The Scottish Parliament buildings are just a touch further along the Royal Mile. Visit them afterwards to see where history is made
Found on the Royal Mile, just opposite the Tolbooth clock, at first glance the Museum of Edinburgh doesn’t look like much. Set in the diminutive Huntly House, its cheerful red and yellow façade remains bright even on the greyest of days. Built in 1570, the house now celebrates Edinburgh’s past, from prehistory to the present day.
It’s a deceptive building: from the outside it appears small, but inside it is labyrinthine, a rabbit’s warren with little rooms full of treasures leading from one to the next. You could spend hours poring over their collections, which cover a range of the artistic and the historical. Several rooms demonstrate Scotland’s craftsmanship, with silver and glassware from past centuries. They also have an original copy of the National Covenant of 1638 — you can try to decipher some of the signatures. And of course it would not be complete without some oddities, such as the firebrand preacher John Knox’s spectacles.
Man’s best friend
Among said oddities are the dog collar and feeding bowl of Greyfriars Bobby, the city’s most famous canine citizen. One version of his story paints him as a loyal 19th century hound once owned by Constable John Gray. As the story goes, when his master died he spent every day of the next 14 years by his grave, winning the hearts of Edinburgh’s citizens with his loyalty.
Two-faced
Deacon Brodie was a respected furniture maker for the well-to-do of 1780s Edinburgh. He lived beyond his means, though, and turned to burglary. He and his gang copied keys to public buildings which they would rob during the night. He was eventually caught and hanged on the Royal Mile. Robert Louis Stevenson was inspired by Brodie’s double life, and went on to write Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
Explore the cobbled alleyways of the Royal Mile, uncovering the culture and history of Edinburgh's Old Town in the heart of Scotland's historic capital. Take a walk down the mile-long street in the Old Town of Edinburgh, which connects Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. The name was given to the location in the 15th century when King James IV began a royal palace at the bottom of Castlehill and undertook large-scale rebuilding along the route.
On your private tour, you will:
This tour is the perfect introductory tour for anyone arriving in Edinburgh for the first time. On your tour, you will visit Edinburgh’s main thoroughfare running through Old Town, from Edinburgh Castle to the beautiful Palace of Holyrood House.
Be completely immersed in the rich Scottish history that is ever-present amongst the medieval labyrinth of cobblestone alleyways and tenements. Home to the fascinating St Giles Cathedral, Parliament Square and John Knox House, The Royal Mile is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of secrets not to be missed.
Whilst exploring Old Town, one cannot help but notice Edinburgh Castle looming over the city. Your expert local guide will tell you about the fascinating history of this enigmatic fortress, including many of the bloody battles that took place here, such as the War of Independence between Scotland and England in the 14th Century, as well as its present-day use as headquarters for the Scottish Division.
Your tour finishes at Calton Hill, where we recommend you climb to explore the views at your own leisure.
With one dormant volcano, seven hills, clusters of cobbled streets and tantalising vistas waiting around every bend, Edinburgh is a fabulous place for a wander - especially with a private tour guide. Discover the history and beauty of Edinburgh's cobbled streets as you explore Medieval Old Town and Neoclassical New Town. Take a stroll down Edinburgh's streets and alleys, discovering its fascinating history and rich culture, with highlights including the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh Castle and much more.
On your private, full-day tour you will:
A tour of Edinburgh would not be complete without a visit to Scotland’s most famous historic attraction: Edinburgh Castle. Here you will learn about the fascinating history of this mysterious castle. Stop to enjoy lunch at your leisure (price not included). Your guide will be happy to point out the best place whenever you're ready to give your legs a rest and grab a leisurely bite.
You will have the chance to view the Scottish Parliament, one of the most controversial buildings in Scotland given its construction going 10 times over budget, and admire the grand Palace of Holyroodhouse, home to the Monarchy in Scotland. The breathtaking view from Calton Hill will make you fall in love with the Scottish capital forever.
Venturing into the beautiful neoclassical New Town, built in the 18th Century, enjoy a true marvel of urban planning. As you walk through the main streets and squares of Edinburgh's New Town, you will find yourself impressed by the lavish 18th-century neoclassical and Georgian architecture. Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the beautiful Princes Street Gardens, which lies at the centre of Edinburgh's World Heritage Site.
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