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0330 440 3999, monday - friday 9am to 5pm, edinburgh tattoo coach packages 2024, the edinburgh military tattoo coach tours.

• Massed Pipers & Drums
• ©The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

• Massed Highland Dancers

• Edinburgh Miltary Tattoo

• Scots Guards
• ©www.edintattoo.co.uk

Edinburgh Tattoo 2024 Tours are now on sale. If you cannot find a tour from your area, then pre-register for Edinburgh Tattoo 2024  here . There are still many tours to come so we will get in touch when more become available.

Dates:  2-24 August 2024 Location: Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Scotland EH1 2NG

Memorable moments:         - 2012 marked the 65 th Anniversary of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo - 2005 saw one of the largest gatherings of pipes and drums in the event's history - 1968 was the first year when The Tattoo was seen in colour on TV - The first Lone Piper was Pipe Major George Stoddart - 1952 the first overseas regiment, Band of the Royal Netherlands Grenadiers participated       

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo  never ceases to amaze and 2024 will be no exception.

You'll get to see some of the very best pipe bands from across the globe such as the award-winning Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and the Royal Highland Fusiliers, providing heart-stopping sights and sounds for the whole family to enjoy. Marvel at the dare-devil motorcycle routines and enjoy a kaleidoscope of music, dance and breath-taking re-enactments of international battles.

The show's finale is probably one of the best, if not sombre, moments of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo as silence again takes over the arena as the 'Evening Hymn' is sung, the sounding of the 'Last Post' and the lowering of the flags. All eyes are then drawn to the Castle ramparts where the Lone Piper plays his haunting lament before a colourful display of fireworks illuminates the skies and voices unite to sing  'Auld Lang Syne'.

Edinburgh Tattoo Coach Packages start from only £199 per person and each  breaks typically including: return coach travel, hotel with breakfast, hotel-to-venue transfers plus ticket to the event. Upgraded tickets are also available on some tours.

Mini Guide To Edinburgh Military Tattoo  

What to pack Brolly, camera and a fleece or jumper as it can get cold in the evenings. Might also be worth taking a few sweets, snacks and a drink to have during the military spectacular. Also, don’t forget to double-check that you have your Edinburgh Tattoo tickets in your bag – you won’t want to be refused entry when you’re there!

What to wear The wonderful British weather can be temperamental at the best of times but hopefully when you visit it will be a glorious summers evening. It might be worth considering the worse and have a brolly on standby as well as warm clothing as the evenings can get chilly! There is a bit of an uphill climb to Edinburgh Castle where the event takes place so comfortable shoes are a must.

Before you go Might be worth checking the weather forecast on TV to see what it will be like for the evening that you see the Edinburgh Tattoo. This will help in deciding what to wear for the evening. The Tattoo has never been cancelled due to bad weather and in August it tends to be quite pleasant with a gentle breeze blowing from the west. Still check the forecast though – just in case!

Etiquette The Edinburgh Military Tattoo is one of Scotland’s biggest & best-selling spectacles in the calendar and attracts an audience of 217,000 people each year. With this in mind, do not disturb the enjoyment of others with your mobile going off at inopportune times, make sure it’s switched off or turned to silent before the show begins.

Where do you queue? There is only one queue to get into the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and that starts at Johnston Terrace, round the hub to the Castle. It is wise to follow instructions given by the local police and security staff who will make sure you get into the Tattoo safely and on time. If travelling by coach, be prepared for a short walk uphill to the Castle Esplanade as unfortunately coaches cannot park any closer to the event.

When does it start and how long does it last? Doors open 45 minutes before the start of the performance and spectators are advised to be seated 15 minutes before it all begins. Personal belongings and baggage will be subject to a search. The event lasts for approx. 1.5 hours.

Things to be aware of It is worth remembering that Edinburgh Castle and the surrounding areas are extremely popular with tourists and can get quite congested so do allow yourself plenty of time to enable you to get through the crowds and to your seat at the Tattoo. Also try to avoid performances where TV recordings take place (12-16 Aug 2013) as the camera gear can get in the way of your enjoyment of the event.

Access to the Tattoo The location of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo may present some access difficulties for some. There is a short walk of 80 metres up a steep incline along an old cobbled path to the Esplanade. Once in the venue, you will be required to walk a further 60 metres followed by a dozen or so steps to get to the front rows of all the spectator stands. All seating at the Edinburgh Tattoo is quite steeply tiered.

