From royal scandals at Windsor to fairytale dreams at Neuschwanstein, explore the world’s best castle tours — ghosts, gossip, and grand halls included.
Castle tours may seem like a peaceful stroll through history, but behind those towering stone walls lie twisted staircases, scandalous secrets, and ghost stories that would make even the bravest knight sleep with the lights on.
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10 Iconic Castle Tours for History Lovers
So, grab your imaginary crown and get ready — this is your ultimate survival guide to the world’s most iconic castle tours, filled with juicy gossip, royal hazards, and some serious cardio.
#1. Edinburgh Castle Tour
Where Ghosts Are the Real Tour Guides
The Edinburgh Castle tour isn’t just a deep dive into Scottish history — it’s practically a haunted house.
Ghostly drummers, dungeons filled with tortured souls, and legends of headless figures make this fortress Scotland’s creepiest hotspot.
Mary, Queen of Scots gave birth here, but her story ended in betrayal and execution. If you hear phantom bagpipes, don’t worry — it’s just the locals… or is it?
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- Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
- How to get here: Easily accessible by train or bus from Edinburgh Waverley Station, followed by a short uphill walk.
- Best time of year to visit: Late spring to early fall (May to September) for pleasant weather and fewer rain showers.
- What else to see in the area: The Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, and Arthur’s Seat for panoramic city views.
Castle Tour Tips:
- Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially in summer.
- Book guided tours for insider ghost stories and hidden history.
- Don’t miss the daily firing of the One O’Clock Gun!
- Bring layers — Edinburgh’s weather changes fast, even in summer.
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#2. Windsor Castle Tour
Royals, Rebellions, and Really Long Walks
The Windsor Castle tour might seem regal and refined, but its walls have witnessed royal scandals, ghostly tantrums, and love affairs that rewrote history.
King Edward VIII gave up the throne for love (scandalous!), and Henry VIII supposedly haunts the halls, stomping over his six failed marriages.
Plus, rumor has it there are hidden tunnels leading to pubs — because even monarchs need a pint.
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- Location: Windsor, England
- How to get here: A direct train from London Paddington or Waterloo takes 30 to 40 minutes.
- Best time of year to visit: Spring and fall (April to June, September to October) for milder weather and fewer crowds.
- What else to see in the area: Eton College, Windsor Great Park, and a stroll along the River Thames.
Castle Tour Tips:
- Time your visit to watch the Changing of the Guard.
- Buy tickets online in advance — this is a popular spot.
- Audio guides are a must to catch all the royal gossip.
- Plan for lots of walking — wear comfy shoes!
Click here to book a Windsor Castle tour
#3. Neuschwanstein Castle Tour
The Fairy Tale with a Dark Twist
The Neuschwanstein Castle tour feels like stepping into a fairytale — until you hear the tragic story behind it.
Built by King Ludwig II, the “Mad King,” this dreamy castle was his fantasy land. But Ludwig’s obsession with the arts bankrupted him, and he mysteriously died under suspicious circumstances.
Was it murder or madness? No one knows, but the views are still worth it.
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- Location: Bavaria, Germany
- How to get here: Take a train from Munich to Füssen, then a bus ride, and a scenic uphill walk.
- Best time of year to visit: Late spring to early autumn (May to September) or winter for a snow-dusted fairytale look.
- What else to see in the area: Hohenschwangau Castle, Alpsee Lake, and the Marienbrücke Bridge for iconic views.
Castle Tour Tips:
- Book tickets in advance — they often sell out.
- Hike to Marienbrücke for the classic postcard view.
- Visit early or late in the day to avoid crowds.
- Be prepared for a steep walk or take the shuttle.
Click here to book a Neuschwanstein Castle tour
#4. Hearst Castle Tour
Where Gold-Plated Pools Meet Hollywood Gossip
The Hearst Castle tour isn’t just a walk through opulence — it’s a peek into Hollywood’s juiciest parties.
William Randolph Hearst’s estate was the ultimate playground for stars like Charlie Chaplin and Greta Garbo. Scandalous love affairs, secret pool parties, and even rumored mob ties gave this castle its edge.
Oh, and those gold-plated pools? Perfect for a little Prohibition-era skinny-dipping.
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- Location: San Simeon, California, USA
- How to get here: Drive along Highway 1 from San Francisco or Los Angeles; the nearest major airport is in San Luis Obispo.
- Best time of year to visit: Spring or fall (March to May, September to November) for mild weather and fewer tourists.
