Royal Mile Tales: Edinburgh History Walking Tour
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Overview
Tales of the Royal Mile - Lawnmarket and Castle Hill offers a unique exploration into the darker, more unusual corners of Edinburgh's history. Led by Dr. Moray Grigor, this walking tour dives into the rich and strange stories of Scotland’s capital, bringing traditional tales of the Royal Mile and its historic events and characters to life. With over six years of five-star reviews for his private tours, Dr. Grigor offers an engaging and unforgettable experience.
Participants can expect to uncover hidden histories within the upper section of the Royal Mile. The tour includes stories of drunken judges, secret clubs, religious fanatics, rebellious women, fake news, and philosophers. Guests will also hear about sieges and even the strange tale of a pet blackbird's arrest! Weather permitting, the tour may include views from the Castle Esplanade, offering a unique vantage point of Edinburgh's iconic landscape.
Key stops along the way include Adam Smith's Edinburgh, the Infamous Tavern of Edinburgh, the Royal Mile Back Courts and Characters, Upper Royal Mile where guests will learn about Johnson and Edinburgh's Water Crisis, and Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. The tour guiding services are included, offering a deep dive into Edinburgh's vibrant past. This experience does not include personal expenses.




Highlights
Hear Fascinating Stories: Discover unusual and captivating tales from Edinburgh's rich history.
Explore Key Royal Mile Sites: Visit historic spots like Adam Smith's Edinburgh and the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.
Led by an Expert Guide: Enjoy a tour led by Dr. Moray Grigor, known for his engaging storytelling and five-star tours.
Experience Scottish Culture: Listen to Scots and Gaelic poetry and song, bringing Scotland's history to life.
Small Group Walking Tour: Get a personalized small-group experience through the streets of Edinburgh.
Perfect for History Lovers: For those who love historical tours and walking tours.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers really enjoy this walking tour because the guide shares fun stories and interesting facts about Edinburgh. While some found it hard to hear at times and the weather can affect the tour, most people had a great experience.

People love the guide's stories.
Visitors say the tour is fun and interesting.
Customers enjoyed learning new things about Edinburgh.
The guide is very friendly and knows a lot.
Some found it hard to hear the guide sometimes.
The tour is outside, so bad weather can make it less fun.
The Journey
Adam Smith's Edinburgh
Delve into the world of Adam Smith, the father of modern economics, and discover the Edinburgh that shaped his groundbreaking ideas. Explore key locations from his life, from his early struggles to his influential career, and uncover the secrets behind his unconventional treatment for a teenage psychological breakdown. This is more than a history lesson; it's a chance to connect with the mind that revolutionized global economics.
Infamous Tavern of Edinburgh
Step inside a historic Edinburgh tavern and hear the chilling tale of one of the city's most notorious criminals, whose dark deeds inspired Robert Louis Stevenson to create the iconic character of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Explore the shadowed corners and imagine the atmosphere that fueled Stevenson's imagination, connecting literature with Edinburgh's gripping criminal past. Discover a world where fact blurs with fiction, and literary genius is born from real-life darkness.
Royal Mile Back Courts and Characters
Wander through the Royal Mile's hidden back courts, where stories of intriguing historical figures come alive. Meet Weir the Wizard, learn about the pious Bowhead Saints, encounter the aristocratic Lady Stair and Lord Newton, discover the urban planning innovations of Patrick Geddes, and raise a glass to the immortal Rabbie Burns. Experience Edinburgh's rich tapestry of social history, where every alleyway and close whispers tales of eccentric characters and forgotten legacies.
Upper Royal Mile: Johnson and Edinburgh's Water Crisis
Explore the upper reaches of the Royal Mile, where the echoes of Dr. Johnson's literary criticism still resonate. Discover how Edinburgh ingeniously solved its 17th-century water crisis, showcasing the city's resourcefulness and ingenuity. Pass by the former palace of Marie de Guise, mother of Mary, Queen of Scots, and witness a pivotal moment in Scotland's royal history. This stretch of the Royal Mile offers a blend of intellectual history, practical problem-solving, and royal intrigue.
Edinburgh Castle Esplanade
Ascend to the 'top of the town' – the spacious Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. With the majestic castle as your backdrop, gaze across the Lothians and Fife, imagining the scenes witnessed by King James VI, Allan Ramsay, and Bonnie Prince Charlie. Learn about the youthful pastimes of Edinburgh residents before the advent of organized sports, and feel the pulse of history beneath your feet. This panoramic viewpoint offers a sweeping narrative of Scotland's past and a glimpse into its future.
Know Before You Go
This experience includes tour guiding services with Dr. Moray Grigor. It does not include personal expenses, food, or drinks. Please meet your guide at the designated meeting point to begin your exploration of the Royal Mile. The tour focuses on the Lawnmarket and Castle Hill areas, uncovering their unique stories.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes, as this is a walking tour! Also, be prepared for the weather, as Edinburgh can be unpredictable. Some people recommend bringing an umbrella or raincoat, just in case. Try to stay close to the guide so you can hear all the interesting stories and facts!