Voice of the Mile Edinburgh Royal Mile GPS Guided Audio Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Voice of the Mile Edinburgh Royal Mile GPS Guided Audio Tour worth booking?
Voice of the Mile Edinburgh Royal Mile GPS Guided Audio Tour is a 1.5-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $15 per person. It scores 61 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
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $15 per person
Step into the living history of Scotland’s most famous street with Voice of the Mile, an immersive GPS audio walking tour along Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Mile. Guided by the rich, commanding narration of acclaimed actor J
What you get
- GPS guided audio walking tour, put your phone in your pocket and let us take you on a Journey
- Lifetime access to the tour on the VoiceMap app
- Offline access
About this experience
Step into the living history of Scotland’s most famous street with Voice of the Mile, an immersive GPS audio walking tour along Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Mile. Guided by the rich, commanding narration of acclaimed actor James Smillie, you will trace centuries of royal drama, bloody rebellions, and dark intrigue at your own pace. From the formidable Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle down to the majestic gates of Holyroodhouse, James Smillie brings the cobbled wynds to life. Uncover the secret world of 18th-century spy Daniel Defoe, stand where serial killers Burke and Hare targeted their victims, and walk the quiet courtyards that inspired Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Powered by automatic GPS triggers, your audio plays seamlessly as you walk—no searching or reading required. Download the tour in advance on the VoiceMap app to explore entirely offline without using mobile data. Simply put on your headphones, press start, and let James Smillie guide you through the real story of the Royal Mile
What's included
Included
- GPS guided audio walking tour, put your phone in your pocket and let us take you on a Journey
- Lifetime access to the tour on the VoiceMap app
- Offline access
Not included
- Admission tickets to attractions not included
- Smartphone and headphones / earphones (travelers must bring their own)
- Food, drinks, and personal expenses
- Transportation to the start point or back from the finish point
What you'll see and do
Edinburgh Castle Esplanade
Start your journey at Castlehill, right outside the historic walls of Edinburgh Castle. As you stand on the Esplanade taking in panoramic views across the city, your GPS audio tour will introduce you to centuries of royal history, sieges, and legends. You’ll admire the grand castle fortress from the outside before beginning your stroll down the Royal Mile.
Pass by without stopping
Witches well
Pause at the small, intricate brass fountain on the wall of Castlehill. As you view the monument, your GPS audio tour reveals the tragic history of the thousands of women accused of witchcraft in Scotland between the 16th and 18th centuries, telling the poignant stories behind this overlooked memorial.
Pass by without stopping
Victoria Street
Stand on the elevated terrace looking down over the vibrant curved cobbles of Victoria Street below. As you admire the colorful storefronts, your GPS audio tour reveals how Victoria Street was constructed in the 19th century to improve access across the Old Town.
Pass by without stopping
Writers' Museum
Step into the quiet courtyard of Lady Stair's Close to view Lady Stair's House. As you take in the 17th-century architecture and famous literary quotes carved into the paving stones, your tour shares the stories of Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. (Admission to the museum interior is completely free if you wish to pop in!)
Pass by without stopping
St Giles' Cathedral
Stand in Parliament Square outside historic St Giles' Cathedral. Learn about John Knox and the Scottish Reformation, spot the Heart of Midlothian mosaic on the cobbles, and discover the surprisingly modest final resting place of John Knox around the corner in Parking Space 23.
Pass by without stopping
Mercat Cross
Stand beside the iconic octagonal monument capped with a carved unicorn on the High Street. Learn how the Mercat Cross served as the historic heart of royal proclamations, civic announcements, public markets, and executions throughout Edinburgh's history.
Pass by without stopping
Moubray House
Pause outside Moubray House, one of the oldest occupied residential buildings in Edinburgh, dating back to 1477. Discover how Daniel Defoe—author of Robinson Crusoe—operated from this building in the early 1700s as a secret agent working on the Act of Union.
