Private iPhone Photography Walking Tour: Capture Edinburgh's Iconic Royal Mile
5.0
1 Rating
Edinburgh
Join a private iPhone photography walking tour of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and capture stunning photos of its iconic attractions and hidden gems. Learn photography tips and uncover the city's rich history.
Duration:
3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Edinburgh Castle - We’ll photograph the dramatic exterior of Edinburgh Castle and the amazing views of the City of Edinburgh from the Castle Esplanade (We will not be visiting the interior of the Castle). David will explain all about the history of Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and help you to take wonderful photos of the Castle and the surrounding city, with lots of helpful, professional tips along the way. (note: we will NOT be visiting the interior of Edinburgh Castle, which is not included in this tour. Admission to Edinburgh Castle can be arranged & included by prior arrangement with David. Please get in touch).
- Witches well - We visit the Witches’ Well Memorial on Edinburgh Castle Esplanade where over 300 witches were burned at the stake. David will explain the history behind the Witches’ Well and help you take wonderful photos, with lots of helpful, professional tips.
- Ramsay Garden - We visit the impressive Scots Baronial style apartments, ‘Ramsay Garden’, built in 1893 by the ecologist & father of town planning, Sir Patrick Geddes. David will explain the romantic history of the building of Ramsay Garden and it’s owner, Sir Patrick Geddes and help you to take wonderful photos, with lots of helpful, professional tips.
- The Witchery by the Castle - We visit the beautiful & atmospheric 16th century Boswell’s Court, which is now home to The Witchery Restaurant & Hotel, one of the most admired restaurants in the world. David will explain the history of this beautiful medieval building, and help you to take wonderful photos of its courtyard, with lots of helpful and useful tips.
- Victoria Street - We visit one of the prettiest streets in Edinburgh - ‘Victoria Street’, built between 1829 & 1834, and named after Queen Victoria. Thought to be the inspiration for J.K. Rowling’s ‘Diagon Alley’ in her amazing Harry Potter books. We’ll spend time admiring the architecture and taking beautiful pictures of this beautiful, world famous street.
- Riddle’s Court - One of Edinburgh’s hidden gems, Riddle’s Court is a superb 16th century, A listed, Courtyard House built in 1590 for Baillie John McMorran, who came to a grisly end at the hands of a rebelling schoolboy. We’ll discover why there’s an outside staircase, the beautiful landscaped gardens which existed all the way down to the Grassmarket, and some of it’s famous residents. We’ll also uncover a small, secret garden often missed by visitors. A true hidden gem so often missed by visitors.
- The Writers’ Museum - We photograph beautiful Lady Stair’s House in ‘Makers Court’ which celebrates the Scottish writers, Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson, all the way back to the 14th Century. David will explain the history of the building and help you to take wonderful photos, with lots of helpful, professional tips.
- St Giles’ Cathedral - We visit the beautiful interior of St Giles’ Cathedral, the High Kirk of Edinburgh, founded in 1124 by King David I. One of Edinburgh’s most historic and iconic buildings, we’ll visit the interior to take stunning photos of its beautiful vaulted ceiling, the magnificent church organ and its stunningly beautiful stained glass windows, with lots of photography tips along the way
- Heart of Midlothian Mosaic - We briefly visit a special, historic mosaic - the ‘Heart of Midlothian’, located just outside St Giles’ Cathedral which marks the entrance to the much hated Old Tollbooth demolished in 1817. David will explain the significance of its location and symbolism - and the reason why locals do something very strange when they see it - a tradition going back hundreds of years which might surprise you!
- Advocate’s Close - We photograph the historic & atmospheric ‘Advocates Close’, which is believed to date all the way back to 1544 and named after Lord Advocate, James Stewart, a local of the close. The view down the close to the New Town and the Scott Monument makes for one of the best pictures in Edinburgh and David will help you compose a professional shot to be proud of.
- Mercat Cross - We visit the Victorian Mercat Cross where the dissolution of Parliaments and the death of monarchs is still traditionally announced. Traditionally a place of public punishment and execution, David will explain the history of the ‘Beheading Machine’ which now sits in the National Museum of Scotland.
- Edinburgh City Chambers - We visit the impressive Edinburgh City Chambers to photography the magnificent ‘Alexander & Bucephalus’ statue and J.K. Rowling’s handprints, made in honour of her Edinburgh Award. A highlight for any Harry Potter fans!
