Free tour

Edinburgh Free Walking Tour: A Walk Through History

4.75

Good(12)

Edinburgh

Duration: 2 hours

Languages: English

Guru: Iain

Registered on 12 May 2022

Hello! My name is Iain, and I’ll be your guide. I am Scottish, and live in Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders. I'm a keen amatuer historian and will tell you all about Scottish history, culture, politics and society, on my guided walk along Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Please join me!

Free reservation and cancellation

Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free

Tour description

A walking tour of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, via:
St Giles Cathedral
Old Scottish Parliament
Mercat Cross and The Royal Exchange
The Tron Kirk
Canongate Kirk
The Scottish Parliament
Holyrood Palace

And stories from Scottish and British history:
The Reformation
Mary Queen of Scots
The Birth of British Democracy
The Union of Scotland and England
The Jacobites

In 2026, my tours will operate on some dates April to June, more often in July and August. The dates will be updated regularly, so keep checking the calendar.

I will tell you about different buildings along the route, and stories of Scottish history:

What led to Scotland's protestant reformation, and who was John Knox? He's buried under a car park, I'll show you where.

What happened to Mary Queen of Scots?

King James conducted witch trials. Then moved to London. Why?

The signing of The National Covenant in Edinburgh led to the execution of King Charles I in London. I will explain.

The Dutch invaded England and deposed the King. Really? Yes, it's true!

How did British democracy start?

Scotland joined England in a United Kingdom. Is it love?

And who were the Jacobites?

And in the 21st century:

Will Scotland become an independent country?

Did Scotland vote for Brexit?

Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:

Queensberry Memorial to Walter Scott, W Parliament Sq, Edinburgh EH1 1RN, UK

The meeting point is beside the statue of Walter Francis Montagu Douglas Scott in West Parliament Square, in front of St. Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh EH1 1RN. Your guide will be holding a blue and white umbrella, in the design of a Scottish flag.

Outside visit

West Parliament Square, Edinburgh EH1 2RN

The walk starts in West Parliament Square, in front of St. Giles Cathedral. Hear about Scotland's religious reformation and its importance in defining the Scottish nation.

Outside visit

Parliament Square, Edinburgh EH1 1RF

Outside Scotland's historic Old Parliament Hall, and next to the Statue of Charles II, learn about Scotland in the 17th century, leading to union with England.

Outside visit

Adam Smith Statue, Royal Mile, Edinburgh

Walk by the statue of Adam Smith, and hear about his relevance to Scottish history, and to events in today's world. Walk down The Royal Mile.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours don't have a fixed price. At the end, each person contributes to the guide the amount they consider fair based on their satisfaction. As a guideline, Guruwalk recommends between €15 and $50 per participant.