Edinburgh: Royal Mile & Old Town Walking Tour with Historians

Summary

Stories of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile with expert guides and secret closes

You’ll wander Edinburgh’s Royal Mile with a local historian as your guide, slipping into secret closes and hearing stories that don’t make it into guidebooks. Expect moments of laughter, unexpected details about writers and rogues, and time to soak up the city’s atmosphere among its famous landmarks — all in a relaxed small group setting.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway down the Royal Mile when our guide, Tom — he’s a museum manager, apparently — stopped us in front of a battered wooden door. He just grinned and said, “This is where most people walk right past.” The air smelled faintly of rain on old stone. Inside, the close was so narrow my umbrella scraped both walls at once. I didn’t expect to feel so much history just pressing in from all sides, you know? Tom told us about how families used to cram into these tiny spaces, and for a second I could almost hear their voices echoing off the damp stones.

I’d never realized how many stories were tucked between the shops and pubs along the Royal Mile. At Grassmarket, we paused where they used to hold public hangings (bit grim), but then Tom pointed out George Heriot School — apparently J.K. Rowling based Hogwarts on it. Someone in our group tried to peek through the gates for a photo; a local woman passing by just smiled and shook her head like she’d seen it all before. There was this moment near St Giles’ Cathedral where the bells started up — not perfectly in tune, but kind of charming anyway. I think that’s when I really felt how alive this place is.

The best bit might’ve been hearing about Deacon Brodie — Edinburgh’s own gentleman rogue who inspired Jekyll and Hyde. Our guide did this little impression of him sneaking around at night (he definitely missed his calling as an actor). The wind picked up as we crossed over towards Princes Street Gardens; you could smell wet grass and something sweet from a bakery nearby. The whole time, our group stayed small enough that nobody got lost or had to shout over crowds, which made it feel sort of private even though we were right in the middle of everything.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Edinburgh's Royal Mile and Old Town

• View Usher Hall exterior
• See Edinburgh Castle from outside
• Visit Grassmarket and George Heriot School
• Explore 17th and 18th century court
• View Old Town tenements at James Court
• Visit Scotland's literary heroes museum
• See philosopher David Hume's home exterior
• Learn about Deacon Brodie's life
• View St Giles’ Cathedral exterior
• See Royal Mile highlights including City Chambers
• Cross bridge to Princes Street Gardens
• View Scott Monument landmark

Top questions

How long does the Royal Mile & Old Town walking tour last?

The tour duration isn’t specified, but covers major sites along the Royal Mile and Old Town at a comfortable walking pace.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, children under 12 join free and those aged 12-16 pay 75%. Infants can ride in prams or strollers.

Are there any entry fees included?

The tour includes guided visits to outdoor sites; guests may choose to enter certain museums at their own expense if time allows.

What is the maximum group size?

The group is kept small with no more than 12 participants per tour.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; guests meet at a central location near public transport options.

Are service animals allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, service animals are welcome on the tour.

What are some highlights visited during the tour?

You’ll see Edinburgh Castle (outside), St Giles’ Cathedral (outside), Grassmarket, Greyfriars’ Kirkyard, Scott Monument, and more.

Do I need to be physically fit for this walking tour?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended as you’ll be walking through historic streets with some uneven surfaces.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walk through Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and Old Town with an expert local guide from a small team of historians or museum professionals. The group size stays intimate (never more than 12), ensuring everyone can hear stories clearly while exploring major landmarks like St Giles’ Cathedral, Grassmarket, Greyfriars’ Kirkyard, and secret closes along the way.