The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour: A Dramatic Romp through Old and New Town's Historic Pubs

Join the Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour for a hilarious and engaging romp through the historic pubs of Edinburgh’s Old and New Town. Experience a dramatic script performed by professional actors and discover the lesser-known literary characters that have shaped the city’s tavern life. A must-see cultural attraction since 1996!

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Edinburgh Old Town - The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour is is a brilliant and witty dramatic romp through the wynds, courtyards and pubs of Edinburgh’s Old and new Town.
What's Included
  • Professional actors
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic beverages
Additional Information

Join the adventurous pair, Clart (synonym for dirt!) and our polished-intellectual Mcbrain, as they guide you on an amusing and smart theatrical journey through the back alleys, squares, and pubs of historical and modern Edinburgh. A hilarious battle of brains featuring three centuries of excellent literature and vibrant personalities.
The Edinburgh…

Location
Beehive Inn
Grassmarket
Look out for our Ticketing person wearing bright vest. The tour starts up the stairs at The Beehive on the top floor. Feel free to purchase a drink at the bar beforehand and bring it upstairs with you to enjoy the first scene!
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.6
(449 Ratings)
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Go42720386825
May 18, 2025
Brilliant Fun Tour - Found this tour almost by accident. My second visit to Edinburgh so was looking for something a little different than the normal walking tour. Our actors Paul and Blair started off the evening with Blair sitting in the audience heckling. Not much walking involved but some steps to climb. And finally don’t be put of by the name, you don’t need any knowledge of the old poets and authors.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Connector63128438996
May 14, 2025
What a fun night! - A great time was had by all of us. A wonderful mix history, literature and drinking. The actors were fun to be with and gave a great idea on the writers they were introducing us to and the city they obviously loved (the writers and the actors).
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Samanthaa716
May 7, 2025
Fun and instructive experience - Very fun and full of information and interesting stories! The experience with the actors Paul and Emma was amazing, we highly recommend, even for those who do not understand Scottish literature (like us).. you come out with a desire to understand more!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Denise
May 3, 2025
Entertaining Tour - We enjoyed this tour. Dave and Dugal did an excellent job in entertaining us. The poems and quotes they have memorized are fantastic. They did a wonderful job of playing off each other.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Denise_g
May 3, 2025
Very Entertaining Tour - We enjoyed this tour. Dave and Dugal did an excellent job in entertaining us. The poems and quotes they have memorized are fantastic. They did a wonderful job of playing off each other.
Review provided by Viator
Larryrhp
Apr 14, 2025
Entertaining, informative, and fun . . . with opportunities to drink - The tour was entertaining, informative, and fun. I have learned that tours run by historians tend to be dull and ramble on. But tours by actors who know their stuff tend to be exciting. That was certainly true of this tour and the two actors to led us.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
497trevorj
Dec 18, 2024
Good times - It was everything you would expect from a literary tour. A very good show between the tour guides. A very enjoyable time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U125fcpaulf
Dec 9, 2024
Great night out. - Brilliant tour. Coped with all the rain Edinburgh could throw at us by varied use of alleyways and pubs. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alansi3974fo
Nov 26, 2024
Splendid performers, fascinating storytelling, great fun - An excellent double act and a fun, fascinating journey through history. Blair and Dougal have great chemistry, superb comedy and a highly gripping storytelling style that has you engaged right from the start. I cannot recommend this tour highly enough.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Peter_b
Mar 31, 2025
Literary Pub Tour review - Great tour for those interested in Scottish literature, but it took a lot of focus to here through the Scottish accents.
Review provided by Viator
From $27
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).