Calton Hill Photography Tour: Explore Edinburgh's History with a Local
5.0
2 Ratings
Edinburgh
Join local photographer David on a captivating photography tour of Calton Hill in Edinburgh. Discover the city's history, stunning views, and hidden gems along the way!
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Old Calton Burial Ground - Before visiting Calton Hill, David will show you one of Edinburgh’s most atmospheric & historic cemeteries - Old Calton Burial Ground. The final resting place of many famous Scots, David will show you some fascinating graves, including an Edinburgh Perfumer and a lady who’s leg was buried 20 years before her! We’ll also see the striking Martyrs’ Monument, The statue of Abraham Lincoln and the Old Governors House of Old Calton Jail. David will show you some of his favourite views of Old Calton Hill, including Rock House, the old photographic studio of ‘Hill & Adamson’, the early Edinburgh photographers who pioneered the art of photography. Before leaving, we’ll visit a secret part of the cemetery, very rarely visited by locals or visitors.
What's Included
  • Free guide to Smartphone photography
  • Free Guide & Personal Recommendations for Edinburgh
Additional Information

Calton Hill should be at the top of your itinerary when touring Edinburgh, as it provides a fantastic starting point due to its breathtaking panoramics.

Locally-based photographer, David, a 50-year resident of the city, will guide you to extraordinary photography locations and viewpoints, while leading you around the city’s stunning monuments, buildings, galleries, and historic cemeteries.

During this tour, you’ll gain insights into some of Edinburgh’s fascinating residents, admire impressive classical architecture, and even stop by an ancient watchtower that was once used for vigilance against body-snatchers!

Situated on an old volcano and located to the east of Edinburgh’s New Town, Calton Hill has been a communal leisure spot since 1724. Numerous generations have taken pleasure in its sweeping sights and classical edifices, contributing to Edinburgh’s reputation as the ‘Northern Athens’. David will guide you through its main attractions, such as the National Monument, the Nelson Monument, and the old Observatory, among many others.

This is the perfect activity to kick off your vacation in Edinburgh!

Location
29 Waterloo Pl
Waterloo Place
The meeting point is directly outside the HOWIES RESTAURANT at 29 WATERLOO PLACE. The approximate postcode is EH1 3BQ. I will be wearing a BLUE CAP and have a GREY RUCKSACK. I will provide a telephone number in case you need to contact me.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(2 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Christianpoulton
Oct 11, 2023
A Font of Knowledge! - A really lovely tour with David who was a font of knowledge about Edinburgh and super enthusiastic about his city. The weather wasn't great for our tour however this didn't dampen either Davids or our spirits and if anything the weather added to the atmosphere of the places that we visited, being hidden gardens, old graveyards or the top of Carlton Hill. David was an excellent teacher giving helpful photographic advice as well as top tips for places to go things to see in Edinburgh. The trip was scheduled to last 2 hours but we ended up spending almost 3 hours which flew by quickly. David wasn't rushed and didn't rush us either giving us plenty of time to stop, take photos or simply admire the views. I would definitely recommend one of David's tours in the future and wouldn't hesitate booking another one myself the next time that we visit Edinburgh.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carolyn_e
Oct 5, 2023
Carlton hill with a pro - David was an amazing guide for this tour. A perfect mixture of history, photography, and the art of photography. David knows his way around the area and was awesome at showing us cute little cutaways that a normal tour would never cover. We liked his tour and accommodating personality so much we are trying to book a second tour with him to see even more of Edinburgh!
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
minimum 2 guests
-
up to 6 guests
2 Adult
May 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today