Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
This private guided walk with our unique guides (Stuart Usher or his son Richard, Professional Historians such as Dr Alison Duncan or David Forsyth, other prominent guides such as Prof. John Frank), will both entertain and enthral your group. Your party (up to 12 people) will be the only visitors on the walk. Stuart Usher's family have historic connections with Edinburgh (his great-great Uncle, Andrew Usher, donated the magnificent Usher Hall to the city, where the tour normally starts) and his deep knowledge of the city's cultural, historical and architectural aspects means he has a unique perspective.
You can book a morning tour (9.30am to 1.00pm), an afternoon tour (2.00pm to 5.30pm) or our full-day tour (9.30am to 4.30pm)
You can have flexibility on itinerary should you choose, e.g. if you have special interests in certain aspects of Edinburgh, and we can even arrange a starting point to suit you (e.g. your hotel) as long as it is in the city-centre.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Wheelchair possible but there are hills and steps
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
What To Expect
Edinburgh Guided Tour
The starting point of the tour (if not your hotel) is the splendid Usher Hall, a wonderful Concert Hall gifted to the city by Stuart Usher's great-great-uncle. We do not normally go inside.
Edinburgh Castle
Gusts will see the majestic Edinburgh Castle (exterior only) and your guide will talk you through its tumultuous history and the lives of the many Scottish Kings and Queens who lived there. If you wish to see inside the castle this can be arranged but there will be an extra charge (£19 per head) for admission.
Options
Private tour - mornings
a 3.5 hour private tour
Private tour - full day
A full day (7 hour) guided walking tour of Edinburgh.
Private tour - afternoons
A 3.5 hour private afternoon tour
What‘s Included
Private tour
Professional guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off if requested
Cost of food and drinks
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
278 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Incredible Edinburgh walking tour!
paulaO5614IR,May 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our walking tour was incredible. Fiona was knowledgeable, friendly and flexible. She showed us parts of Edinburgh that we wouldn’t have known about on our own. We highly recommend Fiona and this walking tour to anyone visiting Edinburgh.
Great day in Edinburgh
annpQ5198KP,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Stuart Usher was a great tour guide! He was knowledgeable and interesting. Completely authentic!
This tour is a must in Edinburgh
168jamesk,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome tour, full of history and fascinating facts about Scotland, Edinburgh, and the historic sites around town. Dr. Alison Duncan was the best guide! Definitely book this tour, and request Alison.
Outstanding!
Paul L,May 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Requires a a fair amount of walking. Douglas is one of the very best guides we ever had the pleasure of sharing time with.
Douglas was superb Very...
Allen T,May 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Douglas was superb Very knowledgable Made 3,1/2 hour walking tour go by very quickly Gave a very good historical perspective
Brilliant tour!
Sightseer772519,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Emma and I booked a private tour and we were lucky enough to have Craig Goodman as our guide. Craig was not only friendly and witty, but supremely knowledgeable about Edinburgh’s history and architectural heritage. His stories were funny as well as informative. His energy was fantastic. Couldn’t have asked for a better tour/guide.
Informative tour with Stuart.
Mike M,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had asked Stuart in advance if he knew anything about our Scottish ancestral heritage and he did not disappoint. He also was very informative about historical facts concerning the locations that we saw. In addition, it’s well worth the investment for suggestions about things to do and not do in Edinburgh.
A must see tour of Edinburgh
L2509EVedwardm,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Stuart was very knowledgable and provided excellent information covering historical facts. Everywhere we went. Very enjoyable and well done. Thank you.
Fantastic Private Tour with Douglas!
jnobmo,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Douglas led me no a private tour through Old Town, and he was incredible! He was so knowledgeable about the history and culture; witty and a great story teller; and catered the tour to my interests and questions. I learned so much, and had such fun getting to know Douglas and his unique perspective and connection to Old Town and Scottish history. A fabulous tour!!
Edinburgh by feet
carlosaA944HX,Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide , Fiona, was great,,,plenty of stories and anecdotes,,,,very bespoke and well planned...I would recommend it
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Operated by Edinburgh Guided Tour