Pass by without stopping
The Netherbow
Stand outside the historic World's End pub and spot the brass markers in the street marking the medieval Netherbow Port gateway. Learn how 16th-century locals viewed this gate as the literal edge of their world, giving the tavern its famous name.
Pass by without stopping
Canongate- Edinburgh
Pause near Gullan's Close on the Canongate to hear the dark history of serial killers William Burke and William Hare. Learn the tragic story of 18-year-old Mary Paterson, who was murdered nearby in 1828 before being sold to Dr Robert Knox, before strolling into the tranquil stone courtyard of Chessel's Court. Learn about the infamous 1788 armed robbery that exposed the double life of Deacon Brodie—a city councillor by day and burglar by night—who inspired Robert Louis Stevenson's Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
Pass by without stopping
Canongate Kirk
Stop outside historic Canongate Kirk and explore its peaceful kirkyard. As you walk through the grounds, your GPS audio tour leads you to the final resting places of pioneering economist Adam Smith and celebrated poet Robert Fergusson. In the churchyard, discover the memorial plaque dedicated to David Rizzio, private secretary to Mary, Queen of Scots, who was murdered at nearby Holyrood Palace in 1566
Pass by without stopping
White Horse Close
Step into picturesque White Horse Close, tucked away at the foot of the Canongate near Holyrood Palace. As you admire the whitewashed stone buildings and external wooden staircases, your GPS audio tour reveals how this quiet courtyard once housed the staging post for coaches traveling to London
Pass by without stopping
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Finish your journey at the foot of the Royal Mile outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the British Monarch. Standing before its grand forecourt and gates, your GPS audio tour brings to life the drama of Mary, Queen of Scots, who lived here in the 1560s, and the dark tale of her secretary David Rizzio, who was murdered inside the royal apartments
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
Install the VoiceMap app before arrival and enter your voucher access code. This is a self-guided GPS audio walking tour—start, pause, or resume anytime at your own pace. Detailed directions to the exact starting point will display inside the app once installed
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The audio tour finishes outside the gates of the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish Parliament at the foot of the Royal Mile, leaving you ideally placed to explore Holyrood Park or visit the Palace.
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
- Kilted Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Voice of the Mile Edinburgh Royal Mile GPS Guided Audio Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great day out
Great storytelling. Very immersive. Takes you to some hidden gems. Learned so much about Edinburgh's past. Enjoyed this tour.
via Tripadvisor
Every day is a school day.
I was recommended this tour by a friend. I took my son. Very informative. I like the narators voice. It's good that you can pause it, while making a pit stop in the pub. I would definitely recommend doing this tour. Hopefully we will get more places to explore on this app, in the near future.
via Tripadvisor
GPS tour of Royal Mile
On my last day of my vacation the weather was fantastic and I decided to try the tour as I could stop and visit the Writers Museum and some other places we had missed on previous days. It was nice hearing the voice and sounds of old Edinburgh and not having to look at my phone for directions, although I did keep looking at first. The main man talking had a beautiful voice. I am hoping they have more tours for our next visit in December as they only have one at this time .
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 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 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Voice of the Mile Edinburgh Royal Mile GPS Guided Audio Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Voice of the Mile Edinburgh Royal Mile GPS Guided Audio Tour cost?
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Prices start at $15 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 Voice of the Mile Edinburgh Royal Mile GPS Guided Audio Tour take?
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Plan for about 1.5 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 Voice of the Mile Edinburgh Royal Mile GPS Guided Audio Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 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 Voice of the Mile Edinburgh Royal Mile GPS Guided Audio Tour?
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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 Voice of the Mile Edinburgh Royal Mile GPS Guided Audio Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Voice of the Mile Edinburgh Royal Mile GPS Guided Audio Tour?
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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 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Voice of the Mile Edinburgh Royal Mile GPS Guided Audio Tour 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 Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands, Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William, Edinburgh Ghost Tour: Mysteries, Legends and Murders. 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.
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