Guards Patrol A 16th Century Journey Through Edinburgh
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Quick answer
Is Guards Patrol A 16th Century Journey Through Edinburgh worth booking?
Guards Patrol A 16th Century Journey Through Edinburgh is a 2.5-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $34 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- Not yet rated
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $34 per person
Step back in time with the Guards Patrol tour, where a 16th-century city watchman leads you through the historic heart of Edinburgh, clad in authentic armor. Discover iconic sites like St. Giles, the John Knox House, and the Grassmarket while immersing yourself in tales of Edinburgh's storied past. This engaging journey highlights the city's rich heritage and provides a unique perspective on its history. - Guided tour by a watchman in authentic 16th-century armor - Explore key historical landmarks including John Knox House and St. Giles - Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Victoria Street and Grassmarket - Concludes at the iconic Castle Esplanade for stunning views - Tours run rain or shine—please dress appropriately! Tours are only canceled in severe/dangerous weather.
What you get
About this experience
Step back in time with the Guards Patrol tour, where a 16th-century city watchman leads you through the historic heart of Edinburgh, clad in authentic armor. Discover iconic sites like St. Giles, the John Knox House, and the Grassmarket while immersing yourself in tales of Edinburgh's storied past. This engaging journey highlights the city's rich heritage and provides a unique perspective on its history. - Guided tour by a watchman in authentic 16th-century armor - Explore key historical landmarks including John Knox House and St. Giles - Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Victoria Street and Grassmarket - Concludes at the iconic Castle Esplanade for stunning views - Tours run rain or shine—please dress appropriately! Tours are only canceled in severe/dangerous weather.
What's included
Included
- Guide Services
- Photo opportunities with a historically armored guide
- costumed historical guide
What you'll see and do
Fleshmarket Close - Edinburgh
Step into history as you descend Fleshmarket Close—a dramatically steep, cobbled medieval alleyway carved right into Edinburgh’s iconic "fishbone" skyline
5 minutes here
John Knox House Museum
Walk down the High Street to the historic Netherbow Port to explore Edinburgh’s old guard patrol route, before returning to outside John Knox House to unpack the dramatic, fiery history of the Scottish Reformation
20 minutes here
Heart of Midlothian
Continuing up the cobbled High Street, we’ll reach the Heart of Midlothian—the historic site of the Old Tolbooth. Once the bustling epicenter of Edinburgh's civic life, this spot served as the headquarters for both the Town Guard and the city council.
20 minutes here
Gladstone's Land
Next, we press farther uphill to Gladstone's Land, one of the finest surviving examples of a 16th-century high-rise on the Royal Mile. From the outside, we'll admire its historic façade and stone archways while uncovering how Edinburgh’s merchant class built straight upward to squeeze into the overcrowded city—and how the ever-present threat of fire made the Town Watch's rounds a matter of life and death.
5 minutes here
Victoria Street
ext, we navigate the lively crowds down Victoria Street—Edinburgh’s famous curved, colorful thoroughfare. As we walk past its vibrant shopfronts and soaring stone arches, we'll admire its unique two-tiered architecture while taking in the energetic buzz of one of the Old Town's most iconic streets.
Pass by without stopping
Greyfriars Kirk
We'll double back at the fountain at the bottom of Victoria Street—a perfect, central spot to grab a quick breather or join us into Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery Edinburgh. From the outside paths of the kirk, we'll take in the atmospheric old graves and hear the stories tied to these ancient grounds.
25 minutes here
Flodden Wall
From the Grassmarket , we’ll climb the historic stone steps of the Vennel, walking directly alongside surviving sections of the 16th-century Flodden Wall—Edinburgh’s ancient defensive city line. At the top, we’ll stop at The Vennel Viewpoint Edinburgh Castle for one of the most iconic, picture-perfect framing views of Edinburgh Castle towering above the city.
15 minutes here
Edinburgh Castle
We complete our patrol on the sweeping stone pavement of the Esplanade, standing in the shadow of the colossal fortress walls of Edinburgh Castle. This optional final stop gives us a moment to gaze up at the ancient ramparts, unpack a little of the castle's fiery history—from royal birthplace to Scotland's most besieged stronghold—and take in panoramic views stretching across the city before we part ways.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
We meet at the top of Fleshmarket Close, right next to Southern Cross Cafe (63A Cockburn St). Look for your tour guide wearing armor—just like in our main cover photo!
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
the tour will end infront of the castle, please make sure to book tickets for the castle if you plan to go in after the tour
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
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- The Auld Guard
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note this walking tour covers historic Old Town terrain, which includes steep inclines, uneven cobblestones, and flight steps (such as the Vennel). Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended, and this route may not be suitable for those with limited mobility or wheelchair users.
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Guards Patrol A 16th Century Journey Through Edinburgh: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Guards Patrol A 16th Century Journey Through Edinburgh cost?
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Prices start at $34 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 Guards Patrol A 16th Century Journey Through Edinburgh take?
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Plan for about 2.5 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 Guards Patrol A 16th Century Journey Through Edinburgh worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 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 Guards Patrol A 16th Century Journey Through Edinburgh?
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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 Guards Patrol A 16th Century Journey Through Edinburgh suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Guards Patrol A 16th Century Journey Through Edinburgh?
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Around 0 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 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Guards Patrol A 16th Century Journey Through Edinburgh 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 Guards Patrol A 16th Century Journey Through Edinburgh?
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Included: Guide Services; Photo opportunities with a historically armored guide; and costumed historical guide. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Guards Patrol A 16th Century Journey Through Edinburgh?
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We meet at the top of Fleshmarket Close, right next to Southern Cross Cafe (63A Cockburn St). Look for your tour guide wearing armor—just like in our main cover photo! Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Guards Patrol A 16th Century Journey Through Edinburgh 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 Guards Patrol A 16th Century Journey Through Edinburgh?
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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 Guards Patrol A 16th Century Journey Through Edinburgh wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Please note this walking tour covers historic Old Town terrain, which includes steep incli. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Guards Patrol A 16th Century Journey Through Edinburgh if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
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