Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is quite possibly the most historic
street in all of Scotland. With Edinburgh Castle at the top,
and the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Holyrood Abbey at
the bottom, the Royal Mile was the scene of many
momentous events.
Edinburgh was Scotland’s capital city for hundreds of years,
and the Royal Mile her busiest and most important road. If
it happened here, and was important, it often impacted
upon the entire kingdom.
Mary, Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, Robert Burns,
Deacon Brodie and many other famous and fascinating
characters from Scotland’s history all feature on this
exploration of the historic Royal Mile. Come with us as we
walk through hundreds of years of Scotland’s history.
WE’RE GOOD TO GO!
COVID-19 AND YOUR SAFETY
Historic Edinburgh Tours Ltd have successfully achieved the
‘Good to go” standard from Visit Britain which shows we follow
current government COVID-19 guidelines and that we have
processes in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social
distancing.
You can find out more about our COVID-19 policy here.
“Wow! What a guy, we booked this two hour
Canongate evening history tour prior to our
first visit to Edinburgh after reading his
excellent reviews BUT it's even better than first
class if that's possible! …(If) our school history
lesson had been this interesting we may have
gained an A* !”
Jo B- Tripadvisor - June 2018
TRIPADVISOR REVIEWS = 100% WERE 5 STAR REVIEWS
Remember, your tour is a private tour - you can choose when it starts! We’ve also got some flexibility with
distances and elevations on the tour. The Royal Mile is a gently sloping gradient and we start at the bottom on this
tour. Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss these alternatives. We want to give you a tour that’s interesting
and accessible.
In this Edinburgh walking tour, all your locations will take place along, or just off, Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile.
We’ve outlined all the story possibilities for your tour. We may not cover them all, it depends on where your
interests lie. Remember, this is YOUR tour and we’ve got opportunities to accommodate the things you are
interested in!
Story 1 - Dynamic Earth and an experiential tour lies ahead of us!
We start our Royal Mile exploration just off the ‘Mile itself. We wil meet in the forecourt of Dynamic Earth and this
lets us take in some views of the magnificent Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags. This tour has it’s own hill to climb,
but topography is important on this tour, and these hilly features are all linked together.
Story 2 - Murder at the Palace
Holyrood Abbey and the Palace of Holyroodhouse sit at the foot of the Royal Mile. We take you to the gates and
tell you about one of the most infamous moments in the history of the Scotland.
Story 3 - The Watergate
Just before we cross the road we’ll have a quick opportunity to look at the area known as the ‘Watergate’. This was
surprisingly important in the history of Edinburgh and played a really important role in the mid-1500s.
Story 4 - Heritage and History
The Canongate has some real ‘picture postcard’ scenes (trust us, we’ve got loads of postcards featuring places you’ll
see on this tour). Bring a camera as we take you into White Horse Close for a wander back in time. This played a
role in Edinburgh’s communication links and was utilised during the Jacobite Occupation of 1745.
Story 5 - It’s not all history!
We bring the story of Edinburgh up to date as we walk past the Scottish Parliament building. You’ll get a chance to
see this cleverly designed structure and we’ll try to give you an unbiased account of the story of Scotland’s current
politics. We’ll supply some facts and will try to avoid opinions!
Story 7 - Outlander tour anyone?
We’ve not yet seen all the Outlander series (I know, it’s shocking isn’t it?!) but we will take you to one of the most
recognisable Edinburgh filming locations. We’ve also got some stories about how Bakehouse Close has developed
over time and we’ll show you our favourite Old Edinburgh photo. It sends shivers up our spines!
Story 8 - A poet’s love and a murdered courtier (perhaps…)
The Canongate Kirkyard hides some famous links to Robert Burns and you’ll see a much disputed final resting
place of someone we learned about earlier.
Story 9 - Moray House and an unfriendly wedding reception
Moray House was where Robert, your Edinburgh tour guide, went to university. He’ll share one of his favourite
stories about the building and of a wedding party which made the most of the hanging of the Marquis of
Montrose. It’s all fascinatingly distasteful!
Story 10 - Not-so-rich pickings
Deacon William Brodie is one of our favourite ‘Old Edinburgh’ characters. You’ll walk past the execution platform
he died on (maybe…) but here we’ll take you to see the place of the burglary which led to his arrest and downfall.
Stories 11 - Welcome to Edinburgh!
