Royal Mile Guided Walking Tour: Exploring Edinburgh's Cultural Treasures with Expert Historians
4.9
1,239 Ratings
Edinburgh
Join our Royal Mile guided walking tour in Edinburgh and explore the city's cultural treasures with expert historians. Limited to 12 guests for an engaging and entertaining experience.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Usher Hall - View this Baroque “Beaux Arts” masterpiece in the Heart of Edinburgh, the Usher Hall. Donated to the people and the City of Edinburgh by Stuart Usher’s great great uncle, Andrew Usher.
- Edinburgh Castle - Behold and view (from the outside) the towering, majestic pile of Edinburgh Castle from various vantage points. Learn all about its history (good, bad and downright ugly), the Scottish Wars of Independence, the Stuart dynasty, the Union of the Crowns and much more!
- Grassmarket - Enter and visit this centuries-old area that served as the Medieval Marketplace of the City. Also see George Heriot School (the inspiration behind Hogwarts!).
- Milne’s Court - Come and visit this fascinating court where you can see and hear how people lived in the 17th and 18th centuries.
- Jolly Judge - See classic examples of Edinburgh’s Old Town tenement buildings in James Court. Also see the quirky and charismatic Jolly Judge pub.
- Writers’ Museum - This museum showcases the best of Scotland’s literary heroes, past and present. Guests can visit inside should they wish.
- Riddle’s Court - See the exterior of the home of the philosopher David Hume, the ‘Father of the Scottish Enlightenment’ as well as other Scottish notables.
- Deacon Brodie’s Tavern - Learn about the life of the blackguard, Deacon Brodie, the real-life character behind ‘Jekyll and Hyde’.
- St Giles’ Cathedral - View this magnificent cathedral from the outside and learn about its pivotal history during the middle ages and reformation periods.
- Edinburgh City Chambers - See the highlights of this busy heart of the Royal Mile which includes the City Chambers, Mercat Cross and other sites of interest.
- Edinburgh Waverley Station - Cross one of the first bridges to connect the Old & New Towns of Edinburgh, leading to Princes Street Gardens.
- Scott Monument - See this towering landmark which delineates the separation of the Old and New Towns (both of which are Unesco world heritage sites).
What's Included
- Small group (maximum 12 participants)
- Professional guide
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Join our exceptional tour guides, Stuart Usher or his son, Richard Usher, for a captivating and enjoyable walk. We are also pleased to present our new guides; Dr Alison Duncan and David Forsyth, both skilled historians and specialists in Edinburgh.
We restrict our tour to a maximum of 12 participants to ensure personal engagement (unlike many tours that accommodate 30, 40 or even more guests!)
Stuart’s lineage holds significant ties to Edinburgh (Stuart’s great-great Uncle, Andrew Usher, made a generous contribution of the splendid Usher Hall to the city. Andrew also carried the reputation of being the ‘originator of the scotch whisky blending industry’).
Their profound understanding of the city’s cultural, historical, and architectural facets grants them an unparalleled viewpoint on our splendid capital.
Our guides will introduce you to the cultural gems of Edinburgh, its historical mysteries and notable personalities while delivering captivating and humorous commentary.
- Children under 12 are free
- Children 12-16 pay 75%
Location
The Usher Hall
Lothian Road
Your guide will be waiting for you outside the central entrance of the Usher Hall (there are 3 entrances and he will be outside the middle one).
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(1239 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Laurainesa2023
Apr 24, 2024
Great Royal Mile Guided Tour - I had a wonderful time on the Royal Mile walking tour led by Stuart. He was entertaining and had deep knowledge on the history of Scotland. The speed of the walking tour was perfect. We visited hidden historical gems in the city on Edinburgh including major landmarks like Edinburgh Castle. I truly enjoyed the tour and would recommend it to anyone visiting Edinburgh.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christine_h
Apr 22, 2024
Great Tour to start our Scotland Vacation - We booked this tour to get a good introduction to Edinburgh, specifically the Royal Mile. Our tour guide was great, and went well beyond the Royal Mile. He provided details about key landmarks, streets, restaurants, and places to see...and LOTS of Scottish history. It was more than we expected. If you are looking for a good way to start your Scottish vacation in Edinburgh, I would highly recommend this.
Review provided by Viator
Robert_l
Apr 20, 2024
Awesome walking tour - Great tour overall, wasn't too long but felt in depth. Tour guide was a local who was very knowledgeable.
Review provided by Viator
Cynthia_s
Apr 20, 2024
Terrific Walking Tour - We really enjoyed our tour and the knowledge of our guide. We would definitely recommend this tour to others.
Review provided by Viator
Beverly_k
Apr 17, 2024
Great orientation to the city. - Great day with Stuart learning the history of the Royal mile with recommendations of other activities and points of interest. This was a great orientation to the old town and Edinburgh.
Review provided by Viator
581beverlyk
Apr 14, 2024
Welcome to the Royal Mile - Had a wonderful tour with Stuart. It was a great introduction to the Royal Mile with lots of nice details. Very accommodating to the interest and needs of the group. I thoroughly enjoyed his appreciation of history and popular culture. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marcos_d
Apr 12, 2024
Excellent - Allison was amazing, she is a profesor at St. Andrews University and she just enjoy talking about history a d at the same time make it fun. Well organized tour, will not take you inside the Castle but the information given about everything well worth it.
Review provided by Viator
Bob_e
Apr 12, 2024
Entertaining and Educational Walking Tour - Craig was a wonderful tour guide. His insights and knowledge of the city really brought Edinburgh to life.
Review provided by Viator
Larirhyne_s
Apr 24, 2024
Walking tour in Edinburgh - The tour was great. We did it on our first day in Edinburgh. Very informative and entertaining. Thanks.
Review provided by Viator
Sonia_g
Apr 17, 2024
Sadly unwhelmed - Our guide ( who sadly wasn't the gentleman in the promo material) left me underwhelmed. He made a couple of obvious mistakes which made me question the validity of other things he told us, and seemed a bit ad hoc in where he took us.
I also missed the colour and passion I have experienced on other walking tours. Our guide was pleasant but his style just wasn't for my hubby and I.
Review provided by Viator
