The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour
Overview
Join the intrepid duo, Clart (as in muck!) and our clean-hankied intellectual Mcbrain, who will lead you on a brilliant and witty dramatic romp through the wynds, courtyards and pubs of Edinburgh's Old and New Town. A Hilarious duel of wits across three hundred years of great writing and colourful characters.
The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour incorporates a dramatic script performed by two professional actors, not tour guides reading from books. The tour reaches beyond the well-known figures of Burns, Scott and Stevenson and includes some of the most colourful, literary characters who have added humour and wit throughout the ages to the unique tavern life of The Old and The New Town.
This award winning Tour was the first literary tour launched in Edinburgh in 1996! It has since carried more than 500,000 satisfied customers on a dramatic literary trail across Edinburgh. It's regarded by many as a pioneer, and a "Must-see" cultural attraction in guide books throughout the world.
What's Included
- By professional actors
- Alcoholic beverages Alcoholic Beverages
Meeting Location
18-20 Grassmarket
Edinburgh EH1 2JU, UK
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
35 Hanover Street
Edinburgh EH2 2PJ, UK
The end point of the tour varies depending on group size and weather etc but generally we aim to finish up in The West-End in "The New Town". Please drop us an email if you need to know in advance or speak with our actors on the night.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Edinburgh Old Town
2 hours Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-170517P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.72 out of 5 stars based on 491 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- By professional actors.
- Alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic Beverages.
The minimum age to participate is 18..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- By professional actors
- Alcoholic beveragesAlcoholic Beverages
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers
