Mercat tour
Treasures of the Old Town
In summary
- Meander through the ancient, picturesque closes and gardens of Edinburgh’s Canongate
- Hear the lesser known tales of fascinating and often scandalous events that took place in the lower section of the Royal Mile (which contains more historic buildings than the upper half!)
- Delve into the escapades of famed Edinburgh characters like Mary, Queen of Scots
- Explore Palace of Holyroodhouse, His Majesty the King’s official residence in Scotland (optional add on)
- Mercat exclusive audio devices - be immersed and get lost in the stories...
- Choosing Mercat is 'Good for you, Good for Edinburgh' - our team, community and planet
About this tour
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
Enquire about Treasures of the Old Town
Tour details
Dates & times
Private group bookings
Reconnect with friends and family on a tour just for you. Book online now, or we're happy to help on email groups@mercattours.com
Details
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Donate to help us reconnect vulnerable communities through storytelling - learn more about Our Stories, Your City.
- Everyone has a warm welcome from us;
- NEW FOR 2023; local Edinburgh residents eligible for concession rates (EH postcodes)
- Complimentary tickets are available for carers, to book call us on 0131 225 5445.
- Read how we include you here
- See our Euan's Guide Reviews.
- Language: English. Learn more on our FAQs
If you are a returning visitor and booked directly through Mercat Tours, you’re eligible for our Returner’s Reward
Duration
- 1 hours 45 minutes
Step count
- 2000
Tour location
- Start point: Mercat Cross, High Street
- End point: Holyrood Palace, Canongate
Need help booking?
Get in touch with us and one of our experts will be able to give you advice on our tours.
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Morning/Afternoon
Souvenir Guidebooks
Don't forget to buy a Mercat Tours souvenir guidebook with your ticket.
See insideAwards
