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Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile Walking Tour - Ticket Included

Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile Walking Tour - Ticket Included

4.9 (2405) 🕑 2h 15m Free cancellation

Framed by old stone buildings, local small businesses, and cobblestone roads, Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile is one of the city's most atmospheric spots. Rather than wandering around alone, walk the storied street up to Edinburgh Castle while learning about Edinburgh rich history on a walking tour before heading inside the castle with your included ticket.

Languages: English
📍Tours Meeting Point - Blue Umbrella, B, 180 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1QS, UK
🏢Operated by Edinburgh Walking Tours

Highlights

  • Check off the highlights of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile on a walking tour
  • A chance to learn about Scotland’s centuries-old history
  • Pass by historic landmarks including St. Giles’ Cathedral and the Grassmarket
  • Experience the One O’Clock Gun Firing from the castle

What you'll see & do

  • Our tour will start on the Royal Mile. Your tour guide will offer an introduction to the city and the history of the Old Town.
  • As we walk on the Royal Mile we will see some of the city 'closes' and understand what these narrow lanes were used for. We'll also stop at the Mercat Cross, a site once used for public announcements and punishments. Can you spot the unicorn at the top?
  • In front of the Mercat Cross we will see St. Giles Cathedral. We'll talk about the architecture of the most important church in Scotland, and discover the history of the Presbyterian religion. We will also walk to West Parliament Square to talk about the Act of Union.
  • We leave St. Giles behind us and proceed on the Royal Mile. On our way, we will point out the Heart of Midlothian and explain what this mosaic heart is. A few minutes later, we will enter Makars’ Court, just off the Royal Mile. Here, with the Writer’s Museum as a backdrop, we will talk about Scotland’s most important writers, including Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.
  • From the Writer's Museum we will walk down a few steps to get to Victoria Street, one of the most picturesque streets of the Old Town. As we walk down the street, you will see quirky shops and colourful facades.
  • As we reach the bottom of Victoria Street, we will see a large plaza in front of us. This is the Grassmarket, an area famous for its pubs, but with a very dark past!
  • From the Grassmarket we will take some steps to reach the Castle Esplanade. As we walk up the hill we will see the dark spike of the Hub, and explain what this building is. Once on the Castle Esplanade, we will enjoy stunning views of the city and see where the Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place.
  • It is finally time to enter Edinburgh Castle. Once inside, we’ll delve into the history and secrets of this building, and recall the fascinating stories of kings, queens, battles and sieges. After the guided tour you will have the opportunity to explore the indoor areas of the castle at your own pace.

What's included

  • Local Tour Guide
  • Entrance ticket to Edinburgh Castle and guided tour
  • Guided tour of the Old Town and Royal Mile highlights

What's not included

  • Gratuities

Good to know

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Suitcases and large rucksacks are not permitted in Edinburgh castle.

There will be 3 set of steps and 2 steep paths along the route.

The tour will take place on the outdoor areas of the castle. After the guided visit you will have the time to visit the roofed buildings and the museums

The company is not responsible for participants arriving late and missing the beginning of the tour. If the group is no longer at the meeting point when you arrive, please note that the first stop will be the Mercat Cross and the Old Parliament Square.

Cancellation policy

  • A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
  • No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.
Free cancellation 🔒 Secure checkout
from
£ 50.00

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