Private Royal Mile walking tour - Discover the history of our most famous street
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Explore the oldest parts of Edinburgh's UNESCO World Heritage Site with an award-winning, five-star rated local guide! Robert was born within sight of the Old Town. He has lived in Edinburgh all his life and even went to a university on the Royal Mile! He teaches in a local primary school. Robert will wear traditional Scottish attire for your tour. We don't think you can get much more local flavour than this!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
Palace of Holyroodhouse
We will see the exterior of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and hear of the story of two of the most famous Royal residents here - Mary, Queen of Scots and Prince Charles Edward Stewart.
Royal Mile
We'll take you from the gates of the Palace of Holyroodhouse to the drawbridge of Edinburgh Castle. You'll hear about murders, shootings, royal proclamations and civil wars. You'll visit pretty little closes and wynds and learn about some of the most famous figures in Scottish history.
Options
Private Tour for 1 person
Private Tour for 2 people
Private Tour for 6-10 people
Private Tour for 3-5 people
What‘s Included
Local Guide
Gratuities
This tour does not include entry to Edinburgh Castle of the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
53 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Pure Joy!
2Qbeds,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had so much fun on this tour, and I learned a whole lot, too! Robert is an expert communicator and he's definitely the real deal when it comes to his knowledge of history and all related Edinburgh facts. My existing schedule prohibited meeting at the available times listed on TripAdvisor, so I contacted Robert directly, told him of my dilemma, and asked if he had any suggestions. Boy, did he! He suggested not only a different time to meet, which worked with my existing schedule, but also a different place to meet, which was closer to my lodging and therefore allowed more leeway to assure my on-time arrival. Wow. How kind and flexible and agreeable is that? And that's how I found Robert to be throughout the hours I spent with him that day, learning all about Edinburgh and its history. Kind, flexible, agreeable, an excellent communicator, and full of knowledge that I would love to confidently possess! Admirable! There he was, standing on the Castle Esplanade, as easy to pick out as he said he would be, and off we went for some terrific fun! I highly recommend this Private Royal Mile Walking Tour. I've signed up for private walking tours in nearly every large city I've ever visited over the past decade. THIS TOUR -- Robert's tour -- is probably the best, most enjoyable, most worthwhile private walking tour I have ever taken. I highly recommend! Thank you, Robert, for making it the joy that it was!
Best tour guide!
727eilidhg,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Robert provided a thoroughly detailed tour of Edinburgh. He welcomed us warmly and was very knowledgeable about everything we saw as well as questions we asked! Would recommend highly!
Excellent tour!
rebeccawV9492VZ,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour! So helpful to add context to all things Royal Mile. Robert also pivoted to showing us other places of interest as we toured.
Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and Old Town
spisark,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide, Robert, was knowledgeable, accommodating and flexible. Would definitely recommend.
Quintessential guide and host
rmerchant2016,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Robert was the quintessential local guide and host. As an Edinburgh born and raised educator, he brought the fascinating history of this city to life. Robert supplemented his talks with historical charts and pictures. We especially appreciated him agreeing to start the tour near the castle and end near the palace.
An Amazing and Unforgettable Tour with Robert
B2064SUjoanr,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our private tour with Robert was one of the things I was truly looking forward to on this trip. From the moment we met him, we felt welcomed and comfortable. He tailored the entire tour to our family’s needs and pace, especially considering we had young children with us. He was so patient and kind with our children, Daphne and Gabriel, always making sure they were comfortable and enjoying the journey. He picked us up from our hotel and immediately set the tone with his warmth, patience, and genuine care. He shared stories and history in such a captivating and respectful way, showing us both well-known landmarks and hidden gems. His passion for Scottish culture shines through in everything he does. He was also incredibly helpful, even going out of his way to push our stroller up stairs, steep paths, and uneven ground and he did it all with a genuine smile. His kindness and positive spirit did not go unnoticed. One moment that really touched me was when he offered to take photos of us using his own phone because my hands were full. It was such a thoughtful gesture, and the pictures came out beautiful memories we will cherish forever. We are incredibly grateful for the experience. Thank you, Robert, for making our time in Scotland unforgettable. Highly, highly recommended. (I will definitely encourage my family and friends to visit Edinburgh and book a private tour with Robert.)
Great tour of Royal Mile, had fun, enjoyed the stories and learned some history along the way!
maureenjL9050NB,Sep 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous tour of the Royal Mile right from the start outside Holyrood Palace. Lots of interesting stops along the way with plenty of history interlaced with great stories that really brought the past to life! Robert is a great storyteller and even provides pictures that help you imagine what it was like to live and do business hundreds of years ago. He was also thoughtful and made sure our pace was comfortable and manageable. Would highly recommend this tour.
The Robert Experience is the Best!
SueDen27,Aug 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Having visited the Castle and the Palace we decided we’d like a little more knowledge about the characters, architecture and history of Edinburgh. Robert certainly engaged and amused us with his fascinating stories and bag of props. He took us at our own leisurely pace, avoiding steep steps into little back streets and secluded gardens. We recommend a stroll with Robert will give you much pleasure and many memories of Edinburgh.
Delightful morning
Cynthia D,Aug 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It is both factual and humorous. Finding out about the characters that shaped Edinburghs history. Robert was very knowledgeable and easy to learn from.
Robert was simply brilliant. What a wonderful tour he presented to us. He was fun, knowledgeable, flexible, curious,...
MikeMSJ,Jun 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Robert was simply brilliant. What a wonderful tour he presented to us. He was fun, knowledgeable, flexible, curious,... and listened to us while adjusting the Tour to meet our interests and needs. He stopped 3 or 4 times at 'sitting spots' for us while he spoke, so that a few in our party could rest sore hips or feet - always sensitive for our safety, too. A helpful, very kind young man with a good Scottish sense of humor! Loved the Tour. Thank you, Robert. Cheers always.
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Operated by Historic Edinburgh Tours