- What else to see in the area: Elephant seal viewing at Piedras Blancas, Moonstone Beach, and the scenic Pacific Coast Highway.
Castle Tour Tips:
- Choose the Grand Rooms Tour for first-timers.
- Don’t skip the Neptune and Roman Pools — they’re Insta-famous.
- Book in advance; tours can sell out quickly.
- Look out for zebras roaming the grounds of Hearst’s old zoo!
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#5. Prague Castle Tour
Secret Passages and Political Intrigue
The Prague Castle tour is a blend of medieval charm and jaw-dropping drama.
Known for the Defenestration of Prague — where officials were literally tossed out windows — this castle’s history is all about power struggles and political chaos.
Add alchemist legends, secret tunnels, and torture chambers for the ultimate medieval soap opera. Tour tip: Watch out for open windows.
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- Location: Prague, Czech Republic
- How to get here: Accessible by tram or metro from Prague’s city center; a short uphill walk gets you to the gates.
- Best time of year to visit: Spring and autumn (April to May, September to October) for comfortable weather and lighter crowds.
- What else to see in the area: Charles Bridge, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the charming streets of Old Town.
Castle Tour Tips:
- Start your tour early to beat the crowds.
- Don’t miss the Golden Lane for a glimpse into medieval life.
- Climb the Great South Tower for panoramic city views.
- Try the local trdelník pastry from nearby street vendors.
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#6. Highclere Castle Tour
Downton Abbey and Real-Life Drama
The Highclere Castle tour isn’t just for Downton Abbey fans — it’s got enough real-life drama to rival the show.
From scandalous aristocratic parties to the 5th Earl’s role in discovering King Tut’s tomb (yes, really), Highclere is packed with secrets.
Rumor has it some Egyptian artifacts made their way into the estate, leading some to whisper about a “Downton Curse.”
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- Location: Hampshire, England
- How to get here: Trains from London Paddington to Newbury, followed by a short taxi ride.
- Best time of year to visit: During the limited public openings in spring and summer (April to September).
- What else to see in the area: Newbury Racecourse, Highclere Gardens, and the charming English countryside.
Castle Tour Tips:
- Book tickets as soon as they’re released — spots fill fast.
- Downton Abbey fans should opt for themed tours.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy the beautiful grounds.
- Check for special exhibitions, especially around the Tutankhamun connection.
Click here to book a Highclere Castle tour
#7. Oheka Castle Tour
Gatsby’s East Coast Playground
The Oheka Castle feels like stepping into The Great Gatsby, with over-the-top parties and whispers of mob ties.
Built by financier Otto Hermann Kahn, the castle saw wild 1920s bashes, secret tunnels for Prohibition smuggling, and even some suspicious fires.
Kahn was known to play the role of real-life Gatsby, and his ghost is rumored to still haunt the halls of this historic castle, now a luxury hotel.
Click here to book a stay at Oheka Castle
- Location: Huntington, New York, USA
- How to get here: Drive or take the Long Island Rail Road from Manhattan, followed by a short taxi ride.
- Best time of year to visit: Late spring to early fall (May to September) for garden blooms and wedding season magic.
- What else to see in the area: Huntington Village, Cold Spring Harbor, and the beautiful beaches of Long Island’s North Shore.
Castle Tour Tips:
- Book the guided tour to hear all the Gatsby-era gossip.
- Stay overnight for the full luxury experience.
- Don’t miss the formal gardens — they’re perfect for photos.
- Check for seasonal events like wine tastings and concerts.
Click here to book a stay at Oheka Castle
#8. Dublin Castle Tour
From Vikings to VIPs
The Dublin Castle tour is a whirlwind of history, from its Viking roots to political scandals.
Built on a former Viking settlement, the castle has seen royal courts, rebellious plots, and one of Ireland’s greatest mysteries—the unsolved theft of the Irish Crown Jewels in 1907.
Add in secret societies, political intrigue, and ancient dungeons, and you’ve got a tour full of drama.
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- Location: Dublin, Ireland
- How to get here: Located in Dublin’s city center, accessible on foot or by public transport.
- Best time of year to visit: Late spring and summer (May to August) for festivals and milder weather.
- What else to see in the area: St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Temple Bar, and the Guinness Storehouse.
Castle Tour Tips:
- Join a guided tour to uncover hidden rooms and stories.
- Visit the Chester Beatty Library nearby — it’s free and fascinating.
