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Curious Tales of the Royal Mile - Private Walking Tour

3 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 3 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Edinburgh, Scotland

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 31 (0) days in advance.

4 to 5 hours (approx.)
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Overview

Why was a pet blackbird arrested in 1736?
What did a washerwoman insist on before she would pull philosopher David Hume out of a swamp?
Why was Robert the Bruce Edinburgh Castle’s most deadly enemy?

You really couldn’t make up the history of Old Edinburgh!

Seldom in the world can there have been so many odd events and strange goings-on in one town’s story as in Edinburgh, and telling these curious tales is what this tour is all about! Local doctor Moray Grigor is an Edinburgh native and lover of the city, and has been collecting some of the best of its stories to bring to you.

Starting just below the Castle, we’ll be touring down the world-famous Royal Mile, ducking into alleys and back courts as we go, and we’ll be hearing the most outlandish, amusing and fascinating anecdotes of the Old Town, many collected by Edinburgh publisher and author Robert Chambers right back in 1824.

In Edinburgh, truth really is stranger than fiction – as Dr Grigor will be delighted to show you!

What's Included

  • All guiding and commentary on this 4-5 hour outdoor tour
  • Tea and coffee We have an optional refreshment stop, but food and drinks are not inclusive.
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Castlehill
Edinburgh EH1, UK

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Edinburgh EH8
UK

Just outside Canongate Kirk in Canongate (lower Royal Mile)

What To Expect

Castello Di Edimburgo

Tales of Bonnie' Dundee's escape from Edinburgh, Allan Ramsay's court appeal, enormous gang fights and water woes!
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Edinburgh

Tales of rebellious pets, couples at political loggerheads, two-faced businessmen, philosopher-chefs and fake news!
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Advocate's Close

Tales of lame, gangfighting would-be authors, astounded judges, and very mischievous little girls!
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

St Giles' Cathedral

Tales of kings in debt, romantic silver spoons, church prayer-stools being thrown, and an unusual resting place for our most famous preacher.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Royal Mile

Tales of theatre riots, dull dances, raving beauties, novel financial products, and full-scale rebellion!
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Canongate Kirk

Tales of vicious poets, tragic Royal favourites, and eccentric economists!
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25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Show 4 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Due to the amount of walking on hard and sometimes uneven surfaces we do not recommend the tour for guests with mobility problems (unless using wheelchair)

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Curious Tales of the Royal Mile – Private Walking Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-90592P19

Reviews

5.00
3 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 3 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
3
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 31 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • All guiding and commentary on this 4-5 hour outdoor tour
  • Tea and coffeeWe have an optional refreshment stop, but food and drinks are not inclusive.

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Due to the amount of walking on hard and sometimes uneven surfaces we do not recommend the tour for guests with mobility problems (unless using wheelchair)
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

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Free Cancellation

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100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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