Highlights from the Royal Mile: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

4.7
(3 reviews)

1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

Tune into ancient and modern Scottish tales on one of Europe’s oldest streets with this affordable walking tour and the industry-leading VoiceMap mobile app.

• See historical sights along all four sections of the Royal Mile and find out about the city’s stench in the 1500s, and how far it traveled
• Hear from producer Martin Donnelly, a Senior Teaching Fellow and Edinburgh local
• Do it all in an hour or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
️• Use the virtual tour option at home

Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.

The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

What's Included

Lifetime access to this tour in English
VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Smartphone and headphones
Transportation
Food and drink

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

The tour ends in front of Holyroodhouse.

Itinerary

Duration: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes (approximately)
  • Royal Mile (Pass by)

    The Royal Mile is one of Europe’s most ancient and famous streets. Along this 1 ¼ mile stretch – a Scot’s mile – crimes have been committed, royals have travelled, and famous folk like Rabbie Burns, Adam Smith and David Hume have met. On this walking tour, I’ll bring some of their stories to life.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Starting at the top of Castlehill next to the Witches Well, you’ll hear about Edinburgh Castle’s early days, when a series of infamous witch burnings took place here.

    Admission ticket free
  • Edinburgh Castle (Pass by)

    You’ll hear about Edinburgh Castle’s early days, when a series of infamous witch burnings took place here.

    Admission ticket free
  • Castlehill (Pass by)

    Amble down all four sections of the Royal Mile: Castlehill, Lawnmarket, the High Street, and the old burgh of Canongate

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Amble down all four sections of the Royal Mile: Castlehill, Lawnmarket, the High Street, and the old burgh of Canongate

    Admission ticket free
  • Deacon Brodie's Tavern (Pass by)

    I’ll show you the former residence of the gentleman robber, Deacon Brodie, the inspiration behind Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    This self-guided audio tour takes you past the Old Tolbooth Wynd. You'll hear its history while you walk.

    Admission ticket free
  • Heart of Midlothian (Pass by)

    Stroll around St Giles Cathedral, home to the Old Tolbooth, the Heart of Midlothian mosaic, and a statue of Charles II

    Admission ticket free
  • St Giles' Cathedral (Pass by)

    Stroll around St Giles Cathedral, home to the Old Tolbooth, the Heart of Midlothian mosaic, and a statue of Charles II

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Stroll around St Giles Cathedral, home to the Old Tolbooth, the Heart of Midlothian mosaic, and a statue of Charles II

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Hear about the priest that was pelted to death by an angry mob, and some of the other terrible deeds that took place in the shadows of the Mercat Cross

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    This self-guided audio tour takes you past the Tron Kirk. You'll hear its history while you walk.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Amble down all four sections of the Royal Mile: Castlehill, Lawnmarket, the High Street, and the old burgh of Canongate

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    I’ll also share a few tales about the barbaric punishments meted out to criminals in the 1600s, and the heartwarming story of a young lad pulled from the rubble of the Paisley Close disaster.

    Admission ticket free
  • John Knox House Museum (Pass by)

    You’ll hear about religious figures like John Knox, ​​a leading figure in the Scottish Protestant Reformation, and royal tragedies like the execution of Mary Queen of Scots.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    See Netherbow Port, once the main gate between Edinburgh and Canongate

    Admission ticket free
  • Canongate Kirk (Pass by)

    This self-guided audio tour takes you past the Canongate Kirk. You'll hear its history while you walk.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Amble down all four sections of the Royal Mile: Castlehill, Lawnmarket, the High Street, and the old burgh of Canongate

    Admission ticket free
  • Palace of Holyroodhouse (Pass by)

    The tour ends at the end of Canongate in front of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

    Admission ticket free
  • Old Town (Pass by)

    Enjoy this entertaining and informative 45-minute stroll into the heart – and history – of the Old Town.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please note: You won't be guided through any museums or other attractions mentioned en route. If you choose to enter and visit such places, you'll need to pay for it independently of this tour.
Supplied by VoiceMap Audio Tours

Tags

Private Sightseeing Tours
Audio Guides
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Virtual Experiences
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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Rating

4.7 Based on 3 3 reviews
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