- Tron Kirk - We admire and photograph the magnificent ‘Tron Kirk’, which has stood in the heart of Edinburgh for nearly 400 years, and was a popular place to meet and celebrate Hogmanay in Edinburgh. David will explain the history of the building and its secret underground street, recently excavated, and help you to take wonderful photos, with lots of helpful, professional tips.
- Cockburn Street - We photograph one of Edinburgh’s most attractive streets built in 1856 and named after the Scottish lawyer & judge Henry, Lord Cockburn. A location for the films ‘Hallam Foe’ and ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and one of Edinburgh’s most picturesque & characterful streets. David will point out some of the most interesting shots and pass on lots of useful tips to ensure you get the best shots of this lovely street.
- Trunk’s Close - Rarely visited, but a true Edinburgh gem, this is an atmospheric historic Close, with a wonderful secret garden dedicated to Sir Patrick Geddes. The Royal Mile has more secret gardens than many people realise, and this is one of the most surprising and best! We’ll take a few moments to take in and admire this beautiful garden, and David will give you some photography tips to help you capture the spirit and character of this beautiful urban garden.
- John Knox House Museum - Dating back to 1470, John Knox House and the adjoining Moubray House are just a handful of beautiful medieval buildings still standing in the Royal Mile. Originally home to James Mosman, goldsmith to Mary, Queen of Scots and now an excellent museum. David will explain the history of the building and its association with the Minister of St Giles’ Cathedral and Protestant Reformer, John Knox, and help you take architectural shots of this striking medieval building, with lots of helpful, professional tips.
- Tweeddale Court - One of the Royal Mile’s most attractive closes and a popular Outlander filming location. Named after the Marquess of Tweeddale, 1670, who was an advisor to King Charles II. Contains Edinburgh’s only existing ‘Sedan Chair House’ which is now Edinburgh’s smallest listed building. David will explain about the history of the close and the ‘sedan-chair’ taxi service that once existed in the city, and also help you take professional shots of this beautiful courtyard.
- Chessel’s Court - A wonderful collection of pretty mansion houses built by Wright & Merchant Chessel in 1748. Believed to be the place where William Brodie, the famous character of Robert Louis Stevenson’s ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ novel, was caught. David will show you the lovely gardens around the mansion houses, including some ivy which has been shaped into a beautiful heart-shape.
- Cannongate Tolbooth - A stunning building built in 1591 as the Canongate’s main municipal building, originally housing a jail, courthouse and council meeting rooms. Now the ‘People’s Story Museum’. David will explain the history of the building and why it’s the perfect place to learn how the people of Edinburgh lived in the 18th & 19th centuries. David will show you how to take telephoto shots of the magnificent clock-tower.
- Huntly House - An historic 16th century mansion house, one of the most iconic on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and used, alongside next-door Bakehouse Close, in the Outlander Television Series by Diana Gabaldon. Now ‘The Museum of Edinburgh’, David will show you the atmospheric, historic courtyard outside the museum and help you to take professional architectural shot of this stunning building.
- Bakehouse Close - Made famous as the place where Claire and Jamie were reunited in Alexander Malcom’s Print Shop, Bakehouse Close is one of The Royal Mile’s best preserved closes. It also belies a rather more seedier side to Edinburgh in the 1700’s as a brothel in the ‘Cock & Trumpet’ pub. David will explain the history of the close and the infamous ‘book of ladies’ which was published to help gentlemen find a partner! We’ll take beautiful shots of the close and find out a little bit more about its excellent choice as an Outlander filming location.
- Canongate Kirk - A beautiful church and Kirkyard where the Royal Family attend church while at Holyrood. We will discover the grave of Scottish Poet ‘Robert Fergusson’ and Robert Burns ‘Clarinda’ - Agnes Maclehose. We’ll stroll around the Kirkyard taking in its beautiful atmosphere and David will explain about the Kirk’s interesting history.
- Dunbars Close Garden - A wonderful, hidden garden dating back to the 17th Century, inspired by eminent town planner & biologist, Sir Patrick Geddes. A little escape from the hustle & bustle of the Royal Mile. We’ll spend time taking in the lovely atmosphere and David will show you some powerful techniques for taking pictures of plants & flowers.
- White Horse Close - One of Edinburgh’s loveliest closes & courtyards, which is often missed by visitors. David will show you around this beautiful courtyard, explaining its history and showing you how to capture its wonderful architecture and character, with lots of profession tips along the way. A true hidden gem not to be missed.
