Historical Walking Tours in Edinburgh

Explore the rich history of Scotland’s capital with our expert-led Edinburgh walking tours. At Heritage Guides, our experienced historians and guides bring Edinburgh’s past to life through immersive storytelling, historical insights, and engaging walking tour experiences.

Nighttime cityscape of Edinburgh, Scotland with illuminated historic buildings and Edinburgh Castle on a hill, under a cloudy sky.

History of Edinburgh

Discover the rich history of Scotland’s capital with our expert-led Edinburgh walking tours. Our guided walking tours in Edinburgh bring the city’s past to life through engaging storytelling, historical insights, and immersive experiences across its most iconic landmarks.

Our Edinburgh Guided Walking Tours

Looking for the best Edinburgh walking tours? Our expert guides and historians lead immersive guided walking tours through the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and some of Scotland’s most important historic landmarks.

A castle atop a rocky hill with snow, viewed behind a colorful fountain with statues, in winter.

Old Town Edinburgh Walking Tour

Step into the heart of Edinburgh's historic center. Travel through time as you explore the famous streets of the Royal Mile, hear stories of the city's past residents, and discover how Edinburgh developed from a medieval settlement into Scotland's capital.

Duration: 90 minutes

£250 (group of 20)

£160 (group up to 10)

£22.50 (individual)

Old Town Edinburgh Walking Tour
View of Edinburgh Castle with visitors outside on a clear day

Edinburgh Castle Walking Tour

Discover the history behind Scotland's most iconic landmark. Perched high above the city skyline, Edinburgh Castle has played a central role in Scotland's history for centuries as a royal residence, military stronghold, treasury, and prison.

Duration: 90 minutes

£250 (group of 20)

£160 (group up to 10)

Edinburgh Castle Walking Tour
A large historic castle on a hill overlooking a calm lake during sunset, with pink and purple clouds in the sky.

Linlithgow Palace Historical Tour

Visit the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots on our guided tour of Linlithgow Palace, one of Scotland's most historically important royal residences. This 16thcentury palace played a key role in Scottish royal history.

Duration: 90 minutes

£250 (group up to 20)

£160 (group up to 10)

Linlithgow Palace Historical Tour
A historic stone castle surrounded by green grass and trees, with a bright blue sky and some clouds.

Craigmillar Castle Tour

Often described as Edinburgh's best-kept secret, Craigmillar Castle is one of Scotland's best preserved medieval castles. Explore the dramatic stories behind the castle and its connection to Mary Queen of Scots.

Duration: 90 minutes

£250 (group of 20)

£160 (group up to 10)

Craigmillar Castle Tour
Low-angle view of a tall brick chimney with black metal bands around it, set against cloudy sky.

Portobello's Story Walking Tour

Discover the fascinating history of Portobello, one of Edinburgh's most charming seaside neighbourhoods. Explore Victorian heritage and cultural landmarks.

Looking for unique walking tours in Edinburgh? Our Portobello walking tour explores the history, architecture, and seaside heritage of one of Edinburgh's most charming neighbourhoods.

Tour Highlights

1 Portobello History
Victorian seaside heritage and charm

2 Famous Residents
Sean Connery, William McGonagall

3 Portobello Town Hall
Historic civic building

4 George Cinema
Historic cinema landmark

5 Harry Lauder
Stories of famous entertainers

6 Seaside Views
Beautiful coastal scenery

Duration: 90 minutes

£250 (group of 20)

£160 (group up to 10)

£22.50 (individual)

Meeting Point
Portobello Town Hall East Entrance

Portobello's Story Walking Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Our Edinburgh walking tours explore the city's most iconic landmarks, including the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, historic closes, and hidden streets. Led by expert historians, each tour combines engaging storytelling with fascinating historical insights.

  • Most Edinburgh walking tours last between 90 minutes and 2 hours, giving visitors plenty of time to discover the city's history, architecture, and famous landmarks at a comfortable pace.

  • Depending on the tour selected, highlights may include the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, St Giles' Cathedral, the Old Town, historic closes, and other important sites connected to Scotland's rich history.

  • Yes. Our guided walking tours are suitable for families, couples, solo travellers, and groups. The tours are designed to be engaging, educational, and enjoyable for visitors of all ages.

  • Yes. We offer private walking tours for families, schools, corporate groups, and visitors looking for a personalised historical experience in Edinburgh.

  • A guided walking tour allows you to experience Edinburgh's history through expert storytelling and local knowledge. Our historians bring the city's people, events, and landmarks to life, creating a far more immersive experience than exploring alone.

  • The Royal Mile is Edinburgh's most famous historic street, connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It is home to centuries of Scottish history, iconic landmarks, and many of the city's most fascinating stories.