Edinburgh , Scotland

Private Edinburgh Family Walking Tour

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About this experience

Discover Edinburgh with our exclusive family tour, designed to entertain both young and adults. Have fun and learn with our expert guides!

-Explore medieval cobbled lanes and find out what life was like in Medieval Edinburgh
-Walk up to Edinburgh Castle and learn about sieges and battles, kings and queens.
-Check out the statue of Greyfriars Bobby, Edinburgh's most loyal dog
-Find out about Scottish traditions
- Discover the dark side of the city: underground passages, witches and ghosts (for the brave ones..)
- Hear about the mythical creatures of Scottish folklore (yes, including the Loch Ness monster…)
-Follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter: it's all about magic!

Kids will receive a travel booklet to carry along the tour. This includes a range of interactive activities, such as games, quizzes, and scavenger hunts.

Available options

Private Edinburgh Family Walking Tour

What's included

Guide

Activity booklet for each kid on the tour

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We will start our tour from the Royal Mile. We'll introduce you to the history of the city and its topography. We'll take you to explore the 'closes', mysterious looking dark alleyways.

After exploring the closes, we will stop in front of the Mercat Cross. Yes, there is a cute unicorn at the top of it. We will learn what the unicorn meant for Scotland and we'll dive deeper into Scottish folklore.

Stop 3

Next to the Mercat cross we will see St. Giles Cathedral. Do you know what gargoyles were used for and how many can you spot above the entrance?

Can you find the stone heart neart St. Giles Cathedral? Here's the hint: look on the ground! We will talk about the heart, its meaning and history.

From St. Giles Cathedral we will take a short walk along the Royal Mile to reach Makar's Court. Here we'll find the Writer's Museum. Can you name Scotland's most famous writers?

From the Writers Museum, we will walk to the esplanade of Edinburgh castle. The castle is one of the oldest buildings in the city! Get ready to hear about kings and queens, battles and sieges.

Stop 7

From the castle esplanade, we will reach the Grassmarket, a large plaza famous for its pubs. This was a grassy area in the past. Can you guess what used to happen here? Brace yourself!

Just around the corner from the Grassmarket we will find one of the most picturesque and colourful streets of Edinburgh: Victoria St. We will take some minutes to admire the street and take some pictures.

A short walk from Victoria Street and through Candlemaker Row, will lead us to one of spookiest sites of the city: the historical graveyard! Here we will recall the stories of bodysnatchers, ghosts and much more! From the gates of the graveyard, we will also see one of oldest schools of the city, George Heriot. Can you believe this school is almost 400 years old?

Just outside of the graveyard we will find the statue of Edinburgh's most loyal dog: Bobby!

What's not included

Coffee and/or Tea

Snacks

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

You will meet your guide outside of Fringe Shop on the Royal Mile.

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is a city of historic and cultural significance. Known for its medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town, both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Edinburgh offers a unique blend of ancient and modern. The city is famous for its annual festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe, and its iconic Edinburgh Castle.

Top Attractions

Edinburgh Castle

A historic fortress that dominates the city's skyline. It houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

Historical 2-3 hours £18 (adult), £11 (child)

Royal Mile

A historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Lined with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

Historical/Cultural Several hours to explore fully Free to walk, attractions vary

Arthur's Seat

An extinct volcano offering panoramic views of the city. A popular spot for hiking and outdoor activities.

Nature/Adventure 1-2 hours (hike) Free

The Royal Yacht Britannia

The former royal yacht of the British monarchy, now a museum docked in Edinburgh's port.

Historical 2 hours £19 (adult), £10 (child)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Haggis

A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's offal, oats, and spices, typically served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).

Main Course Not vegetarian or vegan.

Scotch Pie

A small, double-crust meat pie filled with minced mutton or beef.

Snack Contains meat.

Cranachan

A traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, honey, and toasted oats.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten.

Irn-Bru

Scotland's iconic bright orange, fizzy soft drink with a unique flavor.

Drink Contains caffeine and sugar.

Popular Activities

Hiking Arthur's Seat Kayaking on the Water of Leith Cycling the National Cycle Network Afternoon tea at The Dome Visiting the Royal Botanic Garden Strolling along Princes Street Gardens Exploring the National Museum of Scotland Visiting the Scottish National Gallery

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season, with long daylight hours and numerous festivals. The weather is generally pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions.

15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) 59°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Scottish Gaelic
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Edinburgh is generally safe for tourists, but as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of your surroundings at night
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air

Edinburgh Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center

By train

Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh Haymarket

By bus

Edinburgh Bus Station (Stance 20)

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and frequent bus services cover the entire city. Key routes include the Airlink 100 to the airport.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FREE NOW

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town New Town Leith

Day trips

Lothian

10-20 km (6-12 miles) • Half day to full day

Lothian offers a mix of historic sites, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activities. Visit historic castles, explore picturesque villages, and enjoy the beautiful countryside.

Fife

30-50 km (18-31 miles) • Full day

Fife is known for its beautiful coastline, historic towns, and the famous St. Andrews, home to the University of St. Andrews and the Old Course golf course.

Stirling

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

Stirling is a historic city known for its castle and its role in Scottish history. It's a great destination for history enthusiasts and those interested in Scotland's past.

Festivals

Edinburgh Festival Fringe • August Edinburgh International Festival • August Hogmanay • December 31

Pro tips

Visit the camera obscura for a unique view of the city
Explore the underground closes for a glimpse into Edinburgh's past
Try a whisky tasting at one of the city's many whisky bars
Walk the Royal Mile at night for a quieter and more atmospheric experience
Visit the National Museum of Scotland for a comprehensive overview of the city's history and culture