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Highlights
- As you stroll through Edinburgh's Old Town, let local storytelling unveil a world where real and imagined tales converge around closes, kirks, and courts.
- Begin your journey in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town by meeting your guide at the starting point before setting off along the Royal Mile to explore its historic closes and courtyards.
- With an expert guide, traverse past St Giles Cathedral, venture down Victoria Street, and explore Greyfriars Kirkyard while uncovering hidden side lanes and their stories along the way.
- Discover tales of kings and philosophers, learn about the legend of Greyfriars Bobby, and explore dark secrets linked to Harry Potter and Scottish literature at significant sites.
Your Experience
Explore Edinburgh's historic Old Town with an expert guide on a fascinating walking tour. Discover local tales and literary connections as you stroll through this iconic area.
Getting started
Gather at the designated starting point in Edinburgh Old Town to meet your expert guide. After receiving brief instructions about the route and pace, begin your guided walk along the Royal Mile. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through historic streets, allowing you to explore storytelling.
Edinburgh Old Town and the Royal Mile
This walking tour takes you into Edinburgh’s storied Old Town and down the renowned Royal Mile, which forms the heart of medieval Edinburgh. As your expert guide leads you along closes and main thoroughfares, learn about the city's long history.
Features
- The guided walking tour pauses at significant locations where your guide shares stories involving kings, philosophers, writers, and legends that have shaped these streets.
- An expert professional guide accompanies you on this journey through Edinburgh Old Town and the Royal Mile, offering local storytelling to connect historical events with present-day landmarks.
St Giles Cathedral
Nestled along the Royal Mile, St Giles Cathedral stands as one of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks. During your tour, you'll explore its exterior while learning about its central role in the city's history.
Features
- Your guide will explain how this church is woven into Edinburgh’s broader historical narrative, sharing tales linked to royalty and religious transformations from a vantage point at St Giles Cathedral.
- The visit includes an exploration of both the Old Town and St Giles Cathedral as part of your guided tour experience.
Victoria Street
This picturesque street descends from Edinburgh’s upper Old Town, renowned for its association with modern literary culture. It's a must-see on any walking tour through this historic area.
Features
- Your guide will highlight how Victoria Street has inspired and hosted writers, pointing out details connected to Harry Potter and other Scottish literature as you walk along the street.
- The tour includes a dedicated stop at Victoria Street, where literary anecdotes are interwoven with stories of local trades, everyday life, and Old Town evolution.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
This historic graveyard on the edge of Edinburgh's Old Town is known for its memorials and legends. Your tour includes a visit to this atmospheric site.
Features
- In Greyfriars Kirkyard, hear about Greyfriars Bobby, the famous loyal dog of the city, along with tales of Edinburgh's darker secrets linked to its graves and surroundings.
- The tour features stories from writers whose names are etched on headstones here, adding layers of Harry Potter and Scottish literature connections among the kirkyard monuments.
- Your guided walking tour includes a visit to Greyfriars Kirkyard, where your expert guide shares some of Old Town's most memorable legends.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Explore the historic Edinburgh Old Town along with the Royal Mile and St Giles Cathedral.
- Discover Victoria Street and Greyfriars Kirkyard on your tour.
- Guided by an expert guide throughout the experience.
- Learn about stories of kings, philosophers, writers, and legends during your walk.
- Uncover tales of Greyfriars Bobby alongside Edinburgh's darker secrets.
- Experience connections to Harry Potter and Scottish literature.
- Personal expenses
This product offers multiple ticket options. Some items above (like transfers or fast-track access) may only apply to specific options — confirm what's included when you select yours.
Must Know
- Maintain your mobile voucher/photo ID handy for easy access throughout the tour.
- Your expert guide will meet you at a designated starting point in Edinburgh's Old Town; ensure to arrive on time as per your booking details.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately, considering that the tour involves exploring historic streets and landmarks.
- A small backpack or bag is advisable for carrying essentials during the walk through closes and courtyards along the Royal Mile.
Ticket Delivery
- Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
- Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.
- Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers to the most common questions travelers ask before booking this experience.