Tales of the Royal Mile - St. Giles to Tron Kirk

Edinburgh , Scotland

Tales of the Royal Mile - St. Giles to Tron Kirk

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About this experience

If you like your history a little deeper and more unusual, these new walking tours of the Royal Mile may be perfect!

Building on more than six years of unbroken five star reviews for his private touring, your guide Dr Moray Grigor will be delighted to welcome you into the rich and strange history of Scotland’s capital, as he brings you traditional tales of the Royal Mile and the events and characters which shaped it.

In this central section of the Royal Mile (Tuesday tour), we’ll be hearing of jailbreaks, civil wars, Jacobites, disappearing wigs, smelly deluges, Gaelic poets, hero firemasters, and Edinburgh’s greatest society beauty – not to mention three of Edinburgh’s ‘gifts’ to the world!

Hear the sounds of Scots and Gaelic poetry and song (with translation), and tales that will stir the imagination and bring our history to life.

Experience the care, attention and warm Edinburgh welcome that brought six years of unbroken five stars!

Available options

Tales of the Royal Mile - St. Giles to Tron Kirk

What's included

Full guiding services

Detailed itinerary

This Edinburgh icon, a heart-shaped pattern of cobblestones, marks the door site of our ancient jail; here we'll hear of famous inmates and daring escapes.

Stop 2

Outside St. Giles, we'll hear the story of the thrown stool that ignited a civil war, as well as hearing of the Church's own fascinating history. (No internal visit to the Cathedral in the tour)

Closes are the alleyways of Edinburgh's Old Town, and we'll be exploring the picturesque Advocate's Close as well as many others as we discover our Tales of the Royal Mile.

In this handsome complex we'll hear stories of Mary, Queen of Scots, who was imprisoned on the site, as well as pioneer geologist Hugh Miller, who worked here. We'll hear the story of the building's origins, and it's early teething troubles!

Here at Edinburgh's ancient centre where proclamations were made, we'll share stories of Bonnie Prince Charlie's time in the city, and meet the 'Caddies' - the street porters whose base this was.

Father of Economics Adam Smith lived in the Royal Mile, and is celebrated by this statue, where we'll hear stories of him and his great friend David Hume, leading lights of Edinburgh's 'golden age'.

We'll view from outside this handsome church, dating back to the reign of King Charles I, and hear stories of its role as Edinburgh's great Hogmanay celebration spot. Next door in Hunter Square we'll hear a tale from the restoration of King Charles II, starring a famous Edinburgh lady we met earlier on the tour!

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

This is a large statue on a plinth, near to the main (West) door of St. Giles' Cathedral.

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