Edinburgh Royal Mile Guided Walking Tour

4.9 (45 reviews) 1 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

45 reviews

4.9

Edinburgh Royal Mile Guided Walking Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Edinburgh Royal Mile Guided Walking Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Edinburgh on 'The Heart of the Royal Mile' walking tour. This 90-minute journey takes you through the cobbled streets where you'll hear captivating stories about the city’s transformation from a medieval walled settlement to the renowned Athens of the North. Led by expert storytellers, this tour offers unique insights into the lives of the characters who shaped Edinburgh's history. Suitable for all ages, this tour is an ideal choice for families and history enthusiasts alike.

Family-friendly experience
Perfect introduction to Edinburgh
Operates in all weather conditions
Led by passionate local storytellers
90-minute guided walking tour exploring the Royal Mile
Discover fascinating stories that shaped Edinburgh's history
Suitable for families, with an adult required for children under 16
Maximum group size of 25 for a personalized experience

Private and Luxury Architecture Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Excellent Quality Short term availability Weather Dependent - Low

At a glance

Duration: 1 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 25 people
People per booking: 1–2
Guide: English
Operated by: Experience Edinburgh

Ages: Children (5–14 years) · Adults (15–64 years) · Seniors (65–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Professional local guide
Included: 90-minute guided walking tour
Included: Expert storytelling and historical commentary
Included: Opportunities to ask questions throughout the tour
Included: Stops at Edinburgh's most iconic Royal Mile landmarks
Included: Photo opportunities at key locations

Not included

Not included: Food and drinks
Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off (meet at specific location)
Not included: Entry to attractions or museums (tour is external)
Not included: Tips and gratuities (optional)

Itinerary

Stop 1

10 min

Start your tour of the Royal Mile by learning about St Giles Cathedral, The Old Scottish Parliament Building and the history of the area itself.,
Lawnmarket

10 min

Learn about the structure of the Royal Mile, the old medieval building that used to line it and how the city was walled in.
Stop 3

10 min

Learn the difference between a close, wynd and court and the origins of the new town of Edinburgh.
Heart of Midlothian

10 min

Back in the Old town of Edinburgh and the Royal Mile we start to look at some of the lost buildings, Such as the old Tollbooth and the Luckenbooths.
Mercat Cross

10 min

In the center of the Royal Mile stands the Mercat Cross which hold a deep history and the old police chambers that hold a tail about Greyfriars Bobby,
Tron Kirk Market

10 min

We move further down the Royal Mile to learn of the Great Fire of Edinburgh and the legend of the Lost Piper. So many secrets in the Heart of the Royal Mile tour.
Stop 7

10 min

We find ourself at the site of the old gates into Edinburgh. where the old medieval Edinburgh stopped right in the middle of the Royal Mile.
John Knox House Museum

10 min

We stop at the Oldest Medieval Building on the Royal mile and learn the origins of its iconic name.
Paisley Close

10 min

In amongst the closes of Edinburgh we find one of the most famous stories of its time, people walk past now.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Your guide will be wearing an Experience Edinburgh uniform and an umbrella.

End point

The tour will finish outside Merchants Tavern on the Royal Mile.

Using your ticket

Simply find your guide and give the name under which the booing was made.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.