Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is a captivating showcase of the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Spanning from Holyrood Palace to Edinburgh Castle, this 2-hour walking tour led by the charismatic Ross Leslie promises an immersive experience. Uncover iconic landmarks, hear entertaining anecdotes, and soak in the stunning architecture as you explore the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. What secrets and stories await along this iconic thoroughfare? Discover them on the FULL Royal Mile Tour.

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Key Points

A 2-hour walking tour through Edinburgh’s capital, covering 1.1 miles and highlighting the Scottish Parliament Building, John Knox House Museum, and Edinburgh Castle.
The tour is led by a professional public speaker with a comedy background, providing entertaining anecdotes about the history of the Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace.
The tour is wheelchair accessible but not suitable for those with mobility issues, and it includes a stop at a local bar.
Booking options include flexible scheduling, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option.
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate attire, and water are recommended for the tour, which explores the iconic landmarks of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Old Town.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Edinburgh: the FULL Royal Mile Tour – from Palace to Palace offers a comprehensive 2-hour walking experience through the heart of Scotland’s capital.

Priced at $14.27 per person, the tour is limited to 8 participants and conducted in English.

While wheelchair accessible, it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues.

Highlights include the Scottish Parliament Building, John Knox House Museum, and Edinburgh Castle, covering a distance of 1.1 miles.

Guided by a professional public speaker with a background in stand-up comedy, the tour focuses on the history of the Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace, with entertaining anecdotes.

Looking for more options in Edinburgh? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at Abbey Strand, Holyrood Palace, and takes guests on a journey through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Along the way, visitors will see the Scottish Parliament Building, the John Knox House Museum, and a local bar. The tour then leads them down the iconic Royal Mile, through the charming Edinburgh Old Town, and culminates at the impressive Edinburgh Castle. The total distance covered is approximately 1.1 miles or 6000 steps.

| Itinerary Highlights | Description |

| — | — |

| Starting Point | Abbey Strand, Holyrood Palace |

| Key Sightseeing Locations | Scottish Parliament Building, John Knox House Museum, Local bar, Royal Mile, Edinburgh Old Town, Edinburgh Castle |

| Ending Point | Esplanade |

| Total Distance | 1.1 miles (approximately 6000 steps) |

Tour Features

Guided by a professional public speaker with a background in stand-up comedy, the tour focuses on the history of the Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace.

Guests can expect a fun and informative experience filled with humorous anecdotes about the Canongate and notable historical figures.

A delightful tour filled with witty tales about the Canongate’s famous figures and captivating history.

The tour covers key sightseeing locations along the 1.1-mile (approximately 6000-step) route, including the Scottish Parliament Building, John Knox House Museum, a local bar, Edinburgh Old Town, and Edinburgh Castle.

The tour concludes at the Esplanade, providing a rundown of the city’s rich heritage and landmarks.

Booking Information

Visitors can take advantage of the tour’s flexible booking options.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for a full refund. Plus, customers can reserve their spot without immediate payment through the "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option. This provides convenient booking for those who want to secure their place on the tour without making an immediate financial commitment.

The meeting point is clearly specified, with instructions to look for the guide, Ross Leslie, a 6’1" ginger-bearded professional public speaker.

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Recommendations and Preparation

To get the most out of the Edinburgh Royal Mile Tour, visitors should come prepared. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate attire are a must for the 1.1-mile (6,000-step) walk.

Bringing water is also recommended to stay hydrated. Participants should avoid bringing alcohol, drugs, explosives, or anything that could start a fire.

With an overall 5/5 rating, the tour provides an enriching historical experience complemented by humorous local anecdotes.

Following these simple guidelines will ensure guests fully enjoy the tour’s engaging storytelling and explore the iconic landmarks of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Old Town.

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Starting Point: Abbey Strand, Holyrood Palace

The tour begins at Abbey Strand, just steps away from the impressive Holyrood Palace. This historic location sets the stage for an immersive exploration of Edinburgh’s rich heritage:

Nestled in the shadows of the palace, Abbey Strand was once a hub of activity, home to merchants, craftsmen, and religious institutions.
As you gather with your small group, your guide will share captivating stories about this strategic site, laying the foundation for the journey ahead.
From this starting point, you’ll embark on a leisurely walk along the famous Royal Mile, unveiling the secrets and legends that have shaped the city’s past.

Exploring the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Old Town

As visitors explore the historic Royal Mile, they’ll be captivated by the charming architecture and rich cultural heritage that line this iconic Edinburgh thoroughfare.

They’ll meander past the Scottish Parliament Building, admiring its modern design, before stopping at the John Knox House Museum to learn about the influential religious reformer.

Along the way, they’ll discover cozy local pubs and shops, seeing the vibrant atmosphere of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

The tour culminates at the striking Edinburgh Castle, offering panoramic views of the city and a fitting finale to this comprehensive exploration of the Royal Mile.

Ending Point: Esplanade

At the culmination of the tour, visitors arrive at the Esplanade, an expansive public space situated directly in front of the iconic Edinburgh Castle.

This grand open area offers stunning views of the castle and the surrounding cityscape.

Some key features of the Esplanade include:

The One O’Clock Gun: A famous time signal that has been fired from the castle every day (except Sundays) since 1861.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo: An annual series of military concerts held on the Esplanade, featuring performers from around the world.
The Floral Clock: A unique decorative clock made entirely of flowers, a popular spot for photos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour is focused on providing a historical and informative experience, and the presence of pets could be disruptive to the group. Participants are advised to leave their pets at home.

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is only available in English, according to the information provided. It does not mention the tour being offered in any other languages.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour is only offered in English, and there doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the duration beyond the 2-hour itinerary. The tour’s set timeframe and language are fixed based on the overview provided.

Do You Offer Discounts for Students or Seniors?

Unfortunately, the tour does not offer any discounts for students or seniors. The price of $14.27 per person is the standard rate for all participants, regardless of age or student status. The tour company does not provide reduced pricing options.

Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Point During the Itinerary?

Yes, participants are free to leave the tour group at any point during the itinerary. However, the tour guide won’t be responsible for providing directions or assistance once a guest has departed the group.

The Sum Up

The FULL Royal Mile Tour offers an immersive exploration of Edinburgh’s rich history and vibrant culture. Led by the charismatic Ross Leslie, the 2-hour walking tour takes visitors through iconic landmarks, from Holyrood Palace to Edinburgh Castle. Travelers can expect entertaining anecdotes, captivating stories, and stunning architecture as they soak in the heritage of this historic city. This comprehensive tour provides an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking to discover the essence of Edinburgh.