Edinburgh: Dean Village Circus Lane Walking Tour with a Local
Overview
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Escape the overcrowded Royal Mile and enjoy an intimate, personal tour of Edinburgh's hidden gems with a friendly local guide!
On this relaxed walking tour you'll encounter the best of Edinburgh - an historic neighbourhood (Dean Village) with architecture dating back to the 1600's, historic monuments, quirky local cafes, quaint hidden alleyways and streets and you'll walk along the city's only river. There might even be a waterfall and if you are really lucky, you might even see local otters, right in the middle of the city!
Book this tour if you want to get away from the tourist crowds and experience something a bit more "local". Perfect for anyone who's seen the Old Town.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Strollers can be used, but parents need to be in good shape, and ready for cobblestones
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Tour Guide Services
What To Expect
Dean Village
A stunningly pretty former mill village located in Dean Vally by the fast flowing Water of Leith. See 17th century buildings as well as potentially wildlife including herons and otters. A taste of the Highlands only ten minutes walk from Princes Street!
New Town
Explore the not so New Town of Edinburgh- it was originally built in the 1770s! The neighbourhood’s design revolutionised the way cities were laid. See the former home of one of Scotland’s greatest writers and marvel at the grand Georgian townhouses.
Options
Edinburgh: Dean Village Circus Lane Walking Tour with a Local
Reviews
81 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Very informative tour with Madge
colleen s,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the Deans Village tour with Madge. It’s a different part of Edinburgh that tourists usually don’t visit, or if they do, they know nothing about it’s history and how it came about. Madge explained everything in detail. It was all very interesting. We were the only 2 on the tour and Madge offered to stick with us and show us other areas. Highly recommend.
Great visit to dean village
celinemancini,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great complete tour with a very nice and friendly guide in English. Yacht ride, to circus lane via stockbridge
Dean Village Tour
Karen T,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Zander was very informative and we learned some interesting history. We highly recommend the tour and Zander.
11/10 tour, props to Kieran!
ATHINA S,
Sep 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Kieran was our guide and we had an amazing time. He knows so many small details and explained everything thoroughly. He also speaks in a very clear way, which makes it easy to understand him even if English isn’t your first language. Overall, he’s a great guy: likable, friendly, and he makes you feel comfortable right away. Asking questions doesn't feel awkward, even if you’re shy or introverted like I am. Honestly, this was probably the best tour I’ve ever had. We saw beautiful places, including some lesser known spots, learned so much history and tiny details that are often overlooked, and even got to meet a wonderful local. I’d 100% recommend the tour and especially Kieran!
Delightful tour
Robin M,
Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a delightful two hour tour to see parts of Edinburgh that you might otherwise miss. Adrian, the tour guide was excellent. He made sure we were all well taken care of. He offered to take photos for us. He had very interesting stories to tell. Highly recommend the tour.
Hidden gem
Paradise762828,
Sep 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic tour, Zander was very knowledgeable with some great facts and stories. It is a really pretty part of town, and it is hard to believe you are in a capital city it is so tranquil and beautiful. I can strongly recommend this tour, it was great
A lovely walk away from the crowds.
MA O,
Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Shanna was a delightful and knowledgeable guide. She gave us plenty of time to take photos in one of the most picturesque parts of the city! And made it fun, interesting and delightful despite the rain.
Amazing tour of Edinburgh, Scotland!!!
John P,
Sep 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Shanna was amazing and really was extremely knowledgeable on the history of Edinburgh in all its architectural grandeur and nobility! She was also extremely friendly and had a wonderful sense of humor to go along with the beautiful trip! I highly recommend! Thank you!
A quiet history-filled walk in a loud city
Ellen O,
Aug 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Gorgeous stroll through a quiet old neighborhood with our guide, David, who was a castlologist, and excellent historian. Going from the Georgian/Victorian and Gothic squares down into the village was a nice break. If you want scenic photos, a quieter walk, and a handful of interesting histories, strongly recommend this one!
Excellent tour.of Dean Village walking tour
alE6199BY,
Aug 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had Kieran as my guide for the Dean Village walking tour. He was excellent, personable, clear and informative. Excellent delivery. I totally enjoyed my tour and learned much about the history of sites visited.
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