- Palace of Holyroodhouse - At the foot of the Royal Mile, this is the Monarch’s official Scottish residence, where His Majesty the King spends a week every summer, and holds a popular ‘Garden Party’ for the people of Scotland. Mary, Queen of Scots endured some of her most difficult times here, including witnessing the brutal murder of her Private Secretary, David Rizzio, who’s buried in the Canongate Kirk. David will explain the events of the ‘Craigmillar Plot’ which led to the murder of her errant husband, Lord Darnley and Mary’s undetermined involvement. We’ll take photographs from the outside of the building only. If guests would like to visit the interior of Holyrood Palace, this can be arranged after the end of the tour. (note: we will NOT be visiting the interior of The Palace of Holyroodhouse, which is not included in this tour. Admission to The Palace of Holyroodhouse can be arranged & included by prior arrangement with David. Please get in touch).
- Physic Garden Edinburgh - A beautiful physic garden, behind Abbey Strand, with three areas of garden representing Holyrood Palace’s 900 year history. Recently created, we’ll capture amazing shots of this unique garden, and David will give you lots of professional tips & guidance on getting amazing photos of plants & flowers in this wonderful royal, physic garden.
- Queen Mary’s Bath House - Often missed by visitors, Queen Mary’s Bath House is a beautiful, historic garden pavilion dating back to the 16th century. We’ll photograph the exterior and learn about the mysterious dagger which was found in the roof during renovations. A beautiful little spot which is not to be missed!
What's Included
- Tea and Coffee included
- Exclusive Guide to Edinburgh’s cafes, restaurants, and pubs
- iPhone Photography Guide for enhanced photo skills
What's Not Included
- We do NOT enter EDINBURGH CASTLE. We visit the EXTERIOR only.
- We do NOT enter THE PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE. We visit the EXTERIOR only.
Additional Information
Experience your initial taste of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile with a local! Edinburgh ranks among the world’s most picturesque cities and is ideally suited for exploration through the lens of your iPhone or Smartphone camera.
Privately tour and shoot all the key sights of Edinburgh’s historical Royal Mile, hone your iPhone and smartphone photography skills, and acquire loads of useful tips and tricks from your professional guide, David.
In this exclusive walking tour, David, a resident for 50 years, will efficiently lead you through all the major points of interest along Edinburgh’s breathtaking Royal Mile, from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. You’ll also be treated to plenty of iPhone photography advice and detailed historical information about each site visited. It’s the ideal method to experience The Royal Mile and reveal its renowned attractions and hidden treasures.
You will privately explore all of The Royal Mile’s concealed treasures and snap beautiful photos in the process.
Though the tour is tailored towards iPhone photography enthusiasts, owners of other camera types are also welcome.
- Not recommended for anyone with foot injuries or related problems. We cover approx 3 miles requiring a reasonable level of fitness. Please bring comfortable shoes, a sun-hat, sunscreen and water.
Location
The Scotch Whisky Experience
Castlehill
The meeting point is at the entrance to The Scotch Whisky Experience at Castle Hill on The Royal Mile EH1 2NE. I will be wearing a BLUE CAP and have a GREY RUCKSACK.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(1 Rating)
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Esther
Apr 17, 2024
Private Walking and Photography tour of Edinburgh and Glasgow, Scotland - My husband and I have traveled extensively and have taken several tours in the past. We can definitely say that David’s private walking and photography tour was exceptional. It was definitely the best tour by far. David is not only very passionate about the tour but is also very patient and kind ensuring that the tour is done at our own pace. David showed us so many hidden gems that we could have not discovered on our own. He taught us so many tips of taking great photos. David was not only kind, good humored and accommodating, but has an incredible wealth of knowledge. His thoroughness, knowledge and history helped bring Scotland’s beauty, people and history to life. He is a great professional, very pleasant and kind. He ensured that his customers were well taken care and comfortable. He explained every site with great depth of knowledge and patience. My husband and I consider ourselves lucky to have taken this tour with David. He is superb. David is also very generous with his time and is always excited to share it. He truly went above and beyond for us. As a seasoned traveler, I can honestly say that I have never had a lovelier tour. We will definitely recommend him to friends and family. My husband and I look forward to doing many more tours with David. Thank you, David for a pleasant experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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