Top Scotland Arts & Design in 2026

Follow in the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots to "the most besieged place in Great Britain”, Edinburgh Castle. See the majestic St Giles' Cathedral and the Royal Mile. Visit the historic castle courtyards. Available in English German, French, Italian and Spanish HIGHLIGHTS: - Discover the heritage of Edinburgh Castle with a 5-Star Private Guide - Save time with skip-the-line tickets to Edinburgh's top-rated attraction - Follow the historical Royal Mile and see the majestic St Giles’ Cathedral - Learn about Mary, Queen of Scots and other historical figures - Immerse yourself in Scottish history, culture and legends from past and present Edinburgh Castle is a cradle of Scottish history and Edinburgh’s most important UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take this private tour to explore the historic Old Town and Royal Mile, and visit the castle courtyards with an Expert Guide.

Following the last few years of sell-out, five-star shows, the Silent Adventures team are back with even more madness and brand-new adventures to boot. Don our magical headphones and feel your inhibitions evaporate as we lead you on a fun-filled silent disco tour of the Edinburgh Fringe. Expect song, dance, flash mobs and surprises in the most feel-good hour of the summer. Without doubt, the most fun you can have with your clothes on! Your moves are awesome. You just don’t know it yet.

Glimpse into the lifestyle of the Royals with an audio tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia – the floating palace of Her Majesty the Queen for more than 40 years. Independently explore the stately ship’s five decks, peeking into elaborately decorated rooms like the State Apartments, the State Drawing Room, the Queen’s Bedroom and more. Add to the unique experience with some refreshment in the Royal Deck Tea Room (additional expense).

Explore the stunning Scottish Highlands on a full-day excursion that includes Glencoe and Loch Ness. Set out from Edinburgh aboard a comfortable coach to experience some of the area's top sights and attractions. Enjoy a chance to escape the bustle of modern life as you learn the fascinating history of Glencoe—a village made famous as a setting for movies in the “James Bond” and “Harry Potter” series—and see the world-renowned Loch Ness too,

Listen to Edinburgh’s grisliest tales on a haunted evening walking tour. Experience the ghastly histories of monsters, madness, and murder that cast a dark shadow on Scotland’s capital. See where witch trials, pagan rituals, and executions took place, then visit the chilling Old Calton Burial Ground and Canongate Kirkyard to learn about body-snatching and some of the infamous individuals interred here.

Discover the treasures housed in the National Museum of Scoltand, exploring the rich tapestry of human culture, history, and natural wonders. Learn about Scottish heritage, world cultures and art, science and technology. Available in English German, French, Italian and Spanish languages. HIGHLIGHTS: - Visit the National Museum of Scotland with a 5-Star Private Guide - Explore amazing exhibits on Scottish history and cultural heritage - See art and antiquies from across the globe - Learn about Dolly the Sheep, science and technology - Tailor the tour to the pace, needs and interests of your group This tour offers something for everyone, whether you’re a history buff, a science enthusiast, or a family with kids who are curious about the world.

Visit “Scotland’s Alcatraz”, long the country’s only high-security prison, without the hassle of waiting in line at the ticket office. Head straight inside and follow the audio tour to learn about the 125-year history of the former HM Convict Prison, including the infamous 1987 siege and Britain’s first state-owned railway. Walk through the galleries and halls as you listen to the stories of prison officers for a fully immersive experience.

Become the Star of Your Own Scottish Editorial Step into a stunning 5-metre flying dress train and experience one of Edinburgh's most unique premium photoshoots. Set against the iconic backdrop of Calton Hill, this private experience combines elegant, magazine-style portraits with Edinburgh's dramatic skyline, historic monuments and breathtaking scenery. Perfect for birthdays, honeymoons, anniversaries, girls' trips, solo travellers or simply creating unforgettable memories in Scotland. No modelling experience is needed; Simone guides you through every pose to help you feel relaxed, confident and camera-ready. Unlike many photography experiences with fixed photo limits, you'll receive all the strongest edited images from your session. A dedicated assistant creates the dramatic flying dress effect while Simone focuses on posing, composition and capturing stunning images.

