Private Edinburgh Royal Mile and Old Town Walking Tour

5.0 (2 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation Private tour

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2 reviews

5.0

Private Edinburgh Royal Mile and Old Town Walking Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Private Edinburgh Royal Mile and Old Town Walking Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Experience Edinburgh's iconic Royal Mile entirely your way on a 100% private, customizable walking tour. Guided by a passionate local expert in a traditional Scottish kilt, you will explore world-famous landmarks, discover hidden closes, and uncover centuries of rich history tailored entirely to your group's interests and physical pace.

From the majestic gates of Edinburgh Castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, dive deep into dark tales of Old Town, royal intrigue involving Mary Queen of Scots, and local secrets that typical large group tours overlook. Because this tour is entirely private, you have full control of the itinerary—stop for photographs whenever you like, pause at a local pub, or spend extra time exploring historic courtyards. Whether you are first-time visitors seeking an essential overview or history enthusiasts wanting a deep dive into Scottish heritage, your guide provides a personalized, flexible, and unforgettable tour through the heart of Scotland's capital.

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At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–8
Guide: English
Operated by: Kilted Tours

What is included

Included

Included: Customizable private walking tour itinerary
Included: Private Professional Local Guide

Not included

Not included: Meals
Not included: Gratuities: optional

Itinerary

Castlehill

15 min

We begin near Castlehill, taking in views of the iconic castle fortress. Your guide will share stories of royal history, sieges, and how the castle shaped Edinburgh’s Old Town over the centuries. (Note: Exterior view and historical context only; inside entry ticket not included)
Victoria Street

10 min

We pause on Victoria Terrace overlooking iconic Victoria Street below. Your guide will highlight Edinburgh’s historic multi-layered Old Town architecture, medieval closes, and rich social history. (Sample stop: As a private tour, route and stops can be adapted to your group's preferences.)
Writers' Museum

10 min

Step into the quiet courtyard of Lady Stair's Close to view Lady Stair's House. As you take in the 17th-century architecture and famous literary quotes carved into the paving stones, your tour shares the stories of Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. (Admission to the museum interior is completely free if you wish to pop in!)
St Giles' Cathedral

15 min

Stand in Parliament Square outside historic St Giles' Cathedral. Learn about John Knox and the Scottish Reformation, spot the Heart of Midlothian mosaic on the cobbles, and discover the surprisingly modest final resting place of John Knox around the corner in Parking Space 23.
Mercat Cross

5 min

Stand beside the iconic octagonal monument capped with a carved unicorn on the High Street. Learn how the Mercat Cross served as the historic heart of royal proclamations, civic announcements, public markets, and executions throughout Edinburgh's history.
Moubray House

5 min

Pause outside Moubray House, one of the oldest occupied residential buildings in Edinburgh, dating back to 1477. Discover how Daniel Defoe—author of Robinson Crusoe—operated from this building in the early 1700s as a secret agent working on the Act of Union.
The Netherbow

5 min

Stand outside the historic World's End pub and spot the brass markers in the street marking the medieval Netherbow Port gateway. Learn how 16th-century locals viewed this gate as the literal edge of their world, giving the tavern its famous name.
Canongate- Edinburgh

15 min

Pause near Gullan's Close on the Canongate to hear the dark history of serial killers William Burke and William Hare. Learn the tragic story of 18-year-old Mary Paterson, who was murdered nearby in 1828 before being sold to Dr Robert Knox, before strolling into the tranquil stone courtyard of Chessel's Court. Learn about the infamous 1788 armed robbery that exposed the double life of Deacon Brodie—a city councillor by day and burglar by night—who inspired Robert Louis Stevenson's Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
Canongate Kirk

10 min

See the final resting places of Adam Smith , Robert Fergusson and David Rizzio. Hear about the famous grave robbers.
White Horse Close

5 min

Step into picturesque White Horse Close, tucked away at the foot of the Canongate near Holyrood Palace. As you admire the whitewashed stone buildings and external wooden staircases,as we reveal how this quiet courtyard once housed the staging post for coaches traveling to London
Palace of Holyroodhouse

Passing by

Finish your journey at the foot of the Royal Mile outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the British Monarch. Standing before its grand forecourt and gates, your GPS audio tour brings to life the drama of Mary, Queen of Scots, who lived here in the 1560s, and the dark tale of her secretary David Rizzio, who was murdered inside the royal apartments

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

Please meet your guide outside the entrance of The Ensign Ewart pub at 521 Lawnmarket, located near the top of the Royal Mile close to Edinburgh Castle. Look for your guide standing outside near the main doorway.

End point

This tour finishes near St Giles’ Cathedral, but the end point is flexible for private groups! Depending on your preferred route, your guide can end near St Giles', leave you at an Old Town spot of your choice, or finish at Holyrood Palace.