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Free tour

The Eccentric and Irrational History of Edinburgh

Duration: 1h and 15min
Languages: English
Guru: Brian
Quality Verified Registered on December 09, 2019

Hello, my name is Brian and I've been guiding in Edinburgh, Scotland and London for 15 years and very much enjoy showing this fabulous city of Edinburgh to the world. I spent 11 years working at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queens Official Residence in Scotland, before studying in London for a year to gain a Special Diploma in Tour Guiding. Today, my focus is on Edinburgh and Scotland and I love learning more about this beautiful city and country.

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  • No minimum number of attendees
    No minimum number of attendees is required for the tour
  • Free booking and cancellation
    Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free
  • Accepts electronic payment
    This tour allows payment by electronic means or credit card

Tour description

Hello to you all. My name is Brian and I welcome you to Edinburgh. I would like to introduce and show you the History of Edinburgh's Old Town.  Above all else this is a history tour for adults.  The big companies will show you the normal subjects. Castle, Church, Palace.  What I plan to tell you about is some of the crazy stories Edinburgh has in its past. 

What is in this walking tour? 

  • The cabinet maker who was a rampant thief.  
  • The innocent woman who escaped the hangman
  • The Edinburgh horror relationship
  • The scientist who had a great time experimenting 
  • The Edinburgh banker who helped a population explosion.  


The tour ends on the Royal Mile, minutes from attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, St. Giles Cathedral, and King Charles Palace of Holyroodhouse. 

Come to Edinburgh, and enjoy the big sites but after this tour walk away with enjoyment and knowledge of much more that will make you want to come back again and enjoy this city. 

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Highlights

What will we visit on this tour?

  • Meeting point:
    Parliament Square, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, UK
    Parliament Square, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, UK
    View on map

    I will be outside the Cafe Nero coffee shop next to St Giles Church in the centre of the Royal Mile looking forward to meeting you for our tour.

  • 1
    Outside visit
    1 Parliament Square

    This is our meeting place. It is on The Royal Mile, right in the centre of Edinburgh. The actual meeting area is next to St Giles Church outside a Cafe Nero coffee shop. I'll be in jeans, green Dr Marten boots and with a black umbrella.

  • 2
    Outside visit
    Lady Stair's Close

    In Lady Stair's Close, a small street off Edinburgh's Royal Mile we'll all about a man called Deacon or William Brodie. A respected man by day, a criminal by night.

  • 3
    Outside visit
    Maggie Dicksons pub

    The story of Maggie Dickson and how she rightly escaped an unjust punishment in 18th century Scotland.

  • 4
    Outside visit
    Grassmarket, Edinburgh

    The story of two wild Irishmen and how their questionable morals helped modern science.

  • 5
    Outside visit
    Forrest Road

    Discover about Edinburgh's 18th century banker and how he seems to help populate Edinburgh.

  • 6
    Outside visit
    Lauriston Place

    Here about the tragic love story from 18th century Edinburgh that took place in nearby Morningside. Today a genteel part of Edinburgh.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

4.57
Acceptable
(49 ratings)
By category
Professionalism
4.73
Entertainment
4.2
Expression
4.39
Information
4.68
Route
4.56
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Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Non suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Accepts reservations up to 11 people.
Pets
Suitable for carrying pets.

What should you know?

Additional costs:
The tour does not require the payment of entrance fees or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you will not be able to attend the tour, please cancel your booking, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Electronic or credit card payment is accepted.
When do you want to go?
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