Is it wheelchair friendly? There are facilities to accommodate wheelchairs at all performances of the Edinburgh Tattoo. All patrons in a wheelchair are required to be accompanied by an able-bodied person. There are disabled toilet facilities located on the Esplanade. Wheelchair spaces are located at the front of Sections 1-5 and 12-17 as well as at the top of Section 10.

Vehicle Passes You are only allowed to transport wheelchair patrons onto the Esplanade if you have a Vehicle Pass. The area must be cleared at least 60 minutes prior to the start of the performance. The Vehicle Pass does not allow you to park on or near the Esplanade. You are required to report to St Giles Street approx. 100 minutes before the performance to be guided by the Police onto the Esplanade. You will need to apply for a pass at the same time as ordering tickets for the event.

What not to miss With so much going on at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, it can be easy to miss something vital especially if you need to nip to the loo! You definitely won’t want to miss the fireworks display at the end of the Tattoo on Saturdays (selected dates), the Lone Piper playing on the Castle Ramparts , massed pipes & drums from the Scottish regiments as well as the popular Top Secret Swiss Drum Corps.

What else can you do in Edinburgh? Whilst in Edinburgh you can hit the shops in Princes Street , enjoy street entertainment along The Royal Mile , have a drink and maybe sample some haggis in one of many quaint pubs in the city. If you’re short of time and want to see as much of Edinburgh as possible, such as Holyroodhouse, Jenners Department Store as well as the Old and New town, hop on a sightseeing bus for a whistle-stop tour of the main sights!

Address: Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Scotland EH1 2NG

How to get there:   All coach packages will include transfers as close to the castle as possible, however, you  will have to make the final approach to the Castle Esplanade on foot. If you are driving to the city, a  range of on-street and covered parking facilities are available across the city.

More than 12 million people have been to the Tattoo, with the annual audience around 217,000.

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Package inclusions.

• Guaranteed Official Tickets for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
• Queue jump to get fast-track access to the arena
• Edinburgh city centre accommodation
• Breakfast (unless specified)
• Planning, organisation, delivery and local assistance
• Secure your package from £75 per person
• Balance due 1st June 2024
• Option to upgrade your ticket
• Add on popular Edinburgh attractions
• Local knowledge and 24/7 duty line to 24-hour assistance if required

  Our Travel Packages ALL include fast-track access to the arena

Once you start building your package you will get all the options available for your specific dates. If you would prefer to contact us to book your package please email or phone or complete the contact us form.

To find out more about our travel packages and escorted tours please download our 2024 Brochure.

Official Tickets and Hospitality

As The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Travel Office, we have a guaranteed allocation of tickets for all performances, and fast-track access to the arena . Our standard packages include tickets in section 16 (or similar) and we also offer ticket upgrade options for a more central view, or to face the Castle directly, as well as a range of hospitality options.

Accommodation

We offer a range of 3* , 4* and 5* hotels and self-catering apartments to suit all budgets, located in Edinburgh city centre, within walking distance of the castle and close to Edinburgh's sights and attractions. Standard packages include a minimum of 2 nights' accommodation but you have the flexibility to add on additional nights as required and room upgrade supplements can be provided on request.

Attractions

Edinburgh Tattoo Coach Breaks 2024/2025

Rooted in Scottish tradition, The Royal Military Tattoo is an unforgettable event, bringing together classic military marching bands, dance and precision displays in one iconic extravaganza!

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 'Voices'

Departing from pick up points in the North East, the North West and Yorkshire, these  2 day breaks include tickets to the 2022 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo show and a visit to the Kelpies.

The Tattoo has a proud history stretching back almost seven decades. Following the production of ‘Something About a Soldier’ in the Ross Bandstand in 1949, it was decided to create an event which ran alongside the existing Edinburgh Festivals. The official Tattoo was duly created with its first performance in 1950.

As it makes its return to the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade in 2022 with a new show titled  Voices’,  The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will celebrate the power of connection with a spectacular combination of music, dance and military precision from some of the world’s leading armed forces and cultural performers.

For 2022, the Army is confirmed as the lead service. You can enjoy the legendary sound of the Massed Pipes and Drums that will echo around the Esplanade as part of  Voices , supported by Tattoo pipers and drummers, and musicians from UK Military Regiments.  You will be pleased to know that the Tattoo dancers and Shetland fiddlers will also join the line-up, with international acts and further details about  Voices  announced in the coming months.

