Edinburgh Guided Historical Walking Tour

This guided walk with our unique guides, Stuart Usher or his son, Richard Usher, will entertain and enthral you. Also we are delighted to introduce two new guides; Dr Alison Duncan and David Forsyth, who are both professional historians and Edinburgh experts.
We limit the tour to 12 guests so everyone is involved (unlike those many tours of 30, 40 or even more!)

Stuart's family has historic connections with Edinburgh (Stuart's great-great Uncle, Andrew Usher, donated the magnificent Usher Hall to the city . Andrew was also known as the 'father of the scotch whisky blending industry'). 

Their deep knowledge of the cultural, historical and architectural aspects of the city means they have a unique perspective on our wonderful capital.

Your guides will show you the cultural treasures of Edinburgh, the secrets of its past and its famous characters, and are rightly renowned for their entertaining and witty commentary.

Meeting Point

The Usher Hall

Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2EA, UK

Your guide will be waiting for you outside the central entrance of the Usher Hall (there are 3 entrances and he will be outside the middle one).

What's included:

• Small group (maximum 12 participants)
• Professional guide

What to expect:

Duration: 3 hours

Usher Hall

Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2EA

View this Baroque "Beaux Arts" masterpiece in the Heart of Edinburgh, the Usher Hall. Donated to the people and the City of Edinburgh by Stuart Usher's great great uncle, Andrew Usher.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Edinburgh Castle

Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG

Behold and view (from the outside) the towering, majestic pile of Edinburgh Castle from various vantage points. Learn all about its history (good, bad and downright ugly), the Scottish Wars of Independence, the Stuart dynasty, the Union of the Crowns and much more!

35 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Grassmarket

21 Grassmarket, Old Town, Edinburgh, EH1 2HS

Enter and visit this centuries-old area that served as the Medieval Marketplace of the City. Also see George Heriot School (the inspiration behind Hogwarts!).

15 minutes

Milne’s Court

Mylnes Court 517 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2PF

Come and visit this fascinating court where you can see and hear how people lived in the 17th and 18th centuries.

10 minutes

Jolly Judge

7 James Court 493 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2PB

See classic examples of Edinburgh's Old Town tenement buildings in James Court. Also see the quirky and charismatic Jolly Judge pub.

10 minutes

Writers' Museum

Lady Stairs House Lady Stair's Close Lawnmarket, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2PA

This museum showcases the best of Scotland's literary heroes, past and present. Guests can visit inside should they wish.

20 minutes

Riddle's Court

Riddles Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Patrick Geddes Centre, Edinburgh, EH1 2PG

See the exterior of the home of the philosopher David Hume, the 'Father of the Scottish Enlightenment' as well as other Scottish notables.

10 minutes

Deacon Brodie's Tavern

435 Lawnmarket, , Edinburgh, EH1 2NT

Learn about the life of the blackguard, Deacon Brodie, the real-life character behind 'Jekyll and Hyde'.

20 minutes

St Giles' Cathedral

High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1RE

View this magnificent cathedral from the outside and learn about its pivotal history during the middle ages and reformation periods.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Edinburgh City Chambers

45-329 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1PN

See the highlights of this busy heart of the Royal Mile which includes the City Chambers, Mercat Cross and other sites of interest.

10 minutes

Edinburgh Waverley Station

Edinburgh, EH1 3EG

Cross one of the first bridges to connect the Old & New Towns of Edinburgh, leading to Princes Street Gardens.

10 minutes

Scott Monument

E. Princes St Gardens, Edinburgh, EH2 2EJ

See this towering landmark which delineates the separation of the Old and New Towns (both of which are Unesco world heritage sites).

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included