
Private Royal Mile walking tour - Discover the history of our most famous street
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 59 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Royal Mile walking tour - Discover the history of our most famous street worth booking?
Private Royal Mile walking tour - Discover the history of our most famous street is a 2-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $116 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 59 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 72 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (59)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $116 per person
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!
What you get
About this experience
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!
What's included
Included
- Local Guide
Not included
- Gratuities
- This tour does not include entry to Edinburgh Castle of the Palace of Holyroodhouse
What you'll see and do
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.
Pass by without stopping
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.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
Robert, your Edinburgh tour guide, will meet you just inside the forecourt/amphitheatre in front of Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8AS.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The finishing point depends on where you'd like the tour to finish. Our suggested end point would be the Grassmarket.
Options you can book
Private Tour for 3-5 people
Private Tour for 6-10 people
Private Tour for 1 person
Private Tour for 2 people
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
- Historic Edinburgh Tours
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






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 59 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
59 verified traveler reviews for Private Royal Mile walking tour - Discover the history of our most famous street. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best Royal Mike Walking Tour!
Awesome experience! Robert was extremely knowledgeable about the history of Edinburgh and the Royal Mile. He had pictures of what a particular site looked like in the past. Really helped connect us to the history.
Response from the operator: I had an absolute blast with you both! Thank you for being such entertaining and interesting guests! I learned a lot myself and loved all the conversations. I do hope you return, and please DO check out the Museum of Flight - I think you'll love it! Best wishes, Robert
via Tripadvisor
Royal mile tour
Robert was an exceptional tour guide. Knowledgeable and personable. I would highly recommend this tour
Response from the operator: Thank you for your very kind review, and for writing it whilst you were still on your vacation! It was an absolute pleasure to take you up the Royal Mile. I hope Scotland gave you everything you'd hoped for. Best wishes, Robert
via Tripadvisor
Robert’s Perfect Way!
Our Royal Mile private tour was a highlight of our trip to Edinburgh. Robert spent time before the tour chatting to learn about our interests and special requests, then expertly personalized our experience. His knowledge and passion for the history of Edinburgh is comprehensive yet the tour felt more like a conversation since he continuously checked in to get our thoughts. We are seniors-one with a mobility issue and Robert silently modified his pace to match ours, while incorporating his commentary into rest stops he integrated into the tour-without our request. When we told him our plans for the rest of the day after his tour, he ended the day at the precise location we requested. We are confident that no two Robert tours are the same since he designs the day around his guests, but are also very very sure that they all reflect his vibrant personality and historical knowledge. We enthusiastically recommend booking with Robert and send him our gratitude for a memorable experience.
Response from the operator: Awww! Thank you for these kind words. It was great to tailor the tour to what you wanted and preferred, comfort-wise, too. I'm really glad that I was able to 'pitch' it properly for those different requests. You were excellent company, and I hope you had a great time in Edinburgh. Best wishes, Robert
via Tripadvisor
Robert knows The Royal Mile, plus!
Robert was an excellent tour guide, hitting all the high points of the Royal Mile plus many more stories and anecdotes. He’s a native Edinburgher, and has a vast store of knowledge of the city. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour.
Response from the operator: This review made me smile so much! Thank you for your very kind words. I hope you had an enjoyable time in Scotland. Best wishes, Robert
via Viator
Fantastic Tour with Knowledgeable Tourguide
Did a Royal Mile tour with Robert. We typically do walking tours as we find them to be one of the best ways to learn a new city. The tour was extremely informative and we were able to arrange a bespoke private tour with two young children under 3 (toddler walking and baby in carrier). We initially planned to do the Tour with a stroller but decided against it at the last minute. Robert was very flexible and we were able to still navigate most of the typical route with the kids, making some necessary adjustments where it would have been too difficult. We were also in the middle of the Fringe festival, so the streets were quite crowded and chaotic, but Robert helped us navigate the crowds easily. Learned a lot about the city of Edinburgh and its history. Robert was very personable and gave just the right amount of information. Highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Thank you for this very kind review. I really enjoyed showing you both around the Old Town and Royal Mile. Thank you for your kind words, and for your company throughout this tour. I hope you all had a wonderful time in Scotland. Best wishes, Robert
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $116 to $160
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 21
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 72
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Royal Mile walking tour - Discover the history of our most famous street: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Private Royal Mile walking tour - Discover the history of our most famous street cost?
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Prices start at $116 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 Private Royal Mile walking tour - Discover the history of our most famous street take?
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Plan for about 2 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 Private Royal Mile walking tour - Discover the history of our most famous street worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 59 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 Private Royal Mile walking tour - Discover the history of our most famous street?
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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 Private Royal Mile walking tour - Discover the history of our most famous street suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Royal Mile walking tour - Discover the history of our most famous street?
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Around 21 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-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Royal Mile walking tour - Discover the history of our most famous street 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 Private Royal Mile walking tour - Discover the history of our most famous street?
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Included: Local Guide. Not included: Gratuities; and This tour does not include entry to Edinburgh Castle of the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Private Royal Mile walking tour - Discover the history of our most famous street?
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Robert, your Edinburgh tour guide, will meet you just inside the forecourt/amphitheatre in front of Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8AS. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Private Royal Mile walking tour - Discover the history of our most famous street 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 Private Royal Mile walking tour - Discover the history of our most famous street?
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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 Private Royal Mile walking tour - Discover the history of our most famous street 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 Private Royal Mile walking tour - Discover the history of our most famous street 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.
What do travelers say about Private Royal Mile walking tour - Discover the history of our most famous street?
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Across 59 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, small groups. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
What booking options are available for Private Royal Mile walking tour - Discover the history of our most famous street?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including Private Tour for 3-5 people, Private Tour for 6-10 people, Private Tour for 1 person, Private Tour for 2 people. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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