So you thought you’d been in Edinburgh all this time? Well, yes and no! We started your tour in the Canongate,
Now it’s part of Edinburgh, but for much of the city’s history it was a seperate town or ‘burgh’. We’d only really get
into Edinburgh proper when we pass through the long-lost Netherbow Port. We’ll let you see how this would have
looked and share with you the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s ‘attack’ on Edinburgh in 1745.
Story 12 - History and happenings on the High Street
We’re now into the heart of Old Edinburgh. We’ll find out about the John Knox House, one of the prettiest buildings
in Edinburgh and we’ll move up past the Tron Kirk on our way to the Mercat Cross, the focal point for royal
proclamations, business meetings and executions. We’ll pass numerous wee closes on our way up and we’ll visit
the one that you think has the most interesting story. Edinburgh’s business life happened on the Royal Mile, her
social life happened in the tenements and taverns in the closes.
Story 13 - Where next? Well, it’s your private Edinburgh walking tour - you pick!
This is your Edinburgh private tour and we’re now in the bustling centre of the Old Town. Robert, your local
Edinburgh guide, doesn’t work from a set script. He’s got a great knowledge of the history of this area and will
tailor the next couple of stops to the areas you wish to see, or the stories you wish to hear. We can continue up
the Royal Mile and learn about the infamous Tolbooth Prison, possibly finishing your tour by going down the West
Bow and into the Grassmarket (a great finale as there’s some great wee stories to be told here…and more than a
few nice little pubs to visit after your tour!) We can take you to the site of one of the most significant murders in
Scottish history or we can finish your tour in Greyfriars Kirkyard, near to the Museum of Scotland. It’s your tour
and we’ll work to what suits you the best. We LOVE having the flexibility of these private Edinburgh guided tours!
We’ve gone into some detail with these notes, but the full stories are even more fascinating. This tour holds an
average five-star rating and we think that the Royal Mile walk is the most scenic of our walking tours of Edinburgh.
YOUR PRIVATE ROYAL MILE TOUR
COME WITH US AS WE REVEAL SCOTLAND’S MOST HISTORIC STREET
OUR ASSURANCES TO YOU
WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE US?
YOUR TOUR ITINERARY
WHAT WILL I DISCOVER ON MY ROYAL MILE TOUR?
“Our guide, Robert was very knowledgeable,
both of the area and local history. Having
lived in Edinburgh for nearly 50 years, l
visited places that night l had never been
before, seen things l hadn't even noticed
(despite walking past them on a daily basis)
and learnt something about my own city.
Go on this at least once, whether you're a
local or a visitor to the city, you won't be
disappointed. My only complaint was that it
only lasted just under 2 hours, l could've
listened to this guy talking all evening.”
Sean B- TripAdvisor - August 2015
A FINAL WORD FROM ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON
WHAT DID EDINBURGH FOLK THINK OF THE ROYAL MILE?
Robert Louis Stevenson was a famous ‘son of Edinburgh’,
remembered for novels such as ‘Treasure Island’, ‘Kidnapped’
and ‘Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’.
He also wrote ‘Edinburgh - Picturesque Notes’ where he
describes many of the places we take you to on our Edinburgh
tours. His descriptions are ones we love!
Here is a little excerpt about the Palace of Holyroodhouse, a
place we shall see near to the start of our tour;
“The Palace of Holyrood has been left aside in the growth of
Edinburgh, and stands grey and silent in a workman’s quarter
and among breweries and gas works. It is a house of many
memories. Great people of yore, kings and queens, buffoons
and grave ambassadors, played their stately farce for centuries
in Holyrood. Wars have been plotted, dancing has lasted deep
into the night,—murder has been done in its chambers. There
Prince Charlie held his phantom levees, and in a very gallant
manner represented a fallen dynasty for some hours.”
“Excellent tour that
captures interest”
Gail P - TripadvisorPRIVATE ROYAL
MILE TOUR
Explore Scotland’s most historic street and discover the people, places and events which took place on Edinburgh’s incredible ‘Royal Mile’.
TRIPADVISOR REVIEW OF THE ROYAL MILE TOUR
WHAT HAVE OUR GUESTS SAID?
FIVE REASONS WHY WE THINK YOU WILL LIKE THIS TOUR!
WHY SHOULD I EXPLORE THE ROYAL MILE?
QUIBBLE-FREE REFUND
We offer a full refund if you cancel
your tour more than 12 hours
before your tour is due to start.
‘GOOD TO GO’ CERTIFICATION
We have the Visit Britain ‘Good to Go’
sign that shows we’ve implemented
COVID-19 safety features.
