Private Royal Mile
Walking Tour
Edinburgh’s historic spine, tailored entirely to you.
100% Private. Unscripted Storytelling. Your Personal Local Guide.
Step into the closes and wynds of Edinburgh’s Old Town with a kilted guide who knows every stone, scandal, and secret this city has to offer. Over two hours, wander through cobbled streets soaked in centuries of history—from the shadow of the Castle down the Royal Mile—hearing the stories that guidebooks leave out.
"A proudly biased, mostly accurate, and deeply enjoyable walking tour through Edinburgh."
The Experience:
Real Stories, Real Banter
👥 100% Private to Your Party: Undivided attention with no strangers in your group.
⏳ 2-Hour Experience: An unhurried, engaging walk through the Old Town’s best stories.
🏴 Authentic Local Guide: Guided in traditional Scottish highland
📍 Unscripted & Flexible: Move at your own pace with a route tailored to what you want to hear. wear.
This isn’t a dry, rehearsed lecture. Expect sharp storytelling, strong opinions, and a healthy dose of dark Scottish humour alongside the history—the kind of tour that feels like exploring the city with a well-informed local friend.
Your Own Pace: Linger for photos, ask questions as they come, and explore quiet courtyards without feeling hurried along by a public crowd.
Tailored Focus: Whether you want the deep history of the Jacobites, dark Old Town folklore, or literary legends, your guide adapts the stories to what excites your group.
Insider Edinburgh Insight: Direct, honest recommendations for the best pubs, restaurants, and hidden spots to visit during the rest of your stay.
What's Included & Tour Details
Price: £180 per tour (covers your entire private group)
Duration: 2 hours
Inclusions: Dedicated professional local guide in traditional highland dress; fully customisable walking itinerary.
Language: English
Meeting Points:
- Standard Meeting Point: Outside The Ensign Ewart pub (521–523 Lawnmarket, EH1 2PE) near the top of the Royal Mile.
- Hotel Pick-Up: Available upon request for central Old Town accommodations.
Finishing Point: Flexible—outside St Giles’ Cathedral, at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, or at an Old Town spot of your choice.
Cancellation Policy: Full refund available if cancelled up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Choose date and time of your live walking tour
You’ll receive a confirmation email with all your booking details shortly after reserving your spot.
Tour Itinerary Overview
Castlehill & Castle Views:
Begin near Castlehill taking in sweeping views of the ancient fortress, uncovering royal sieges and the foundation of the Old Town.
Victoria Street & Terrace:
Overlook the famous multi-level architecture and discover medieval living conditions.
Lady Stair’s Close & Writers’ Museum:
Explore the quiet 17th-century courtyard celebrating Burns, Scott, and Stevenson.
St Giles’ Cathedral & Parliament Square:
Discover the Heart of Midlothian mosaic, the Reformation, and the civic heart of old Edinburgh.
Mercat Cross:
The historic site of royal proclamations, public markets, and executions on the High Street.
>Moubray House:
View one of Edinburgh’s oldest surviving houses (c. 1477) and discover Daniel Defoe’s secret espionage mission.
The Netherbow & World’s End:
Stand where the medieval gate once marked the literal boundary of the town.
Canongate Closes & Crime:
Tales of Burke and Hare, tranquil Chessel’s Court, and Deacon Brodie’s infamous heist.
Canongate Kirk:
Visit the resting places of Adam Smith, Robert Fergusson, and David Rizzio, and hear the reality of the grave-robbers.
White Horse Close & Holyroodhouse:
onclude at the picturesque coaching close and the gates of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
The £180 fee is a flat rate for your entire private group for the full 2 hours, rather than charging per person.
Only your party participates. You have your guide’s undivided attention, complete freedom over your walking pace, and the flexibility to steer the stories toward what interests you most.
Our default meeting point is outside The Ensign Ewart pub on the Lawnmarket, but we can also arrange to collect you from your Old Town hotel lobby.
Edinburgh’s Old Town has cobbled surfaces and stone stairs. Because this is a private tour, the walking route can be adjusted to follow step-free, gentler paths if needed.
Tours run rain or shine. We weave into covered wynds and sheltered closes along the route, and recommend comfortable walking shoes and waterproof layers.
Ready to Explore Edinburgh
Your Way?
Book your private 2-hour guided tour for £180 with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.