Experience the beauty of rural Scotland on a full-day tour of the West Highlands—with its lochs, mountains, and castles—from Edinburgh. Visit Doune Castle (all admissions own expense), admire fine views over shimmering lakes and soaring peaks, and enjoy free time and a visit to the castle in Inveraray. Then, head onward to Kilchurn Castle—one of Scotland's prettiest castles.

Forget about crowds, schedules or lines! With our company's self-guided experiences your smartphone is your new private guide. Welcome to Edinburgh, the birthplace of Harry Potter! JK Rowling wrote all seven Harry Potter novels in this city and Jule will help you discover that was involved in this incredible story. Walking the streets of this magical place, Rowling undoubtedly took some inspiration from the city which she then used in the Harry Potter novels. On our tour, we’ll be exploring places that may have served as inspirations for places and characters in Harry Potter. In this incredible experience, you'll have the time to stroll around Edinburgh's Harry Potter Trail at your own pace, you'll have the opportunity to take astonishing pictures and enter any attraction you fancy along the way. Please note: when booking, you will get an email with instructions on how to download our app and unlock the tour.

Experience Edinburgh Old Town’s highlights in your own way with this self-guided audio tour. Download the app onto your smartphone, and set off when it suits to discover the streets and sights: stopping, lingering, and restarting whenever you wish. Wander cobbled closes, stroll parks, and admire grand buildings as you discover history and detail you might otherwise miss. Lifetime access to the tour also means you can enjoy it at home any time in the future.

Founded in 2022, Queensferry Walking Tours is a passion project by two brothers who want to share their knowledge and love for this special historic town. Elavation: Flat Views: Spectacular Weather: Scottish You and your group will be shown the best parts of the village and gain a true appreciation, through stories and by discovering it’s beautiful Scottish architecture. You will also find the best viewpoints and photo opportunities along the shore, Three Bridges, Waterfront & Village Tour. (South) Queensferry is situated on the Firth of Forth (river forth estuary) approximately 14 miles west of Edinburgh city centre, less than 10 minutes by train. Cruise ships anchor off the coast adjacent the Forth Railway bridge and guests are tendered in to the Hawes Pier. Typically a tour of South Queensferry starts at 10am and finishes at midday, however this can be flexible for larger groups, so please be in touch for bespoke timings.

Led by your Blue Badge guide, explore Edinburgh’s historic streets on a private walking tour. Skip the long lines at Edinburgh Castle and walk the Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament. Discover hidden closes and courtyard parks while learning about the city’s vivid history.

Get out of the city and soak up the natural beauty of Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands on this day tour from Edinburgh. See wooded lochs and tucked-away villages as you journey through spectacular scenery en route to Glencoe and Fort Augustus. Enjoy a boat tour in search of the Loch Ness Monster and traverse the picturesque Cairngorms National Park. Travel in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with a small group.

See the best of Scotland in one action-packed day on this tour from Edinburgh. Rather than focusing on the road and missing out on the scenery the Highlands' is so famous for, you can admire Stirling Castle, Rannoch Moor, and the soaring peaks of Glen Coe while someone else drives. Head along the banks of Loch Linnhe to Fort William and enjoy free time to explore Loch Ness.

Every Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh will tell you Victoria Street is Diagon Alley and a certain gravestone inspired Voldemort's name. Ours is the one that tells you whether that's actually true. This walk runs on years spent digging into old newspaper archives and J.K. Rowling's own interviews, not on the same script other tours have been repeating for a decade. Every stop gets a straight verdict: verified, disputed, or just a good story that never happened. We call the method behind it The Revelio Bureau. Along the way you'll walk through some corners of the Old Town that genuinely shaped the Harry Potter books, led by a guide who knows the difference between what Rowling actually said and what the internet decided she said somewhere along the way. Worth knowing before you book: these are the real literary inspiration sites, not film locations. Edinburgh is where Rowling wrote, not where the movies were shot. Cameras welcome. Myths not included.