FRIENDLY GUIDE - IN A KILT!
Robert is your local guide. He was born
in Edinburgh and has lived here all his
life. He researched all our tours and
has an excellent knowledge of
Edinburgh’s history.
ACCESSIBILITY OPTIONS
If you have someone with mobility
issues, please contact us in advance
so that we can offer route changes.
PERFECT FOR CHILDREN
Robert, your guide, is a qualified
primary school teacher and will
help keep your children engaged.
CONVENIENCE
Your tour is private - you can
choose when it starts. You can ask
all the questions you want to!
ONLINE EXPERIENCES
Old Edinburgh Virtual Tour
© Historic Edinburgh Tours Ltd 2020
Call us +44 (0)7590 026 077
“The past is brought vividly to life through a
combination of Robert's experienced story telling,
with visual aides which tell the remarkable story
of the buildings, people and events of his beloved
city. The best spent two hours of a packed
weekend for these two first-time visitors.”
Pennyslad - Tripadvisor
“A BRILLIANT TOUR!”
QUIBBLE-FREE REFUND
We offer a full refund if you cancel your tour more
than 12 hours before your tour is due to start.
‘GOOD TO GO’ CERTIFICATION
We have the Visit Britain ‘Good to Go’ sign that shows
we’ve implemented COVID-19 safety features.
FRIENDLY GUIDE - IN A KILT!
Robert is your local guide. He was born in Edinburgh
and has lived here all his life. He researched all our
tours and has an excellent knowledge of Edinburgh’s
history.
ACCESSIBILITY OPTIONS
If you have someone with mobility issues, please
contact us in advance so that we can offer route
changes.
PERFECT FOR CHILDREN
Robert, your guide, is a qualified primary school
teacher and will help keep your children engaged.
CONVENIENCE
Your tour is private - you can choose when it starts.
You can ask all the questions you want to!
YOUR PRIVATE
ROYAL MILE TOUR
OUR ASSURANCES TO YOU
WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE US?
FIVE REASONS WHY WE THINK
YOU WILL LIKE THIS TOUR!
WHY EXPLORE A BURIAL GROUND?
YOUR TOUR ITINERARY
WHAT WILL I DISCOVER ON MY ROYAL MILE TOUR?
“If this is your first time in Edinburgh (actually even
if it’s not), Robert’s talk is a brilliant way to start.
He is a fantastic speaker, storyteller and
personality. He delves back and forth in time, using
great illustrations and photographs from his folder,
and really makes the city come alive.
One of the best walking tours I’ve ever taken; a
really unforgettable experience.”
Alcabe - TripAdvisor review of The Old Edinburgh Walking Tour -
September, 2018
“Don’t miss this!”
PRIVATE
ROYAL
MILE TOUR
Explore Scotland’s most historic street and discover the people, places and events which took place on Edinburgh’s incredible ‘Royal Mile’.
Remember, your tour is a private tour - you can choose when it
starts! We’ve also got some flexibility with distances and elevations
on the tour. The Royal Mile is a gently sloping gradient and we start
at the bottom on this tour. Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss
these alternatives. We want to give you a tour that’s interesting and
accessible.
In this Edinburgh walking tour, all your locations will take place along,
or just off, Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile. We’ve outlined all the
story possibilities for your tour. We may not cover them all, it
depends on where your interests lie. Remember, this is YOUR tour
and we’ve got opportunities to accommodate the things you are
interested in!
Story 1 - Dynamic Earth and an experiential tour lies ahead of us!
We start our Royal Mile exploration just off the ‘Mile itself. We wil
meet in the forecourt of Dynamic Earth and this lets us take in some
views of the magnificent Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags. This tour
has it’s own hill to climb, but topography is important on this tour,
and these hilly features are all linked together.
Story 2 - Murder at the Palace
Holyrood Abbey and the Palace of Holyroodhouse sit at the foot of
the Royal Mile. We take you to the gates and tell you about one of
the most infamous moments in the history of the Scotland.
Story 3 - The Watergate
Just before we cross the road we’ll have a quick opportunity to look at
the area known as the ‘Watergate’. This was surprisingly important in
the history of Edinburgh and played a really important role in the
mid-1500s.
Story 4 - Heritage and History
The Canongate has some real ‘picture postcard’ scenes (trust us,
we’ve got loads of postcards featuring places you’ll see on this tour).
