Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour

Outty Ranking 60 5.0 · 1 traveler reviews1 hoursFrom $12
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

60/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 1 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour worth booking?

Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour is a 1-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $12 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
60 / 100
Rating
5/5 (1)
Duration
1 hours
From
$12 per person

On this self-guided tour, you'll unravel the mysteries and murders surrounding Scotland’s most famous monarch. Experience the magic of GPS playback on this immersive stroll through Edinburgh's old town. Have you ever wondered what life was like in Edinburgh during the reign of Mary Queen of Scots? On this walking tour, we’ll explore the hidden corners and the major landmarks in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town through the eyes of Scotland’s most famous monarch. You'll find a new story on every corner while weaving in and out of the narrow, closed, and cobbled streets. I’ll tell you about the murders and mysteries surrounding Mary and how these tragic events unfolded right here in Scotland’s capital. Along the way, I’ll tell you about two of Mary’s three husbands, Lord Darnley and the Earl of Bothwell, and her lover, David Rizzio. I’ll show you the John Knox House, where the leader of the Reformation is buried, outside St Giles Cathedral. You’ll also hear about his conflict with Mary.

What you get

    About this experience

    On this self-guided tour, you'll unravel the mysteries and murders surrounding Scotland’s most famous monarch. Experience the magic of GPS playback on this immersive stroll through Edinburgh's old town. Have you ever wondered what life was like in Edinburgh during the reign of Mary Queen of Scots? On this walking tour, we’ll explore the hidden corners and the major landmarks in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town through the eyes of Scotland’s most famous monarch. You'll find a new story on every corner while weaving in and out of the narrow, closed, and cobbled streets. I’ll tell you about the murders and mysteries surrounding Mary and how these tragic events unfolded right here in Scotland’s capital. Along the way, I’ll tell you about two of Mary’s three husbands, Lord Darnley and the Earl of Bothwell, and her lover, David Rizzio. I’ll show you the John Knox House, where the leader of the Reformation is buried, outside St Giles Cathedral. You’ll also hear about his conflict with Mary.

    What's included

    Included

    • Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it
    • The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere
    • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
    • Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
    • Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

    Not included

    • Tickets to optional attractions en route

    What you'll see and do

    1. Palace of Holyroodhouse

      Starting outside this royal residence, imagine Mary’s court life. Hear the sordid story of Lord Darnley murdering Mary’s lover, David Rizzio, within its very walls.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. White Horse Close

      As you pass through this quaint courtyard, learn about its historical significance and how Queen Mary kept her horses here.

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Canongate Kirk

      Walk through this ancient churchyard where David Rizzio is reportedly buried. The kirk’s peaceful ambiance belies the drama that unfolded during Mary’s reign.

      Pass by without stopping

    4. Discover the intrigues of Huntly House and hear about the Gordon Earl’s plan to kidnap the Queen. This historic building offers a glimpse into the political machinations of the time.

      Pass by without stopping

    5. Mercat Cross

      Pause at this traditional market cross, a focal point for public announcements. Imagine proclamations being read out here during Mary’s reign.

      Pass by without stopping

    6. John Knox House Museum

      See the house of Mary’s adversary, John Knox, and learn about his intense conflict with the queen. This house is one of the oldest in Edinburgh.

      Pass by without stopping

    7. St Giles' Cathedral

      Stand outside this grand cathedral where John Knox is buried. Hear about his fiery sermons against Mary and the Reformation's impact on Scotland.

      Pass by without stopping

    8. Royal Mile

      Stroll along this historic thoroughfare, absorbing the medieval atmosphere. The cobbled streets and narrow closes transport you back to the 1500s.

      Pass by without stopping

    9. Lawnmarket

      As you walk past this vibrant section of the Royal Mile, learn about its historical significance. The bustling market area was central to life in medieval Edinburgh.

      Pass by without stopping

    10. Riddle's Court

      Pass by this historic courtyard where Mary’s court once met. The beautifully preserved architecture offers a window into the past.

      Pass by without stopping

    11. Gladstone's Land

      Admire this 17th-century tenement and hear about daily life in Mary’s time. The restored rooms offer insights into how people lived centuries ago.

      Pass by without stopping

    12. Witches well

      Reflect on this poignant memorial to those accused of witchcraft. Learn about the dark history of witch trials in Edinburgh.

      Pass by without stopping

    13. Edinburgh Castle

      End your tour in the shadows of this majestic fortress. Discover where Mary’s son, James VI of Scotland, was born and hear about the castle’s strategic importance.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Edinburgh

    The tour begins at the gates of Holyrood Palace. As you face the Palace, you will see the Queen's Gallery. We will start on the left-hand side of Abbey Strand. You can walk up to the black gates but must not enter.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    The tour ends at Edinburgh Castle.

    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
    VoiceMap Audio Tours

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Please bring your own smartphone and headphones

    Photos

    Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour, photo 2Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour, photo 3Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour, photo 4Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour, photo 5Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour, photo 6

    Traveler reviews

    1 verified traveler reviews for Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    1
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Donald_T · June 2025

    Excellent Personal Walking Tour about Queen Mary, Queen of Scots

    Worked well and very interesting. GPS works well and automatically starts when you get to the next stop. App also shows how many meters to the next stop while walking there.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    1 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
    0
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by VoiceMap Audio Tours, who run 703 experiences we rank across 222 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.8.

    See everything VoiceMap Audio Tours runs

    Why this scores 60

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)87
    Review evidence (18% weight)9
    Booking momentum (14% weight)0
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)51
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.

    How much does Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $12 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 Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 1 hour 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 Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1 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 Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour?

    +

    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 Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour?

    +

    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?

    +

    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-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour?

    +

    Included: Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it; The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywher; Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata; Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour; and Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will sta. Not included: Tickets to optional attractions en route. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour?

    +

    The tour begins at the gates of Holyrood Palace. As you face the Palace, you will see the Queen's Gallery. We will start on the left-hand side of Abbey Strand. You can walk up to the black gates but must not enter. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour offered in?

    +

    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 Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour?

    +

    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.

    What happens to Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    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.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour.

    Pick your date