Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour

5.0 (one review) one hour – 1 h 10 min Free cancellation Private tour

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one review

5.0

Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

On this self-guided tour, you'll unravel the mysteries and murders surrounding Scotland’s most famous monarch. Experience the magic of GPS playback on this immersive stroll through Edinburgh's old town.

Have you ever wondered what life was like in Edinburgh during the reign of Mary Queen of Scots? On this walking tour, we’ll explore the hidden corners and the major landmarks in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town through the eyes of Scotland’s most famous monarch. You'll find a new story on every corner while weaving in and out of the narrow, closed, and cobbled streets. I’ll tell you about the murders and mysteries surrounding Mary and how these tragic events unfolded right here in Scotland’s capital.

Along the way, I’ll tell you about two of Mary’s three husbands, Lord Darnley and the Earl of Bothwell, and her lover, David Rizzio. I’ll show you the John Knox House, where the leader of the Reformation is buried, outside St Giles Cathedral. You’ll also hear about his conflict with Mary.

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Low Supplier Cancellation Rate Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate

At a glance

Duration: one hour – 1 h 10 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: VoiceMap Audio Tours

Ages: Adults (6–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it
Included: The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere
Included: Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Included: Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Included: Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Not included

Not included: Tickets to optional attractions en route

Itinerary

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Passing by

Starting outside this royal residence, imagine Mary’s court life. Hear the sordid story of Lord Darnley murdering Mary’s lover, David Rizzio, within its very walls.
White Horse Close

Passing by

As you pass through this quaint courtyard, learn about its historical significance and how Queen Mary kept her horses here.
Canongate Kirk

Passing by

Walk through this ancient churchyard where David Rizzio is reportedly buried. The kirk’s peaceful ambiance belies the drama that unfolded during Mary’s reign.
Stop 4

Passing by

Discover the intrigues of Huntly House and hear about the Gordon Earl’s plan to kidnap the Queen. This historic building offers a glimpse into the political machinations of the time.
Mercat Cross

Passing by

Pause at this traditional market cross, a focal point for public announcements. Imagine proclamations being read out here during Mary’s reign.
John Knox House Museum

Passing by

See the house of Mary’s adversary, John Knox, and learn about his intense conflict with the queen. This house is one of the oldest in Edinburgh.
St Giles' Cathedral

Passing by

Stand outside this grand cathedral where John Knox is buried. Hear about his fiery sermons against Mary and the Reformation's impact on Scotland.
Royal Mile

Passing by

Stroll along this historic thoroughfare, absorbing the medieval atmosphere. The cobbled streets and narrow closes transport you back to the 1500s.
Lawnmarket

Passing by

As you walk past this vibrant section of the Royal Mile, learn about its historical significance. The bustling market area was central to life in medieval Edinburgh.
Riddle's Court

Passing by

Pass by this historic courtyard where Mary’s court once met. The beautifully preserved architecture offers a window into the past.
Gladstone's Land

Passing by

Admire this 17th-century tenement and hear about daily life in Mary’s time. The restored rooms offer insights into how people lived centuries ago.
Witches well

Passing by

Reflect on this poignant memorial to those accused of witchcraft. Learn about the dark history of witch trials in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Castle

Passing by

End your tour in the shadows of this majestic fortress. Discover where Mary’s son, James VI of Scotland, was born and hear about the castle’s strategic importance.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

The tour begins at the gates of Holyrood Palace. As you face the Palace, you will see the Queen's Gallery. We will start on the left-hand side of Abbey Strand. You can walk up to the black gates but must not enter.

End point

The tour ends at Edinburgh Castle.

Using your ticket

VOICEMAP CODE

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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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1. Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

2. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

3. Create an account

4. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

5. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE

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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT

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For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]