Edinburgh: History Lovers Old Town Walking Tour

Edinburgh’s Old Town is a captivating tapestry of history, and the History Lovers Walking Tour offers a chance to unravel its captivating past. Over the course of two hours, knowledgeable guides lead participants through the city’s iconic landmarks, from the tranquil Princess Street Gardens to the bustling Royal Mile. Along the way, they unveil the stories behind famous monuments, hidden alleyways, and significant events that have shaped Scotland’s vibrant capital. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about the city’s rich heritage, this tour promises to leave you with a newfound appreciation for Edinburgh’s enduring charm.

Key Points

• Immersive 2-hour walking tour through Edinburgh’s Old Town, exploring rich Scottish history, including the Royal Mile and Greyfriars Kirkyard.
• Guided by knowledgeable experts who share engaging stories and insights into historical monuments, gardens, and hidden alleyways.
• Opportunity to admire stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, Ross Fountain, and Parliament Square while learning about their significance.
• Suitable for history enthusiasts, with inclusions such as admission fees and consideration for family-friendly experiences.
• Tour consistently rated 5/5 by participants, praised for its storytelling, guide competence, and ability to spark further interest in Scottish history.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

As part of the "Edinburgh: History Lovers Old Town Walking Tour", visitors can expect an immersive 2-hour experience exploring the rich history of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Priced from Kč532 per person, the tour is conducted in English and departs from the Statue of Sir James Young Simpson at the west end of Princes Street.

Flexible booking allows visitors to reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Throughout the tour, you will discover Edinburgh Castle’s views, the dark past of Princess Street Gardens, and the hidden alleyways of the Royal Mile, as well as stories of Scotland’s kings, queens, and the national animal, the unicorn.

Experience Highlights

The Edinburgh: History Lovers Old Town Walking Tour offers an immersive experience, allowing participants to enjoy Scottish history while strolling through the charming Old Town.

Visitors will admire the beautiful Princess Street Gardens and learn about their dark past. From the Ross Fountain, they’ll enjoy stunning views of the iconic Edinburgh Castle.

The tour explores hidden alleyways of the Royal Mile and discovers the history in Parliament Square, including tales of Scotland’s monarchs and the national animal, the unicorn.

Whether it’s monuments dedicated to historical wars or the Greyfriars Kirkyard, the tour provides a comprehensive look into Edinburgh’s rich heritage.

Tour Itinerary

The tour begins at the statue of Sir James Young Simpson, located at the west end of Princes Street.

Visitors then stroll through Princess Street Gardens, learning about its dark past.

Next, they stop at the Ross Fountain to admire the views of Edinburgh Castle.

The tour continues along the Royal Mile, exploring its hidden alleyways.

Participants then visit monuments dedicated to historical wars before walking through Victoria Street and Grassmarket, the site of public executions.

The tour concludes at Parliament Square and High Street, where guests can further enjoy Scotland’s rich history.

Inclusions and Restrictions

The tour includes guided walking and entry fees to attractions. Participants will be led through the historic Old Town by a knowledgeable guide, who’ll share stories and insights along the way.

Admission is provided to any relevant sites or landmarks visited during the tour. However, the tour isn’t suitable for babies under 1 year old. Parents or guardians with young children should consider whether the 2-hour walking tour is appropriate for their family.

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Customer Feedback

Customers have raved about the Edinburgh: History Lovers Old Town Walking Tour, giving it an impressive 5/5 rating based on 9 reviews. Reviewers praised the guide’s anecdotal storytelling, which made the tour engaging. They also highlighted the guide’s humor and competence, which enhanced the overall experience. The tour sparked interest in many participants, inspiring them to further explore Scotland’s rich history.

Review Highlights	Rating
Engaging Storytelling	5/5
Knowledgeable Guide	5/5
Increased Historical Interest	5/5

Exploring Princess Street Gardens

Your tour begins by exploring the lush greenery of Princess Street Gardens.

As you stroll through the scenic gardens, your guide shares the dark secrets of this historic site. You’ll learn how these gardens were once a loch filled with sewage and waste, a grim reminder of Edinburgh’s past.

Today, the gardens offer a peaceful respite from the bustling city, with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle looming overhead.

Your guide will point out notable monuments and landmarks, weaving captivating tales that bring the history of this place to life.

This tranquil oasis sets the stage for the rest of your immersive journey through Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Discovering the Royal Mile

From the tranquil Princess Street Gardens, the tour now leads visitors along the famed Royal Mile.

This historic thoroughfare connects Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, passing by a labyrinth of hidden alleyways and monuments.

The guide regales the group with tales of Scotland’s monarchs, sharing stories of kings, queens, and the national animal, the unicorn.

Visitors explore these narrow, winding streets, discovering the rich history that lies within.

The tour pauses at notable landmarks, providing insights into the city’s past and sparking further interest in the enduring legacy of the Royal Mile.

Visiting Historical Landmarks

The walking tour now leads visitors through Parliament Square, the site of pivotal moments in Scottish history. Strolling through this landmark, guests discover the stories of Scotland’s past, from the crowning of its kings and queens to the national symbol of the unicorn. The guide captivates the group with tales of political upheaval and ceremonial traditions.

Historical Landmarks	Significance
Scottish Parliament	Seat of the Scottish Government
St Giles’ Cathedral	Landmark church dating back to the 12th century
Mercat Cross	Site of public proclamations and events
John Knox House	Home of the influential Scottish reformer
Canongate Kirkyard	Burial ground for notable Scots

Continuing along the Royal Mile, the tour explores hidden alleyways and uncovers the grim history of public executions at the Grassmarket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Those With Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be suitable for those with mobility issues, as it involves 2 hours of walking through Old Town’s uneven streets and hills. However, the tour operator does offer flexible booking options to accommodate individual needs.

What Is the Minimum Group Size for the Tour?

There’s no stated minimum group size for this walking tour. It’s likely the tour runs with just a single participant, allowing for a personalized experience. However, exact group size details aren’t provided in the tour overview.

Can I Join the Tour if I’m Running Late?

Yes, you can join the tour even if you’re running late. The tour has a flexible booking policy, allowing you to reserve now and pay later. There’s also free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour provider doesn’t offer any discounts for students or seniors. However, they do allow participants to reserve and pay later, and provide free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Focus on Specific Historical Interests?

The tour can likely be customized to focus on specific historical interests if requested. Customers should inquire with the tour operator about the possibility of tailoring the itinerary to accommodate their interests.

Recap

The Edinburgh: History Lovers Old Town Walking Tour offers a fascinating journey into Scotland’s past. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour immerses participants in the captivating history of Edinburgh’s iconic landmarks, from the Princess Street Gardens to the historic Royal Mile. With insights into notable monuments and hidden alleyways, the tour provides a memorable experience for history enthusiasts seeking to uncover the rich heritage of Scotland’s capital.

You can check if your dates are available here: