
Edinburgh: Hidden Closes, Secrets & Scandalous Stories
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Edinburgh: Hidden Closes, Secrets & Scandalous Stories worth booking?
Edinburgh: Hidden Closes, Secrets & Scandalous Stories is a 1.7-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $46 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
- Duration
- 1.7 hours
- From
- $46 per person
Forget the Edinburgh you know from postcards. We’re here for the juicy bits. Follow the Royal Mile from Holyrood Palace towards Edinburgh Castle, slipping into hidden closes along the way and uncovering royal drama, scandals, witches, executions and the wonderfully weird stories hiding behind these ancient streets. Then we’ll escape the Royal Mile for Grassmarket, the legendary Last Drop and colourful Victoria Street, with a little Outlander romance and Harry Potter magic sprinkled along the way. No boring history lecture. No endless dates. Just brilliant stories, plenty of laughs and a few “WAIT… WHAT?!” moments. Come curious. Leave with stories you’ll tell over a pint later. Because life is too short for boring holidays.
What you get
About this experience
Forget the Edinburgh you know from postcards. We’re here for the juicy bits. Follow the Royal Mile from Holyrood Palace towards Edinburgh Castle, slipping into hidden closes along the way and uncovering royal drama, scandals, witches, executions and the wonderfully weird stories hiding behind these ancient streets. Then we’ll escape the Royal Mile for Grassmarket, the legendary Last Drop and colourful Victoria Street, with a little Outlander romance and Harry Potter magic sprinkled along the way. No boring history lecture. No endless dates. Just brilliant stories, plenty of laughs and a few “WAIT… WHAT?!” moments. Come curious. Leave with stories you’ll tell over a pint later. Because life is too short for boring holidays.
What's included
Included
- Tour guide
What you'll see and do
Royal Mile
Follow Edinburgh’s legendary Royal Mile on a journey through centuries of Scottish history, royal stories, hidden closes and fascinating characters. Starting at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, explore the city’s dramatic past as you make your way towards the iconic Edinburgh Castle, uncovering tales of kings, queens, battles, and secrets hidden within the medieval streets. Along the way, discover the atmospheric corners that inspired the worlds of Outlander and Harry Potter, from ancient stone closes to magical-looking streets filled with stories. Your experience finishes in the colourful Victoria Street, one of Edinburgh’s most enchanting and photographed locations.
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
Your Edinburgh adventure starts here! ️ Meet your guide across the road from The King’s Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, next to the Scottish Parliament. Arrive 10 minutes early and look for the yellow hat If you miss us… your first Edinburgh mystery has already begun!
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Bonnie Voyage
Know before you go
- 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
Photos






Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Edinburgh: Hidden Closes, Secrets & Scandalous Stories. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Number 10
This was a super great discovery 👍
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Guided Tour of The Royal Mile
I would like to highly recommend this well organised and interesting tour in the charming centre of Edinburgh. The guide provided us wonderful experience due to many funny stories and surprising facts from local history. Thanks a lot.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re thrilled you enjoyed discovering Edinburgh’s hidden stories, surprising history and a few good laughs along the way! Scotland certainly knows how to keep a secret (or two)! 😉 Hope to see you on another adventure soon! Life is too short for boring holidays! 🏴 The Bonnie Voyage Team
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Edinburgh: Hidden Closes, Secrets & Scandalous Stories: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Edinburgh: Hidden Closes, Secrets & Scandalous Stories cost?
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Prices start at $46 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Edinburgh usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Edinburgh: Hidden Closes, Secrets & Scandalous Stories take?
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Plan for about 1.7 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Edinburgh is not rushed.
Is Edinburgh: Hidden Closes, Secrets & Scandalous Stories worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Edinburgh: Hidden Closes, Secrets & Scandalous Stories?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Edinburgh: Hidden Closes, Secrets & Scandalous Stories suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Edinburgh: Hidden Closes, Secrets & Scandalous Stories?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Edinburgh can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Edinburgh and add a light layer if any part of the 1.7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Edinburgh: Hidden Closes, Secrets & Scandalous Stories start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Edinburgh within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?
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On Outty we rank every Edinburgh experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh, The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Edinburgh: Hidden Closes, Secrets & Scandalous Stories?
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Included: Tour guide. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Edinburgh: Hidden Closes, Secrets & Scandalous Stories?
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Your Edinburgh adventure starts here! ️ Meet your guide across the road from The King’s Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, next to the Scottish Parliament. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Edinburgh: Hidden Closes, Secrets & Scandalous Stories offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Edinburgh: Hidden Closes, Secrets & Scandalous Stories?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Edinburgh: Hidden Closes, Secrets & Scandalous Stories wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Edinburgh: Hidden Closes, Secrets & Scandalous Stories if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Edinburgh. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
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