Highlights from the Royal Mile: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Duration1h - 1h 15m

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Tune into ancient and modern Scottish tales on one of Europe’s oldest streets with this affordable walking tour and the industry-leading VoiceMap mobile app.

• See historical sights along all four sections of the Royal Mile and find out about the city’s stench in the 1500s, and how far it traveled
• Hear from producer Martin Donnelly, a Senior Teaching Fellow and Edinburgh local
• Do it all in an hour or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
️• Use the virtual tour option at home

Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.

The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English
VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Smartphone and headphones
Transportation
Food and drink

What to expect

Royal Mile
Pass by

The Royal Mile is one of Europe’s most ancient and famous streets. Along this 1 ¼ mile stretch – a Scot’s mile – crimes have been committed, royals have travelled, and famous folk like Rabbie Burns, Adam Smith and David Hume have met. On this walking tour, I’ll bring some of their stories to life.
Witches well
Pass by

Starting at the top of Castlehill next to the Witches Well, you’ll hear about Edinburgh Castle’s early days, when a series of infamous witch burnings took place here.
Edinburgh Castle
Pass by

You’ll hear about Edinburgh Castle’s early days, when a series of infamous witch burnings took place here.
Castlehill
Pass by

Amble down all four sections of the Royal Mile: Castlehill, Lawnmarket, the High Street, and the old burgh of Canongate
Pass by

Amble down all four sections of the Royal Mile: Castlehill, Lawnmarket, the High Street, and the old burgh of Canongate
Deacon Brodie's Tavern
Pass by

I’ll show you the former residence of the gentleman robber, Deacon Brodie, the inspiration behind Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
Pass by

This self-guided audio tour takes you past the Old Tolbooth Wynd. You'll hear its history while you walk.
Heart of Midlothian
Pass by

Stroll around St Giles Cathedral, home to the Old Tolbooth, the Heart of Midlothian mosaic, and a statue of Charles II
St Giles' Cathedral
Pass by

Stroll around St Giles Cathedral, home to the Old Tolbooth, the Heart of Midlothian mosaic, and a statue of Charles II
Pass by

Stroll around St Giles Cathedral, home to the Old Tolbooth, the Heart of Midlothian mosaic, and a statue of Charles II
Pass by

Hear about the priest that was pelted to death by an angry mob, and some of the other terrible deeds that took place in the shadows of the Mercat Cross
Tron Kirk Market
Pass by

This self-guided audio tour takes you past the Tron Kirk. You'll hear its history while you walk.
Pass by

Amble down all four sections of the Royal Mile: Castlehill, Lawnmarket, the High Street, and the old burgh of Canongate
Pass by

I’ll also share a few tales about the barbaric punishments meted out to criminals in the 1600s, and the heartwarming story of a young lad pulled from the rubble of the Paisley Close disaster.
John Knox House Museum
Pass by

You’ll hear about religious figures like John Knox, a leading figure in the Scottish Protestant Reformation, and royal tragedies like the execution of Mary Queen of Scots.
The Netherbow
Pass by

See Netherbow Port, once the main gate between Edinburgh and Canongate
Canongate Kirk
Pass by

This self-guided audio tour takes you past the Canongate Kirk. You'll hear its history while you walk.
Pass by

Amble down all four sections of the Royal Mile: Castlehill, Lawnmarket, the High Street, and the old burgh of Canongate
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Pass by

The tour ends at the end of Canongate in front of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Old Town
Pass by

Enjoy this entertaining and informative 45-minute stroll into the heart – and history – of the Old Town.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

The tour ends in front of Holyroodhouse.

Additional information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please note: You won't be guided through any museums or other attractions mentioned en route. If you choose to enter and visit such places, you'll need to pay for it independently of this tour.

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Reviews

4.7 (3)