Edinburgh's Brewing History: Holyrood Distillery Tour
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Overview
Holyrood Distillery Brewing & Distilling Heritage Walking Tour takes one on a journey through Edinburgh's rich brewing past, exploring forgotten breweries in the city's Southside. This walking tour unveils how the brewing industry shaped Edinburgh, sharing stories of the infamous ‘Charmed Circle’.
The tour starts at the Distillery Courtyard and winds through Edinburgh's Southside and Pleasance, making its way towards the historic Royal Mile and Canongate. Along the way, discover iconic landmarks while learning about Edinburgh's brewing and distilling heritage. The tour includes alcoholic beverages.
The experience culminates with a tasting session, featuring traditional heather ale, a modern Edinburgh-brewed beer, and a dram of Holyrood Distillery single malt whisky. This small-group tour ensures a personalized experience. With expert guides, a curated route, and a taste of local flavors, this tour offers a unique glimpse into Edinburgh's cultural identity. It's important to note that this experience does not include anything else other than alcoholic beverages, so plan accordingly.
Highlights
Explore Edinburgh's Brewing History: Walk through Edinburgh's Southside and discover the city's forgotten breweries.
Taste Local Flavors: Enjoy a tasting session with traditional heather ale, modern beer, and single malt whisky.
Discover the 'Charmed Circle': Hear fascinating stories about the infamous 'Charmed Circle' and its impact on the city.
Small Group Experience: Enjoy a more personalized tour with a small group.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally enjoyed the tour, appreciating the informative guide and the tasting experience. Some suggest improvements regarding tour length and seating.

Customers loved learning about the brewing process.
Many enjoyed the different drink samples.
Visitors found the guide knowledgeable and engaging.
People appreciated the walk through historical areas.
Some found the tour length a bit long.
A few wished for more seating during the tasting.
The Journey
Distillery Courtyard
Begin your adventure in the Distillery Courtyard, the atmospheric heart of a working distillery where centuries of tradition meet modern craftsmanship. Feel the pulse of production as you anticipate the sensory pleasures to come. The courtyard offers a unique glimpse into the art of distillation, setting the stage for an immersive whisky and beer tasting experience. Explore the aromas and history that make each sip a journey in itself. This is more than just a drink; it's a taste of Scottish heritage.
Edinburgh's Southside and Pleasance
Wander through Edinburgh's Southside and Pleasance, two vibrant districts brimming with student life, diverse eateries, and a palpable energy. Explore the University of Edinburgh's historic buildings, browse independent shops, and soak in the bohemian atmosphere. From the bustling streets to the hidden green spaces, discover the unique character of these areas before ascending to the Royal Mile. Pleasance, known for its association with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, buzzes with artistic spirit year-round, offering a taste of the city's dynamic cultural scene.
Royal Mile
Ascend the historic Royal Mile, the beating heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. This iconic street, connecting Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, is steeped in history and brimming with iconic landmarks. Explore its charming closes and wynds, discover hidden courtyards, and immerse yourself in the stories of kings, queens, and commoners who once walked these very stones. From street performers to traditional shops, the Royal Mile offers a vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and experiences, transporting you back in time to the heart of Scotland's capital.
Canongate
Descend into the Canongate, a historic district that forms the lower section of the Royal Mile, steeped in tales of royalty and intrigue. Explore its grand architecture, including the iconic Canongate Kirk and the Scottish Parliament building. Discover the hidden gems within its narrow streets, and feel the weight of history in every stone. Once a separate burgh, the Canongate maintains a distinct character, offering a quieter, more intimate experience of Edinburgh's Old Town, and leads towards the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes alcoholic beverages. It does not include any additional items not specified in the inclusions. Please meet at the Distillery Courtyard to begin the tour. Be prepared for a walking tour of moderate intensity through Edinburgh's historic areas.
Hot Tip
Many reviewers suggest wearing comfortable shoes for the walking portion of the tour. Some advise eating beforehand since the tour includes alcohol tastings.