Edinburgh Royal Residences History Walk

Join a guide on a journey the full length of Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile, ending right outside the formal Royal Edinburgh home, the mighty castle. Hear tales of Holyrood Palace before walking the entirety of Canongate, passing several sights en route, all the way to the dividing wall between the two former burghs of Canongate and Edinburgh.
Make your way through old Edinburgh, discussing the incredible characters from this historic medieval town. Finish on the esplanade of the mighty Edinburgh Castle, the origin of Edinburgh that is the longest continuously occupied site on mainland Scotland.

Your guide will be a professional public speaker, with a background in stand-up comedy, so as well as learning you will be laughing too.

Meeting Point

Abbey Strand

Abbey Strand, Edinburgh EH8 8DU, UK

You will meet your local Edinburgh born guide with 6 foot 1 and has a ginger beard.

What's included:

• Funny and historic anecdotes
• Recommendations for your stay
• Genuine Scottish (Edinburgh born) guide
• English language only
• In Person Guide from a Professional Public Speaker

Not included:

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Food and drinks
• Transportation to/from the starting point

What to expect:

Duration: between 2 hours and 2 hours, 15 minutes

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DX

Edinburgh's current royal home, tales of Mary Queen of Scots, the former Abbey here and area of sanctuary.

12 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

The Scottish Parliament

Edinburgh, EH99 1SP

The current Scottish Parliament. Here we will discuss governance, the Union with England. Arthurs Seat in the background.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Canongate Kirk

153 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8BN

Take in the sights of the former Tolbooth, the beautiful Canongate church and graveyard, and a filming location for a Scottish television show.

13 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

The Netherbow

43-45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR

The site of the former entrance to Edinburgh. The dividing line between the two historic burghs.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

John Knox House Museum

43-45 High Street, , Edinburgh, EH1 1SR

One of the oldest buildings in Old Edinburgh. Hear about the great/infamous Protestant reformer. Also see an old well that used to satisfy the thirst of medieval Edinburghers.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

North Bridge

Edinburgh

The site of two "invisible" bridges, a piece of genius in dealing with a growing population and the large chasm in Edinburgh.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Parliament House

Parliament House 11 Parliament Square, Parliament Square, Edinburgh, EH1 1RQ

Site of Scotland's former government building, now our Supreme Court. Hear about Scots Law and the fight to retain some independence after the Union.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

St Giles' Cathedral

High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1RE

The home of world Presbyterianism. A magnificent 900 year old history contained within its walls. Hear tales of change, important milestones and a shopkeeper who changed the history of Britain.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Estatua David Hume

Calle Royal Mile, Edinburgh

Tales of the Royal Mile, Scottish Enlightenment, and an Edinburgh man who lived a secret double life.

9 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Assembly Hall

Mound Place, Edinburgh, EH1 2LU

Comparison of the Old Town and New Town. Show you the layout of old Edinburgh and talk of the squalid conditions people lived in, in one of the busiest cities in Europe.

13 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Edinburgh Castle

Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG

Final stop at the esplanade, see our magnificent castle that sits proudly on top of castle rock. We have been occupying it for 3000 years and it is Edinburgh's origin story.

12 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included