Tread the route of royals and discover rebellious Jacobites, colourful characters and the glorious Palace of Holyroodhouse. Explore the picturesque Canongate before entering Her Majesty the Queen's official residence in Scotland.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Mobile ticketing: Use your phone or print your voucher
Duration 130 - 135 minutes: Check availability to see starting times.
Instant confirmation
Live tour guide: English

Highlights

Journey through the ancient, picturesque burgh of the Canongate
Meander through beautiful, hidden closes and gardens
Explore Holyrood Palace, Her Majesty The Queen's official residence in Scotland
Hear tales of past royal residents including Mary, Queen of Scots

Full description

Tread the route of royals, past and present – and let your expert guide unlock the history of this ancient seat of power. Discover the hidden history of the Canongate, and the glorious Palace of Holyroodhouse. Discover an approach to the palace that escapes the notice of history books and bus tours. As you walk down the quiet closes of the Canongate your expert guide will show you a different side of the royal city – in rich, engaging detail. Here, rebellious Jacobites clattered over the cobbles, led by a proud Bonnie Prince Charlie. And Deacon Brodie led his dual life as locksmith and thief, immortalised by Robert Louis Stevenson. In the hands of your gifted storyteller, you’ll find that romance and intrigue are everywhere – in the architecture, literature, crime and politics, on the very doorstep of the Queen’s Palace. After the Canongate, your guide will introduce the glorious Palace of Holyroodhouse – which you’ll explore in your own time. You’ll find 14 magnificent state apartments, as well as the romantic ruins of the 12th century Holyrood Abbey. The palace was the setting for many dramatic episodes in the short reign of Mary, Queen of Scots – and Her Majesty The Queen still makes use of the State Apartments for royal ceremonies.

Includes

Live guide
Entrance to Holyrood Palace (if group tour selected)

Not suitable for

People with mobility impairments

Covid-19 precautions

You must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

Traveler requirements

You must bring your own headphones
You are required to bring and wear a mask

Meeting point

The Mercat Cross, High Street, By St Giles High Kirk, opposite the City Chambers

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Important information

What to bring

Comfortable shoes
Rain gear

Not allowed

Video recording

Know before you go

Please dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear
For health and safety reasons, unfortunately children under 5 years of age are not permitted on this tour

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 18 reviews

Review summary

Guide
5/5
Value for money
4.9/5
Service
4.7/5
Organization
4.9/5

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Amazing walking tour with enthusiastic guide

Since we were but with 4 in total, Simon - our tour guide - had oceans of time to stop and explain every bit of mystery and history surrounding the Royal Mile. We wandered around town, strolling into hidden closes and discovering curious nooks, at a relaxed pace. The guide was able to provide us with plenty information and facts about the Mile and the city of Edinburgh itself, that you immediately feel like you'd lived there yourself for some time. Pity that he had to leave us at the Palace (since no guides are allowed inside), but even there he set us on our way with the audio-guides. In all a great experience, and would definitely recommend this organisation (and this tour)!

July 22, 2019

Great guide

We ended up doing a different tour because they told us on arrival that the one we booked wasn’t going ahead but they could put us on another tour, which we accepted. It actually worked better for us and we really enjoyed the tour. The guide was great, very passionate about the history of the place and very funny. The tour was very informative and interesting, definitely worth doing!

June 11, 2018

Informative and Concise

I had the pleasure to tour the Royal Mile with Naomi. She kept us entertained throughout the walking tour as we cross the traffic light from one to another. She knew how ensure we get the right dose of information while enjoying the walk and taking endless shots of amazing buildings! As we reached the end of the walking tour , we were taken to the entrance of HolyroodHouse Palace where she gave us our handsets and showed us few interesting exterior features of the palace! She left us in the Outside Yard so that we can enjoy a tour of the house in our own pace! Highly recommended !!!

April 21, 2018

Edinburgh: Palace of Holyroodhouse and Old Town Walking Tour

Edinburgh: Palace of Holyroodhouse and Old Town Walking Tour

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Amazing walking tour with enthusiastic guide

Great guide

Informative and Concise

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