Walking Tours

Secrets of the Royal Mile Tour and Entrance to Edinburgh Castle

Duration

2 hrs 15 mins

Open today

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

5.0/5(11)

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 👌 👍 😄

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!
Andrea R
Family
Verified booking
Sep 2025
Terrific tour guide. Really enjoyed all the history that was shared. Would highly recommend the tour to friends and family.!

Unearth the darker side of Edinburgh’s past on a chilling underground tour led by expert storytellers through the city’s most haunted vaults.

Getting started

Meet your guide near the Royal Mile. After a quick ticket check and audio device handout, set off on foot through Edinburgh’s winding closes and cobbled lanes.

What to expect

Royal Mile tour

Trace centuries of real stories along the cobbled Royal Mile—from monarchs and poets to revolutionaries and residents who never left the city walls. Along the way, your storyteller brings Edinburgh’s past to life in the very places where it all unfolded.

Features:

Old Town walking tour: Explore historic closes, wynds, and hidden courtyards with a master storyteller leading the way.

Royal Mile insights: Hear about figures like Mary Queen of Scots and Robert Burns, alongside the everyday people who shaped life in the city.

Audio devices included: Catch every detail and whispered story, even in the darkest corners of the vaults.

Edinburgh Castle visit: Enjoy a 45-minute guided introduction before exploring the castle at your own pace.

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.