Immerse yourself in the rugged peninsular landscapes of the Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands on this 3-day trip from Edinburgh. During your visit to Scotland's wild northwest coast, you’re driven through the Highlands, including stops at Glencoe and Loch Ness. Stay overnight with daily breakfasts in the harbor town of Portree, where you find local pubs and have plenty of time to explore the Isle of Skye with your guide. Numbers are limited to 16 people on this small-group tour, ensuring a personalized experience.

Explore the streets of Edinburgh on this fun walking tour. As you listen to popular theme songs and hits through your headset, sing along and dance past landmarks like St. Giles' Cathedral, the Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh Waverley Station, and more. This is an alternative to the traditional tour groups.

Planning a multi-day journey through the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye can be challenging, especially when it involves long drives and accommodation logistics. However, this 3-day tour from Edinburgh takes care of everything for you—so you can focus on making the most of the sweeping Highland scenery. Along the way, gain insight into Scotland’s past at locations such as Culloden Battlefield, and choose to enhance your experience with an optional cruise on Loch Ness and entry to Urquhart Castle.

See Glasgow’s street art through your own local guide’s eyes. Exclusively with your own group, explore the murals, graffiti and hidden corners of Glasgow at your own pace. Take time to ask questions, follow your curiosity and hear the stories behind the artists and artworks that have transformed the city’s streets. From internationally acclaimed artists like Smug to local legends like Rogue One, discover not just what you’re looking at, but why it’s there, who created it and what it tells you about Glasgow. Your guide can tailor the experience to your group, whether you’re fascinated by the artists, the history of Glasgow’s urban art scene, the difference between graffiti and street art, or simply want to discover the city’s most impressive walls.

Visit the home of Scottish soccer on this Hampden Park stadium and museum tour in Glasgow. Follow your guide through the players’ changing rooms and the tunnels, and follow in the footsteps of Scotland’s most successful players as you step out onto the pitch. Picture yourself in the Scottish national colors at the cup presentation area, and hear the stories behind the stadium’s impressive silverware in the museum.

Combine the magic of Harry Potter with the history of the Scottish borders on this day trip from Edinburgh. Ideal for fans of the world’s favorite wizard, this tour takes care of transportation, leaving you free to admire Bamburgh Castle and Alnwick Castle, a filming location featured in both Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. You'll venture beyond the capital's crowds and visit parts of the country that many first-time visitors often overlook.

Taking part of the Brave Heart bike tour you will see majestic Stirling Castle and Wallace Monument starting at Cisco's Coffe. meeting point. The key stops include the Wallace Monument for views and history, the historic Old Town and Stirling Bridge, and a final stop at Cambuskenneth Abbey. Difficulty: Medium, with significant hills. E-bikes are highly recommended for those not accustomed to regular cycling to manage the inclines. Included: Bike, helmet, and a qualified guide. Stops and sights: Stirling Castle: A major highlight, explore the majestic castle and its grounds. Stirling Old Town and Bridge: Cycle through the historic cobbled streets and pass the site of the Battle of Stirling Bridge, where history was made. The Wallace Monument: Visit this iconic landmark, learn about the story of William Wallace, and enjoy panoramic views from its viewpoint. Cambuskenneth Abbey: Begin at this ancient and tranquil ruin, the resting place of King James III.

Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, awaits you with its 24 iconic sights to explore on foot. From Edinburgh Castle to Holyroodhouse Palace, every corner tells the fascinating story of this city. Stroll the Royal Mile, discover hidden gardens like Dunbar’s Close, and take in the views from Calton Hill. This 3h30 tour will introduce you to Edinburgh’s unique architecture and street legends, perfect for history and culture lovers. An experience that combines heritage, mystery and vibrant urban life. - Explore 24 must-see sights in Edinburgh in 1 day - Enjoy a walking tour of about 3h30 - Discover local history and legends with audio guides - Ideal for history and culture enthusiasts