Jenny gave a wonderful, informative tour! Highly recommend.
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Edinburgh New Town Tour: Georgian Enlightenment
Connect Georgian elegance to Enlightenment ambition
The Finer Details
Edinburgh's New Town embodies the Age of Enlightenment. Rational, classical, and beautiful—this part of the city provides a fantastic backdrop for an introduction to the city. During this 3-hour Edinburgh History Tour of New Town, we will visit Calton Hill, Charlotte Square, and the residences of some of Edinburgh's most famous 18th-century citizens. Along the way, we'll get an in-depth explanation of Georgian architecture and the ideals of the Age of Enlightenment, coming away with a stronger understanding of the city's critical role in that period.
Tour Itinerary
We begin our tour on Calton Hill with its spectacular views of the Kingdom of Fife and the Highlands across the Firth of Forth. Here we will also have an impressive vantage point over the neoclassical New Town neighborhood of Edinburgh. We'll meet James Craig, the architect responsible for the layout of this part of the city during the 18th century, and also the seminal Enlightenment thinker, Robert Adam. And we'll discuss how they determined the look and character of this part of Edinburgh and how it adheres to the ideals of the day.
The New Town's grid of broad, straight streets was the largest of its time in Europe and is comparable to Bath in demonstrating the symmetry of the Age of Reason. As we walk its streets, we'll learn why this part of the city was built to relieve the overcrowded, disease-ridden tenements of the medieval Old Town. We'll also draw parallels to Italy and France and learn how Robert Adam borrowed many of his ideas from the classical buildings he saw on his Grand Tour in Italy.
The ‘Hellenic’ site of Calton Hill, with its copies of Greek temples, is a fitting introduction to the classical theme which we shall pursue in admiring the elegant architecture of Charlotte Square, among other masterpieces of urbanization. The copy of the Parthenon (an unfinished memorial to the soldiers who died during the Napoleonic Wars) on its ‘Acropolis’ gives Edinburgh its soubriquet of ‘Athens of the North’.
We will stroll through the pleasant streets and circuses between generous areas of parkland in this UNESCO World Heritage city, which epitomizes the glories of civilized living in the drawing-rooms of the Bourgeoisie. Many of these elegant estates were the homes of Age of Enlightenment-era luminaries such as Adam Smith, David Hume, and James Young Simpson, the pioneer of anesthesia. We can visit the Georgian House, furnished in the contemporary style by the National Trust, and admire public buildings like the register house, the churches, and the assembly rooms, while looking at such details as the blond sandstone, the footscrapers, and the wrought–iron balconies.
Take Aways
By the end of the walk, we will have a deep understanding of the architectural and social development of Edinburgh in the past three centuries. We will appreciate its role as a beacon of progress and culture in the country as well as in Europe and the world.
FAQ
- Where do we meet? Where does it end? The walk begins near the Calton Hill area. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map, and a 24-hour phone number for any last-minute issues. The walk typically ends near the Georgian House.
- What if it’s raining? Tours operate rain or shine, but in the case of inclement weather, your guide will modify the tour so more time is spent indoors. It never hurts to have an umbrella on hand.
- Is this tour good for kids? Yes! We have excellent family-friendly guides who can appeal to the learning styles of children. Please book privately if you have children under 13. Feel free to provide us with information about your children, such as their favorite school subjects and hobbies. This way, we can match you with the best possible guide.
- Is this a walking-intensive tour? This walk covers about 1.5 miles overall at a gentle pace. There are occasional opportunities to sit, use the bathroom, and get something to drink if needed.
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Meet the Experts
Where You’ll Go
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.
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The Georgian House
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Charlotte Square
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Moray Place
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
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English-speaking expert guideTours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
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Intentionally sized groupsA smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
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Tickets and entrance feesAll entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
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HeadsetsHeadsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Not Included
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Food and drinkUnless booking a Food & Drink tour or tasting experience, refreshments are not included.
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Transportation to and from the meeting pointUnless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
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GratuitiesTips aren’t included, but we encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
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Hotel pickup or drop-offUnless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Make the Most of Your Tour
Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.
Dos:
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Check the weather and dress appropriately
- Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
- Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
- Bring firearms or weapons
- Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
- Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always
contact us.
Don’t just take our word for it
We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Jenny! She showed us the highlights of the New Town, gave us great historical information, and even discussed the local pubs with our son who is studying there at the University of Edinburgh. It was informative and fun!
Intelligent. Well spoken. A touch of humour. Pointed us to a wonderful post tour pub for lunch. Gains was a lovely guide.
Book a Tour
Let Your Curiosity Shape Your Journey
Join passionate experts on intimate walking tours that reveal a city’s unique stories, spark conversations, and leave you seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently.
Structured, never scripted
Your interests guide your Expert, leading to stories and perspectives that matter to you.
Crafted for conversation
With 12 or fewer guests, ask questions, engage with your Expert, and fully immerse yourself.
Experts, not guides
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