Edinburgh Royal Mile and Old Town Small Group Walking Tour

4.9 (1,656 reviews) Edinburgh, Scotland
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Duration3h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 12 travelers

Overview

This tour is led by Edinburgh Guided Tour — a small team of exceptional Guides, including PHD Historians, a Professor, and a Museum Manager. Each guide handpicked for their intelligence and warmth. Their passion for Edinburgh shines through in every story they tell, from royal scandal to Enlightenment genius, from Harry Potter to historical rogues.

We keep our group size small — never more than 12 guests — so every participant enjoys a personal experience. No straining to hear in a crowd of 30!

Our guests consistently give us amazing reviews. These are not your average guides. They will Make History Come Alive.

• Guided Walking Tour of the Royal Mile and surrounds
• See the secret closes and wynds and all of the major sites
• Learn of the famous writers, poets, and economists who have made Edinburgh their home
• Visit famous landmarks such as St Giles Cathedral, Grassmarket, and Greyfriars’ Kirkyard
• Take the opportunity to capture some amazing photographic opportunities

What's included

  • Time for questions and conversation throughout the tour
  • Expert historian or specialist local guide
  • Small-group walking tour, maximum 12 travellers
  • Entry to Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument, or any paid attractions (paid on site)
  • Food and drink
  • Hotel pick-up or drop-off
  • Gratuities/tips, optional

What to expect

  1. Usher Hall
    10m · Admission ticket not included
    View this Baroque "Beaux Arts" masterpiece in the Heart of Edinburgh, the Usher Hall. Donated to the people and the City of Edinburgh by Stuart Usher's great great uncle, Andrew Usher.
  2. Edinburgh Castle
    35m · Admission ticket not included
    Behold and view (from the outside) the towering, majestic pile of Edinburgh Castle from various vantage points. Learn all about its history (good, bad and downright ugly), the Scottish Wars of Independence, the Stuart dynasty, the Union of the Crowns and much more!
  3. Grassmarket
    15m
    Enter and visit this centuries-old area that served as the Medieval Marketplace of the City. Also see George Heriot School (the inspiration behind Hogwarts!).
  4. Milne’s Court
    10m
    Come and visit this fascinating court where you can see and hear how people lived in the 17th and 18th centuries.
  5. Jolly Judge
    10m
    See classic examples of Edinburgh's Old Town tenement buildings in James Court. Also see the quirky and charismatic Jolly Judge pub.
  6. Writers' Museum
    20m
    This museum showcases the best of Scotland's literary heroes, past and present. Guests can visit inside should they wish.
  7. Riddle's Court
    10m
    See the exterior of the home of the philosopher David Hume, the 'Father of the Scottish Enlightenment' as well as other Scottish notables.
  8. Deacon Brodie's Tavern
    20m
    Learn about the life of the blackguard, Deacon Brodie, the real-life character behind 'Jekyll and Hyde'.
  9. St Giles' Cathedral
    20m · Admission ticket not included
    View this magnificent cathedral from the outside and learn about its pivotal history during the middle ages and reformation periods.
  10. Edinburgh City Chambers
    10m
    See the highlights of this busy heart of the Royal Mile which includes the City Chambers, Mercat Cross and other sites of interest.
  11. Edinburgh Waverley Station
    10m
    Cross one of the first bridges to connect the Old & New Towns of Edinburgh, leading to Princes Street Gardens.
  12. Scott Monument
    10m · Admission ticket not included
    See this towering landmark which delineates the separation of the Old and New Towns (both of which are Unesco world heritage sites).

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Your guide will meet you outside the central entrance of the Usher Hall on Lothian Road. There are three entrances; please wait by the middle/central entrance and arrive 5 minutes before the tour starts.

End point

The tour ends by the Scott Monument in East Princes Street Gardens, a short walk from Princes Street and Edinburgh Waverley Station.

Additional information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Children under 12 are free
  • Children 12-16 pay 75%

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.9 (1,656)
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