prespective of life during those troubled times, 5Star anytime”
Pick a city, a castle or a long drive north.