- Time your tour around lunchtime and grab a pint in Temple Bar.
- Check for seasonal art exhibitions inside the castle.
Click here to book a Dublin Castle tour
#9. Glen Eyrie Castle Tour
Colorado’s Hidden Fairytale
The Glen Eyrie Castle seems like a serene mountain retreat, but its backstory is pure drama.
Built by General Palmer for his wife — who left before it was finished — the castle holds secrets of heartbreak, hidden tunnels, and ghostly whispers.
Now converted into a luxury hotel and conference center, you may still hear disembodied voices and footsteps, making this fairytale castle more haunted than expected.
Click here to book a stay at the Glen Eyrie Castle
- Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
- How to get here: A short drive from downtown Colorado Springs, with parking on-site.
- Best time of year to visit: Spring and fall (April to June, September to October) for pleasant weather and colorful foliage.
- What else to see in the area: Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and the charming town of Manitou Springs.
Castle Tour Tips:
- Book a tea tour for a classic castle experience.
- Keep an ear out for ghost stories from the guides.
- Explore nearby hiking trails in the Garden of the Gods.
- Check the calendar for special events like Victorian teas or holiday tours.
Click here to book a stay at the Glen Eyrie Castle
#10. Blarney Castle Tour
Luck, Legends, and Lush Landscapes
A Blarney Castle tour isn’t just about kissing the famous stone — it’s a deep dive into Irish legends and stunning gardens.
Wander through the Poison Garden (yes, it’s full of toxic plants), get lost in the mystical Rock Close with its druidic stones, and scale the tower to kiss the Blarney Stone.
Legend says it grants the gift of gab — perfect for charming your way through the rest of Ireland.
Click here to book a Blarney Castle tour
- Location: Blarney, County Cork, Ireland
- How to get here: Bus or drive from Cork City.
- Best time of year to visit: Late spring and summer for the gardens in full bloom.
- What else to see in the area: Blarney Woollen Mills, Cork City, and the English Market.
Castle Tour Tips:
- Pace yourself — those spiral staircases to the Blarney Stone are a serious leg workout.
- Ask your guide about the castle’s legends, including the witch who “blessed” the Blarney Stone.
- Don’t skip the Poison Garden — it’s filled with plants straight out of a medieval apothecary (and a few that could kill you).
- Visit early or late in the day to avoid peak crowds, especially at the Blarney Stone.
- Explore the Rock Close and see if you can spot the Wishing Steps — legend has it, wishes come true if climbed with eyes closed.
Click here to book a Blarney Castle tour
The Ultimate Castle Tour Survival Tips
- Beware the Spiral Staircases: Designed for knights to defend themselves, but for tourists? It’s the ultimate leg day.
- Mind the Ghosts: Almost every castle has one. If a tour guide says, “This room is haunted,” don’t challenge it — you don’t want to end up in the next ghost story.
- Dress Like a Royal, Walk Like a Peasant: Those stone floors weren’t made for stilettos. Think comfy shoes, but add a tiara if you’re feeling bold.
- Get the Gossip: From the Scotland castle tour filled with tales of betrayal to a cheeky Blarney Castle tour where you kiss a stone for good luck, always ask the guide for the juiciest story — they have plenty.
- Pack Snacks: Many castles have expansive grounds. After exploring endless rooms and climbing towers, you’ll need energy. A scone or two never hurt anyone.
- Mind the Weather: Castles are often perched on windy hills. Bring a jacket, even in summer — unless you want your royal wave to double as a shiver.
- Photo Ops Galore: Spiral staircases, towering turrets, and sweeping views — there’s no shortage of Instagram-worthy shots. Just be mindful of other tourists trying to get their royal moment.
Castle tours are part history lesson, part reality check (because no one needs that many staircases).
Whether you’re scaling ancient towers on tours of castles in Scotland, wandering through enchanted gardens on tours of castles in Ireland, or exploring grand estates on tours of castles in England, there’s no shortage of royal adventures waiting.
Book a tour:
- Ireland Castle Tours
- Scotland Castle Tours
- England Castle Tours
- Europe Castle Tours
- North America Castle Tours
From the legendary Blarney Stone to the opulence of Windsor Castle, these castle tours offer a perfect blend of history, mystery, and a touch of scandal.
So, grab your crown (or at least a comfy pair of shoes) and dive into these tours of castles and beyond — because these walls still have plenty of stories to tell.
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