Walking Tours

Secrets of the Royal Mile Tour and Entrance to Edinburgh Castle

Name: Secrets of the Royal Mile Tour and Entrance to Edinburgh Castle
Start: 2026-08-26T12:00:00
End: 2026-08-26T14:15:00
Location: Mercat Cross

Join a small-group, English-guided walking tour through Edinburgh’s Old Town and uncover hidden stories from its centuries-old past.

Stroll along the Royal Mile with a Mercat storyteller, hearing vivid tales of royalty, rebels, poets, and the everyday people who once lived here.

Explore historic closes, wynds, and courtyards that offer a glimpse into life within Edinburgh’s walled Old Town.

Continue your experience with entry to Edinburgh Castle, including a 45-minute guided introduction at the gates before exploring independently.

90-mins walking tour of Royal Mile and Old Town

Entry to Edinburgh Castle

45-min introduction to Edinburgh Castle

Live English-speaking guide

Exclusive multi-sensory experience delivered through TourTalk audio devices

Transportation between attractions

Food and drinks

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

11 reviews
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These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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What our guests say
Foteini K
Couple
Verified booking
Jan 2026
Mally, our guide knows what he's doing. Excellent guide with a sense of humour, full of historical knowledge and a bag full of secrets just for his listeners. I'm so glad I booked it. I recommend it 👌 👍 😄
Catherine C
Couple
Verified booking
Jan 2026
As we were a small group Craig took us to some of the less visited secrets of the Royal Mile. A very interesting tour with a guide that was very knowledgeable about Scottish history in general. Highly recommended.
Debbie O
Couple
Verified booking
Jan 2026
Linda was so knowledgeable and entertaining. She showed us so many extra parts and made it fun. Don't think she could have done anymore. Would highly recommend this tour. Ask for Linda too
Tiffany G
Couple
Verified booking
Sep 2025
Our tour guide, Linda was amazing! She involved the group in ways that made even this very antisocial person comfortable and included without feeling overwhelmed. Linda's knowledge and presentation of the history we walked in were outstanding and kept us all waiting for the next story! If we ever make it back, we will be using Mercat Tours again!
Shari C
Couple
Verified booking
Sep 2025
Linda, our guide, was exceptional. Not only was she knowledgeable she had wit & humor..

Go beyond the guidebooks on a walking tour through Edinburgh’s Old Town and Royal Mile, where centuries of history come to life through the stories of royalty, rebellion, culture, and everyday life.

Getting started

Meet your guide near the Royal Mile. After a ticket check and audio device distribution, set off on foot through Edinburgh’s historic streets, hidden closes, and atmospheric courtyards.

What to expect

Walk through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town with an expert storyteller and uncover the people, places, and events that shaped Scotland’s capital. As you follow the Royal Mile and venture into hidden wynds, closes, and courtyards, you'll hear stories spanning generations, from famous historical figures to ordinary residents whose lives unfolded within the city walls.

Features

Royal Mile and Old Town tour: Wander through Edinburgh’s historic streets, hidden closes, courtyards, and lanes, many of which have remained remarkably unchanged for centuries.

Stories of famous and forgotten figures: Hear tales of Mary Queen of Scots, Robert Burns, and the generations of Edinburgh residents who called the Old Town home.

History brought to life: Learn about moments of royalty, rebellion, crime, and culture through engaging storytelling and surviving historical landmarks.

Optional Edinburgh Castle upgrade: Select the extended tour to enjoy skip-the-line entry and a guided introduction to Edinburgh Castle.

Audio devices included: Follow every story clearly as your guide leads you through both lively streets and quieter corners of the city.

More than a sightseeing walk, this tour offers a deeper connection to Edinburgh’s past through the places, people, and stories that continue to shape the city today. Before you leave, revisit the experience with a specially curated tour playlist inspired by the stories and locations featured along the route.

What’s not allowed

For security reasons, large bags, rucksacks, and suitcases (over 30L) are not permitted inside the castle.

Pets are not allowed on this experience.

Accessibility

For safety reasons, this experience is not suitable for children under 5 years of age.

Wheelchair users and guests with prams/strollers can access this experience.

This experience is not recommended for individuals with heart conditions.

Carers accompanying a paying guest are eligible for complimentary entry.

Additional information

This tour includes only the upper portion of the Royal Mile.

If you are unable to arrive within the required reconfirmation window, please contact the local service provider before travel or upon reaching your destination.

Please note that departure times and meeting points are subject to minor changes.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.