Treasures of the Old Town
In this 1 hour and 45 minutes walking tour you will depart from Mercat Cross to explore the hidden treasures of the Royal Mile and let your expert guide unlock the history of this ancient seat of power. Discover the lesser known history of the Canongate, and the glorious Palace of Holyrood, where the tour ends.
- Journey through the ancient, picturesque burgh of the Canongate.
- Meander through beautiful, hidden closes and gardens.
- Hear tales of past residents including Mary, Queen of Scots.
AVAILABILITY
Daily
DURATION
1 hour 45 minutes
START LOCATION
Mercat Cross, High Street
END LOCATION
Holyrood Palace, Canongate
TOUR LANGUAGE
English
Related places and things to do
Walking Tours
Edinburgh, Scotland
City Tours
Edinburgh, Scotland
Walking Tours
Scotland
City Tours
Scotland
Detailed Description
You will depart from the Mercat Cross, High Street and your guide will uncover a path to the palace that escapes the notice of history books and bus tours. As you walk down the quiet closes of the Royal Mile your expert tour guide will show you a different side of the city in rich, engaging detail.
In this walking tour you will find that romance and intrigue are everywhere, in the architecture, literature, crime and politics and on the very doorstep of the Queen’s Palace.
After the Canongate, your tour will end in 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.
Tour Tickets (may vary by date)
| Ticket | Price (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Adults (P/P) | 25.00 (GBP) |
| Seniors (65+) | 22.00 (GBP) |
| Student (w/ID) | 22.00 (GBP) |
| Children (5 to 15 years old) | 15.00 (GBP) |
Tour Documents
| Tour Map | Download |
Tour Itinerary
10:00 AM
Daily Departure
Included
- Guided tour.
Not Included
- Hotel pick up and drop off.
Recommended
- Please Note: The Palace of Holyroodhouse is closed on the following dates: 15 to 26 May 2018, 26 June to 7 July 2018, 1 June 2018.
- You need to be over 5yrs to join our tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Do I have to do a lot of walking on the tour?
No, the distances are not great. However, we would recommend you wear sensible shoes because the ground underfoot can be uneven and occasionally steep medieval Edinburgh wasn't built for comfort.
-
Will my tour run even if it is wet?
Hail, rain, wind or snow: your guide will always be there, at the Mercat Cross, to greet you. Your guide is very skilled at finding shelter from the elements but do dress for the cold (hat/gloves) especially in the evenings and in the winter months.
-
Do I have to book to go on the tour?
No, but we strongly recommend you do as the tours can sell out very quickly, especially at weekends, in high summer, and at New Year. Halloween is so busy you are unlikely to find a place on a tour unless you have booked in advance.
