Treasures of the Old Town

History walk in Edinburgh

Explore the hidden treasures of the Royal Mile – and let your expert guide unlock the history of this ancient seat of power. Discover the lesser known history of the Canongate, and the glorious Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Unearth a pathway to Holyrood Palace that escapes the notice of history books and Edinburgh bus tours. Explore a lesser known but equally captivating side of Edinburgh Old Town’s vibrant history as you journey down the quiet closes of the Royal Mile.

Your expert tour Storyteller will immerse you in the rich, engaging history of the rebellious Jacobites clattering over the cobbles, led by a proud Bonnie Prince Charlie. You’ll explore the closes, courtyards and hidden gardens of the Canongate, once a thriving town in its own right. Discover the stories of the people who lived here, from the nobility in their fine houses, to the writers and poets who made this their home and the Guilds and trademen who worked in these streets.

In the hands of your gifted Storyteller on this walking tour, you’ll find that romance and intrigue are everywhere – in the architecture, literature, crime and politics, on the very doorstep of the Queen’s Palace.

From rebels to royalty

Explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse, equipped with your newly acquired knowledge of the Canongate’s history.

At the conclusion of your tour, you have the option for fast track entry and 15min introduction to the glorious Palace of Holyroodhouse if selected at point of purchase. You are then free to explore the 14 magnificent state apartments, as well as the romantic ruins of the 12th Century Holyrood Abbey, at your own pace.

Long before the Palace was used by His Majesty the King for modern day royal ceremonies, it was the setting for many dramatic episodes in the short reign of Mary, Queen of Scots, which you’ll hear all about during this tour.

The full Treasures of the Old Town with an introduction to the Palace of Holyroodhouse from your storyteller, takes 1 hour 45 mins – simply choose this option when you book.  We recommend planning on an additional 1.5 hours to visit the Palace.

Prefer to join us for the 1.5 hour walking tour without the Palace?  That’s absolutely fine – there’s plenty of history to explore in Edinburgh’s Old Town.

This tour explores the lower half of the Royal Mile. Want to know more about High Street and Lawnmarket? Try our Secrets of the Royal Mile tour where you can visit Edinburgh Castle. 
 

Palace image photographer: Ian Jones. Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2018