The Old Town Trail
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Want a guide all to yourself at a time that suits you?
Book a Private Tour
Prefer to book for free onto our public tour and PWYC at the end?
Book a Public Tour
“Gie me ae spark o' nature's fire That's a' the learning I desire…”
Every stone of Edinburgh has a tale to tell, so follow the Old Town Trail through the winding cobbled streets of this magical city into the heart of its history.
A history as dark as its closes, and as lofty as its spires, where ordinary folk lived through extraordinary times. We’ll peek into the past and hear the fascinating, curious, funny, startling and inspiring stories of a city of contrasts. Kings and queens, reformers and thieves, scientists and philosophers, witches and preachers, poets and murderers all jostling side by side. All waiting to be heard.
This tour is the perfect introduction to Edinburgh, as it’s a compilation of some of the greatest hits of the Old Town! But there are also plenty of insider insights and fun asides for those looking to discover more.
Locations and topics include:
● The Royal Mile
● St Giles Cathedral
● Scottish Enlightenment
● Witch Trials
● Makar’s Court
● Deacon Brodie
● The Grassmarket
● Burke and Hare
● Greyfriars Bobby
…And much more!
Ages
This tour is intended for age 14+
Dates
Private tours available 7 days per week
Duration
Tour lasts 90 minutes
Meeting Point: High Street, aka the Royal Mile, at the opening of Jackson’s Close
Tour Ends: Greyfriars Kirkyard
Accessibility Info
The tour covers roughly 2km over 90 mins. There is some rough ground within Greyfriars Kirkyard, and some light inclines, but there are no steps.
If your guide can help you access the tour in any other way to work better with e.g. hearing aids or anything else, please just drop us an email and we’ll do whatever we can to suit your individual needs.
Meet Your Guides
Caroline
Caroline loves storytelling and connection, so being a tour guide is a dream job. She’s also an actor, comedy improviser, and proud Edinburgh local. She loves exploring every nook and cranny of her beautiful home city, and sharing its stories and secrets,
Some of her favourite things in life are cats, books, cakes, films, friends, Mexican food, and all things witchy, spooky and historical.
Sam
Sam knows all the good pubs