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Tours Include

• 2 Days dinner, room & breakfast
• Rooms with en-suite facilities
• Tickets to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 'Voices'**
• Visit to The Kelpies on the journey home
• Return coach travel from local joining point
• NO CHARGE for local pick up points or seat reservations (including front seats)
• Tickets and luggage labels included

HURRY - BOOK TODAY - TICKETS ARE LIMITED!

BOOK YOUR TATTOO TOUR NOW

Edinburgh Tattoo Coach Holidays

Edinburgh Tattoo & Oban

Take your seat for the internationally acclaimed Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo; staged against the city’s ancient castle – a truly spectacular and inspiring backdrop!  A wonderful excursion to Oban and an included visit to Gretna Green complete this special four-day break.

4 Days from just £319 pp Departures: August

Edinburgh Tattoo & Historic Durham

Return coach travel 3 nights at a selected 3-star hotel, Newcastle with dinner* & breakfast Admission to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Excursion to Durham

Edinburgh Tattoo & Loch Lomond

Return coach travel 3 nights at a selected 3-star hotel with dinner* & breakfast Admission to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Excursion to Loch Lomond (Inveraray & Luss)

Edinburgh Tattoo Weekend

Witness the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on this memorable weekend break. Enjoy the magic of this world-famous event, set against the impressive backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Along with inclusive admission to the show, there’s also plenty of time to enjoy the wonderful attractions of Scotland’s capital city.

3 Days from just £219 pp Departures: August

Book Your Edinburgh Tattoo Coach Break Online Today

Set against the breathtaking illuminated backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is the biggest military show of its type and has been wowing audiences for over 60 years. Expect an unforgettable evening of music, ceremony, theatre and dance, this really is a show like no other! Combined with visits to captivating areas of Scotland, such as the stunning Ayrshire Coast, majestic Loch Lomond or the vibrant city of Edinburgh, which break will you choose?

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2 - 24 August 2024

Travel Packages

Our Official Travel Partners, Glory Days, are here to help with your 2024 Tattoo travel needs.

Explore Travel Packages

Looking for accommodation as well as tickets? Our Official Travel Partners, Glory Days, are here to help!

Glory Days, our Official Travel Partner, offer a range of travel packages and escorted tours to make life easier whilst you visit Edinburgh. Travel Packages include Edinburgh City Centre accommodation, tickets to our 2024 Show Journeys , fast-track access to the arena and an option to add attractions and tours to enhance your stay.

Here to help make your 2024 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo experience unforgettable!

Take the stress out of booking your 2024 Tattoo Experience with one of Glory Days Travel Packages. Complete with tickets to our Journeys Show, fast-track access at the arena and Edinburgh city centre accommodation.

Escorted Tours

Make the most out of your visit to Edinburgh with an Escorted Tour. When you’re not taking in the thrill of our August Show, you can explore all that Edinburgh has to offer with a range of local tours and visit the city’s famous attractions.

Explore Escorted Tours

Scotland Tours

Maximise your time in Scotland with Glory Days Scotland Tours. Including tickets to our 2024 Show, luxury accommodation and an opportunity to discover the wonders of Scotland, from its historic castles to its coasts, hills, glens and lochs.

Explore Scotland Tours

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A (maybe stupid) question about the tattoo - Edinburgh Forum

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A (maybe stupid) question about the tattoo

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We would like to combine her going to Edinburgh with our summer vacation and have booked a trip to Edinburgh on August 20.

Plan is that we will stay in Edinburgh for a few days, then go up to Cairngorms area (already booked) for a few days before returning to Edinburgh.

I've just learned that the tattoo is in its final days when we arrive in Edinburgh. We have no plans of going there, but would like to ask: how bad is it? Will we be able to go around the city? We have been in Edinburgh multiple times (love the city!), so no plans for castle visits etc, but would love a museum visit or two, and otherwise sit around coffee bars and have some good food. In short, my question is: How crowded will the city be, and will we notice at all if we stick to Stockbridge/Leith? Thanks for all your insights, I really appreciate it.

The Tattoo is an evening performance focused on the Castle, so will not be noticeable for your plans.

But the good news is that they are focused around the Royal Mile , Grassmarket , Teviot Row/George Square and the Pleasance. Only limited performances take place in Stockbridge or Leith (or Portobello or Bruntsfield/Morning side).

Some city centre restaurants may stop taking bookings and only accept walk ups, but Leith and Stockbridge will see no change.

The main impact will be the increase in accommodation costs anywhere in Edinburgh during this time.

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