Curious Tales of the Royal Mile - Private Walking Tour

5.0
(3 reviews)

4 to 5 hours (approximately)
Offered in: German and 4 more

Why was a pet blackbird arrested in 1736?
What did a washerwoman insist on before she would pull philosopher David Hume out of a swamp?
Why was Robert the Bruce Edinburgh Castle’s most deadly enemy?

You really couldn’t make up the history of Old Edinburgh!

Seldom in the world can there have been so many odd events and strange goings-on in one town’s story as in Edinburgh, and telling these curious tales is what this tour is all about! Local doctor Moray Grigor is an Edinburgh native and lover of the city, and has been collecting some of the best of its stories to bring to you.

Starting just below the Castle, we’ll be touring down the world-famous Royal Mile, ducking into alleys and back courts as we go, and we’ll be hearing the most outlandish, amusing and fascinating anecdotes of the Old Town, many collected by Edinburgh publisher and author Robert Chambers right back in 1824.

In Edinburgh, truth really is stranger than fiction – as Dr Grigor will be delighted to show you!

What's Included

All guiding and commentary on this 4-5 hour outdoor tour
We have an optional refreshment stop, but food and drinks are not inclusive.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

We meet near the top of Castlehill (top of Royal Mile) near the head of Castle Wynd North stairs.

End point

Just outside Canongate Kirk in Canongate (lower Royal Mile)

Itinerary

Duration: 4 to 5 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Castello Di Edimburgo

    Tales of Bonnie' Dundee's escape from Edinburgh, Allan Ramsay's court appeal, enormous gang fights and water woes!

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Tales of rebellious pets, couples at political loggerheads, two-faced businessmen, philosopher-chefs and fake news!

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Advocate's Close

    Tales of lame, gangfighting would-be authors, astounded judges, and very mischievous little girls!

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4
    St Giles' Cathedral

    Tales of kings in debt, romantic silver spoons, church prayer-stools being thrown, and an unusual resting place for our most famous preacher.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Royal Mile

    Tales of theatre riots, dull dances, raving beauties, novel financial products, and full-scale rebellion!

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Canongate Kirk

    Tales of vicious poets, tragic Royal favourites, and eccentric economists!

    25 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Supplied by 7 Hills Tours Edinburgh

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Tags

Half-day Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Ports of Call Tours
Shore Excursions
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 3 3 reviews
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