Introduction to Edinburgh tour: Exploring Old Town

Discover the medieval heart of Edinburgh and learn about the origins of the city

$500

Private

$114/pp

Semi-private

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Tour Details

About the Tour

Private Tour: $ 500
Semi-Private Tour: $ 114 /PP
Category: History
Duration: 3 hours
Location: Edinburgh

Photos & Highlights

Offers solid introduction to Edinburgh's Old Town
Led by a local expert
Holyrood Palace, High Kirk of St Giles, and Greyfriars Tolbooth and Highland Kirk

Tour Description

Puzzled by wynds and closes? Join this 3-hour Old Town Edinburgh Tour with a local historian and learn all about the city's history. We'll trace the Royal Mile that runs between the Palace of Holyroodhouse, official residence of the Queen. This the part of the city is crammed with old mansions and other landmarks that provide the perfect backdrop for stories of an examination of social history, political intrigue, and possibly even a couple ghost stories. This walk is perfect for first timers, or those looking to develop a more comprehensive

There was never a dull moment even though the weather was dreich!

Royal Mile Tour

We'll begin this tour in the shadow of Salisbury Crags and Arthur’s Seat, dramatic parts of Holyrood Park, which formerly served as the royal hunting grounds. Before us lays the Canongate, the eastern edge of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, but once a separate burgh that was developed around a twelfth-century abbey. Here, the nobles’ houses were clustered to be near the king and today this area reveals delightful secret gardens in courtyards obscured by the jumble of tenements fronting the street. We'll begin our explorations here with some background on the basics of Scottish history and how to read the city.

We'll move on to admire seventeenth-century mansions clustered nearby that were once owned by such luminaries as Adam Smith. We'll also visit sites of old breweries and sugar houses and take a glimpse of the city's industrial past and of the slums, where overcrowding and disease forced the extension to New Town, north of the Nor’ Loch. This will provide an opportunity to discuss the social history of Edinburgh more generally.

Old Town Edinburgh Tour

We'll learn about the Scottish alleyway, called a close, and wander through many of them in the Old Town along our tour. Each close has a story to tell: of royal murders, espionage intrigues, and former craftsmen’s guilds. Our docent will touch on many. For example, we will learn that the Canongate Kirk, built for the congregation of Abbey Church by James VII, is a reflection of the Dutch presence of William of Orange, the ‘safe’ Protestant who inherited the throne when James was forced to flee to France. We'll visit the Canongate Tolbooth, which incorporates the legal and administrative aspects of the burgh. We shall see how this part of Edinburgh is closely connected with Mary, Queen of Scots, and Bonnie Prince Charlie, both of whom stayed in the palace at different times.

Death and Dying (of Course)

At the end of the Canongate stands the Flodden Wall, which kept the citizens of Edinburgh in and invaders out. As the name of a local pub recalls, it was for them the world’s end. The Netherbow Port, a bridge on which the heads of traitors were impaled, formed a barrier across the street. We can see a section of the ancient wall as well as the house John Knox, the first Protestant Minister of St Giles, lived in.

Take Aways

At the end of our tour we will have seen how the Royal Mile functioned as the central spine of a town where medieval ‘skyscrapers’ were criss-crossed by narrow wynds, or narrow lanes. We will come away with an understanding of some of the most key moments that took place in these streets and buildings, which shaped both Edinburgh, and Scotland's past.

Read more about Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyrood house and Greyfriars Kirk on this review of our tour.

For an in-depth look at Edinburgh's other half, try our Edinburgh History Tour of New Town. Hungry? Try our Edinburgh Food Tour.

FAQ

Where do we meet? Where does it end?
Generally speaking, the walk begins near the National Museum of Scotland area. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map, and 24 hour phone number for any last minute issues. The walk typically ends near Netherbow Port.

What if it’s raining?
Tours operate rain or shine, but in the case of inclement weather, your docent 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 some excellent family friendly docents 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 favorite school subjects, and hobbies. This way we can match you with the best possible docent.

Is this a walking intensive tour?
This walk covers about 1 mile overall at a gentle pace. There are occasional opportunities to sit, use the bathroom, and get something to drink if needed.

Does this include Edinburgh Castle?
You'll see Edinburgh Castle from the exterior, but the tour does not include an interior visit. An interior visit can be added to a private tour for an additional 2 hours, or can be arranged as a separate private tour on a custom basis.

Where You'll Start

Tour Experts

Maggie

Educated in modern languages at Bristol and Oxford, Maggie subsequently received an MA from Edinburgh. Before becoming a professional Scottish tour guide she taught, mainly literature, in a variety of educational establishments in England and Scotland. Additionally, she has organized voluntary work placements in Romania and Hungary. She has lived in Edinburgh for most of her life and is very familiar with its history, architecture, and art. Through her family she has close associations with museums and galleries, and enjoys showing guests around this wonderful city full of architectural detail, mysterious medieval passageways, and glorious vistas.

Alice

Alice was born and raised in Edinburgh against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Seat. A member of the Scottish Tourist Guides Association, she gained her Blue Badge following training through the Association and the University of Edinburgh. Her main interests are Scottish history and literature. She also remains a practicing registered nurse.

Andrew

Following a degree in modern languages from the University of Glasgow, Andrew spent many years as a teacher. He has experience with both children and adults, working in as varied environments as prestigious day schools, colleges, and Her Majesty's Prisons. He has traveled widely in Europe, spending a number of years working in Austria. Andrew holds the Blue Badge tourist guide credential for Edinburgh, and has a special interest in the interplay of religious and cultural history, both in Scotland and the wider world.

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67 Reviews

Jane was absolutely terrific. She bought a sense of fun and knowledge that was delivered with enthusiasm. We came away with an abiding sense of history and the forces that shaped Edinburgh and Scotland.

Murray

May. 21, 2019

Jane was lovely, the perfect balance of history and current events. She made Edinburgh accessible for us. We visited places and did things we wouldn't have done without her. I feel like I understand how Edinburgh became the city that it is because of her. 5 stars!

Kate

May. 13, 2019

Can’t think of a thing!

Jean

May. 4, 2019

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Tour Experts

All Context Experts are scholars or specialists in their field.

Maggie

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Alice

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Andrew

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