Welcome to Edinburgh History Guides, the home of real history! This 5-star rated walking tour of Edinburgh's Old Town and Royal Mile is fun and rewarding.

On this tour, you will hear stories of Scotland's amazing history during the 16th - 18th centuries: the Reformation and Mary Queen of Scots, infamous witch trials, the Union of Scottish and English royalty, civil wars, our failed colony in the Americas, Jacobites, the making of democracy, and the formation of the United Kingdom. You will also learn about Scotland's recent past and possible future, including about Scottish Independence and the impact of Brexit.

Guided Walk Route
Approx. time and distance: 2 hours, 1 mile / 1.6km

We meet in West Parliament Square, next to St. Giles Cathedral. You'll walk around the cathedral, to Parliament Hall, the statue of Charles II, the Market Cross, the statue of Adam Smith and the High Street (The Royal Mile).

The tour continues down the Royal Mile, sometimes walking down old historic alleys, and can include The Scotsman Newspaper Buildings, Queen Elizabeth House, the World's End, and views to St. Andrew's House. The exact route depends on our Edinburgh weather, client mobility requirements, and pavement congestion.

The guided walk continues down historic Canongate (The Royal Mile), with stops at Moray House and Canongate Kirk, leading to the Scottish Parliament, magnificent views of Holyrood Park, and finishes at the gates of Holyrood Palace.

"Though tyrants threat, though Lyons rage and rore, defy them all, and feare not to win out." Elizabeth Melville, Lady Culross (c1578-1640)

"Why should I be so sad on my wedding day?" The legend of the bells of St. Giles Cathedral, 1707

"I rattled down the High Street in high elevation of spirits."
James Boswell (1740 - 1795)

Edinburgh's Old Town and Royal Mile: A Walk Through History (2 hours, £15), (Private tour 1-10 people, 2 hours, £60)

Your guide will tell stories of Scotland's dramatic history

What led to Scotland's protestant reformation, and who was John Knox? He's buried under a car park, you'll see where.

What happened to Mary Queen of Scots, and why?

What motivated King James to personally supervise witch trials?

The signing of The National Covenant was a direct challenge to the King and eventually led to his execution. What was The National Covenant?

The Dutch invaded England and deposed the King. Really? Yes, it's true!

What about the origins of British democracy, and European wars? And Scotland's disastrous colony in the Americas, the ruin of our nation?

Scotland joined England in a United Kingdom? Is it love?

And who were the Jacobites? You'll learn the truth!

And you can hear about recent events in Scotland

When and why was the Scottish Parliament reopened after almost 300 years?

What happened in the Scottish Independence Referendum in 2014?

Did Scotland vote in favour of Brexit in 2016?

And what about Scotland's future? Join us to explore and discover!

Edinburgh History Tour Gallery

Some of the historic locations we visit on our guided walks of Edinburgh