Bring a camera as we take you into White Horse Close for a wander
back in time. This played a role in Edinburgh’s communication links
and was utilised during the Jacobite Occupation of 1745.
Story 5 - It’s not all history!
We bring the story of Edinburgh up to date as we walk past the
Scottish Parliament building. You’ll get a chance to see this cleverly
designed structure and we’ll try to give you an unbiased account of
the story of Scotland’s current politics. We’ll supply some facts and
will try to avoid opinions!
Story 7 - Outlander tour anyone?
We’ve not yet seen all the Outlander series (I know, it’s shocking isn’t
it?!) but we will take you to one of the most recognisable Edinburgh
filming locations. We’ve also got some stories about how Bakehouse
Close has developed over time and we’ll show you our favourite Old
Edinburgh photo. It sends shivers up our spines!
Story 8 - A poet’s love and a murdered courtier (perhaps…)
The Canongate Kirkyard hides some famous links to Robert Burns
and you’ll see a much disputed final resting place of someone we
learned about earlier.
Story 9 - Moray House and an unfriendly wedding reception
Moray House was where Robert, your Edinburgh tour guide, went to
university. He’ll share one of his favourite stories about the building
and of a wedding party which made the most of the hanging of the
Marquis of Montrose. It’s all fascinatingly distasteful!
Story 10 - Not-so-rich pickings
Deacon William Brodie is one of our favourite ‘Old Edinburgh’
characters. You’ll walk past the execution platform he died on
(maybe…) but here we’ll take you to see the place of the burglary
which led to his arrest and downfall.
Stories 11 - Welcome to Edinburgh!
So you thought you’d been in Edinburgh all this time? Well, yes and
no! We started your tour in the Canongate, Now it’s part of
Edinburgh, but for much of the city’s history it was a seperate town or
‘burgh’. We’d only really get into Edinburgh proper when we pass
through the long-lost Netherbow Port. We’ll let you see how this
would have looked and share with you the story of Bonnie Prince
Charlie’s ‘attack’ on Edinburgh in 1745.
Story 12 - History and happenings on the High Street
We’re now into the heart of Old Edinburgh. We’ll find out about the
John Knox House, one of the prettiest buildings in Edinburgh and we’ll
move up past the Tron Kirk on our way to the Mercat Cross, the focal
point for royal proclamations, business meetings and executions.
We’ll pass numerous wee closes on our way up and we’ll visit the one
that you think has the most interesting story. Edinburgh’s business
life happened on the Royal Mile, her social life happened in the
tenements and taverns in the closes.
Story 13 - Where next? Well, it’s your private Edinburgh walking
tour - you pick!
This is your Edinburgh private tour and we’re now in the bustling
centre of the Old Town. Robert, your local Edinburgh guide, doesn’t
work from a set script. He’s got a great knowledge of the history of
this area and will tailor the next couple of stops to the areas you wish
to see, or the stories you wish to hear. We can continue up the Royal
Mile and learn about the infamous Tolbooth Prison, possibly finishing
your tour by going down the West Bow and into the Grassmarket (a
great finale as there’s some great wee stories to be told here…and
more than a few nice little pubs to visit after your tour!) We can take
you to the site of one of the most significant murders in Scottish
history or we can finish your tour in Greyfriars Kirkyard, near to the
Museum of Scotland. It’s your tour and we’ll work to what suits you
the best. We LOVE having the flexibility of these private Edinburgh
guided tours!
We’ve gone into some detail with these notes, but the full stories are
even more fascinating. This tour holds an average five-star rating and
we think that the Royal Mile walk is the most scenic of our walking
tours of Edinburgh.
Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is quite possibly the most historic
street in all of Scotland. With Edinburgh Castle at the
top, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Holyrood
Abbey at the bottom, the Royal Mile was the scene of
many momentous events.
Edinburgh was Scotland’s capital city for hundreds of
years, and the Royal Mile her busiest and most important
road. If it happened here, and was important, it often
impacted upon the entire kingdom.
Mary, Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, Robert
Burns, Deacon Brodie and many other famous and
fascinating characters from Scotland’s history all feature
on this exploration of the historic Royal Mile. Come with
us as we walk through hundreds of years of Scotland’s
history.
WE’RE GOOD TO GO!
COVID-19 AND YOUR SAFETY
Historic Edinburgh Tours Ltd have achieved the
‘Good to go” standard from Visit Britain.
You can find out more about our COVID-19
policy here.
© Historic Edinburgh Tours Ltd 2020
Text/Call us :
+44 (0)7590 026 077
