Hidden Gems Old Town - Walking Tour

 

There are over 80 Closes (alleyways) leading off the Royal Mile. If only these ancient stone tunnels could talk, the stories they would tell. Unfortunately, walls can’t talk, but your intrepid tartan-clad guide can!...and you will be hanging on every word as you embark on this entertaining expedition.

Join your inquisitive, captivating guide and investigate the more secluded nooks and crannies of the famous Royal Mile. Uncover fascinating history, magic & intrigue on a mysterious journey off the beaten track. Ignite your imagination as you tread in the footsteps of Jamie and Clare on some of the iconic streets featured in the hit series Outlander. You will visit hidden courtyards, historic closes and architectural treasures, each with a tall tale to tell. And see for yourself why Edinburgh is said to have been a great inspiration for J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books. Be enchanted by a Scottish love story, inspired by the celebrated poet and lyricist Robert ‘Rabbie’ Burns.

It will be ‘camera’s at the ready’ as you insta-snap these memory making moments. Discover a myriad of quirks and oddities tucked away in the lesser-known corners of this Unesco world heritage site…Edinburgh, secrets to uncover.

Highlights
• Enjoy a tour like no other delivered by an entertaining character guide
• See Outlander filming locations up close
• Have your camera’s ready for ‘instagramamble’ hidden gems
• See sights relating to Harry Potter
• Hear more about the bard and a Scottish love story
• Marvel at the grandeur of a famous and Royal residence
• Visit less explored corners of this cultural heritage site

Route Points of Interest
Mercat Cross/Parliament Square – 10mins
Start your exploration at the grand centrepiece of Parliament Square and learn about this hidden gem in plain sight.
Discover another hidden gem connected to a certain boy wizard in the area before heading down the Royal Mile towards the site of the old gates to the city and entering the historic Burgh of Canongate!

Royal Mile – 25mins
Pass down the Royal Mile to discover and explore many hidden gems. Along the way, we will sneak off the main street and venture off the beaten track, away from the hustle and bustle to uncover some secrets.

Canongate – 25mins
As we continue down the Royal Mile and cross over into Canongate we uncover more fascinating history. Venture through often missed Closes and round hidden corners along the way, many more mysteries will be revealed.

Palace of Holyrood House – 10mins
We finish at the grand Palace of Holyroodhouse, where after visiting a peculiar little outhouse with a surreal connection to Mary Queen of Scots, we say goodbye at the Palace gates. A perfect addition to your tour if you wish to enter.

Redeem information
Voucher type: Printed
Printed Voucher. Print and bring the voucher to enjoy the activity.

Location
Start point:

The guide will meet you outside.
Please ensure you arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

End point: Palace of Holyroodhouse


Schedule
Duration: 70 Minutes

Requirements
Please make sure you answer all the mandatory questions during the booking process.