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

1 Review 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 1 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Edinburgh, Scotland
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from $9.99 per person

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On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.
60 to 70 minutes (approx.)
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Overview

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

  • 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
  • Tickets to optional attractions en route
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Canongate
Edinburgh EH8 8DX, UK

Show on Google Maps

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

End point

Castlehill
Edinburgh EH1 2NG, UK

The tour ends at Edinburgh Castle.

What To Expect

Palace of Holyroodhouse (Pass By)

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.
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White Horse Close (Pass By)

As you pass through this quaint courtyard, learn about its historical significance and how Queen Mary kept her horses here.
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Canongate Kirk (Pass By)

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.
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Huntly House (Pass By)

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.
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Mercat Cross (Pass By)

Pause at this traditional market cross, a focal point for public announcements. Imagine proclamations being read out here during Mary’s reign.
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John Knox House Museum (Pass By)

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.
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St Giles' Cathedral (Pass By)

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

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

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.
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Riddle's Court (Pass By)

Pass by this historic courtyard where Mary’s court once met. The beautifully preserved architecture offers a window into the past.
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Gladstone's Land (Pass By)

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.
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Witches well (Pass By)

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

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.
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Show 11 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Please bring your own smartphone and headphones
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided 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.

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Activity code: C-110804P748

Reviews

5.00
1 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 1 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
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1 star
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On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided 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).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is 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.
  • Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start.
  • Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour.
The following is NOT included:
  • Tickets to optional attractions en route.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 6..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Please bring your own smartphone and headphones
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • 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
  • Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
  • Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
  • Tickets to optional attractions en route

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Please bring your own smartphone and headphones
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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  • If you find a lower retail or prepaid rate for the same tour, offered on the same date, time and priced in the same currency as your original purchase, on any other website between the time you book on City Boat Tours and 48 hours before your trip starts, we will refund the difference.
  • The lowest price guarantee does not apply where a lower overall price is found by breaking down the purchased tour into one or more parts sold separately.
  • City Boat Tours reserves the right to verify the lower price details. Examples of acceptable forms of verification include a web screenshot or a web address.
  • All refund decisions will be made at the sole discretion of City Boat Tours.

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).

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