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Highlights from the Royal Mile: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

3 Reviews 4.67 out of 5 stars Based on 3 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Edinburgh, Scotland
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 18 (0) days in advance.

60 to 75 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Tune into ancient and modern Scottish tales on one of Europe’s oldest streets with this affordable walking tour and the industry-leading VoiceMap mobile app.

• See historical sights along all four sections of the Royal Mile and find out about the city’s stench in the 1500s, and how far it traveled
• Hear from producer Martin Donnelly, a Senior Teaching Fellow and Edinburgh local
• Do it all in an hour or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
️• Use the virtual tour option at home

Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.

The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

What's Included

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English
  • VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Transportation
  • Food and drink
See 3 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Edinburgh EH1 2ND
UK

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Canongate
Edinburgh EH8 8DX, UK

The tour ends in front of Holyroodhouse.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation.
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Royal Mile (pass by)

The Royal Mile is one of Europe’s most ancient and famous streets. Along this 1 ¼ mile stretch – a Scot’s mile – crimes have been committed, royals have travelled, and famous folk like Rabbie Burns, Adam Smith and David Hume have met. On this walking tour, I’ll bring some of their stories to life.
Read more

Witches well (pass by)

Starting at the top of Castlehill next to the Witches Well, you’ll hear about Edinburgh Castle’s early days, when a series of infamous witch burnings took place here.
Read more

Edinburgh Castle (pass by)

You’ll hear about Edinburgh Castle’s early days, when a series of infamous witch burnings took place here.
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Castlehill (pass by)

Amble down all four sections of the Royal Mile: Castlehill, Lawnmarket, the High Street, and the old burgh of Canongate
Read more

Lawnmarket (pass by)

Amble down all four sections of the Royal Mile: Castlehill, Lawnmarket, the High Street, and the old burgh of Canongate
Read more

Deacon Brodie's Tavern (pass by)

I’ll show you the former residence of the gentleman robber, Deacon Brodie, the inspiration behind Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
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Old Tolbooth Wynd (pass by)

This self-guided audio tour takes you past the Old Tolbooth Wynd. You'll hear its history while you walk.
Read more

Heart of Midlothian (pass by)

Stroll around St Giles Cathedral, home to the Old Tolbooth, the Heart of Midlothian mosaic, and a statue of Charles II
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St Giles' Cathedral (pass by)

Stroll around St Giles Cathedral, home to the Old Tolbooth, the Heart of Midlothian mosaic, and a statue of Charles II
Read more

Charles II statue (pass by)

Stroll around St Giles Cathedral, home to the Old Tolbooth, the Heart of Midlothian mosaic, and a statue of Charles II
Read more

Mercat Cross (pass by)

Hear about the priest that was pelted to death by an angry mob, and some of the other terrible deeds that took place in the shadows of the Mercat Cross
Read more

Tron Kirk Market (pass by)

This self-guided audio tour takes you past the Tron Kirk. You'll hear its history while you walk.
Read more

High Street (pass by)

Amble down all four sections of the Royal Mile: Castlehill, Lawnmarket, the High Street, and the old burgh of Canongate
Read more

Paisley Close (pass by)

I’ll also share a few tales about the barbaric punishments meted out to criminals in the 1600s, and the heartwarming story of a young lad pulled from the rubble of the Paisley Close disaster.
Read more

John Knox House Museum (pass by)

You’ll hear about religious figures like John Knox, ​​a leading figure in the Scottish Protestant Reformation, and royal tragedies like the execution of Mary Queen of Scots.
Read more

The Netherbow (pass by)

See Netherbow Port, once the main gate between Edinburgh and Canongate
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Canongate Kirk (pass by)

This self-guided audio tour takes you past the Canongate Kirk. You'll hear its history while you walk.
Read more

Canongate (pass by)

Amble down all four sections of the Royal Mile: Castlehill, Lawnmarket, the High Street, and the old burgh of Canongate
Read more

Palace of Holyroodhouse (pass by)

The tour ends at the end of Canongate in front of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Read more

Old Town (pass by)

Enjoy this entertaining and informative 45-minute stroll into the heart – and history – of the Old Town.
Read more
Show 19 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please note: You won't be guided through any museums or other attractions mentioned en route. If you choose to enter and visit such places, you'll need to pay for it independently of this tour.

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Highlights from the Royal Mile: A Self-Guided Audio Tour?

A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-110804P555

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.67
3 reviews

Average 4.67 out of 5 stars based on 3 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
2
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 18 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English
  • VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Transportation
  • Food and drink

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please note: You won't be guided through any museums or other attractions mentioned en route. If you choose to enter and visit such places, you'll need to pay for it independently of this tour.

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