Private tour in Edinburgh William R
5.0
(10) reviews
2 hours
30 minutes
1
2 hours
30 minutes
1
William R.
5.0
Guide rating
149
Reviews
Tours delivered
4 hrs
Avg. response time
When I show someone around Edinburgh, St Andrews or anywhere in Scotland I want them to feel like they are seeing it with a friend rather than a guide, as a result all my tours are fun and relaxed. There will be stories, a few laughs and as much history as interests you. Everyone wants different things so all my tours are tailored to suit your needs. As well as learning lots about Scotland past and present in an easy to understand manner, we may well end up going for tea, a whisky tasting and most importantly, getting to see spots other travelers don't get to see. Travel is something extremely important to me, it lured me away from a career in science in the UK and led me to working as a photographer for Lonely Planet, various guidebooks, magazines and newspapers. Being based in Tokyo for 11 years where I was lucky enough to travel extensively and see the world, but on visits back to Scotland with friends I found I loved nothing better than showing my own native land through the eyes of a local and this led me to moving back to Scotland and becoming a tour guide. Although I've loved all the jobs I have done previously, nothing gives me greater pleasure than what I do now as I'm lucky enough to have a job that allows me to wake up smiling every day as at the end of each day I've been lucky enough to introduce the best parts of my own country to people from all over the world. If you choose me, I'll do whatever I can to make sure you finish your day with an equally big smile and Scotland will always have a very fond place in your memories.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message William R.
I started delivering this tour as about 90% of those who visit Edinburgh only see the Old Town and go shopping in the New Town. Just beyond there lies some amazing places which I know like the back of my hand! I call this place my hometown and that's why I want to show you "my secret Edinburgh". Come with me and explore the place where the real people of Edinburgh live. Find hidden villages nestled in between parts of the New Town, see the grand streets of the New Town where the inventors of telephones, television and much more lived. Also, visit great places and find out about what makes it tick. Want to have a break? we can stop for coffee in local cafes or even visit "Edinburgh's best local pub" for a beer break!
Will was a terrific tour guide, full of information, interesting anecdotes, and personal stories. Full of energy but never got ahead of us, always willing to customize. We took his Dean Village/Stockbridge tour, but I'd recommend him for anywhere he offers his services!
Our visit to Dean Village and Stockbridge was a highlight of our visit to Edinburgh. Such delightful neighbourhoods and so enjoyable compared to the crowds on the Royal Mile and Princes Street. Will provided wonderful history and background, as well as his personal familiarity with the area. We were so enchanted with the area that we went back on our own the following day. Will is extraordinarily well-informed and a delight to spend time with. Thanks so much Will!
Will is a wonderful tour guide. He is knowledgeable, informative and a good story teller. We had a lovely afternoon with him. Dean Village is a hidden gem. Would definitely book another tour with Will.
We had a fantastic tour experience with Will. It felt more as a friend was guiding us through Edinburgh. He has a wealth oh knowledge and his love of Scotland is admirable. We toured the Old Town as well as New Town, Dean Village and Stockbridge. We saw beautiful places and heard so many stories that we wouldn't have been able to see or hear as first time visitors if we didn't get a guide.
Not only did Will take me to many lesser known sites overlooked by most tourists, he explained the historical background and significance as well as any professor. He made the tour thematic, showing the co-existence of two different dimensions to Edinburgh. He gave detailed and answers to my questions and made a cold day during the Pandemic into a an enjoyable private seminar.
This was the perfect tour and tour guide for us. William was personable, funny and could really anticipate what we wanted to see. I would absolutely recommend him for others! Thanks for a really great experience.
Starting off at the edge of the New Town, we'll pass the main streets that most Scottish people know, but then we will travel beyond there to beautiful villages within the New Town. We will see the place where Harry Potter was finished, visit Stockbridge which has been described as the "best residential area to stay in the UK" and if it's on a Sunday we can visit the excellent farmers market there. Stockbridge also has some great coffee shops to visit and after 12 midday one of the famous local pubs of Edinburgh is also open (please note no one under 18 is allowed in the premises). We will see somewhere featured in Mary Shelly "Frankenstein" whilst following the Water of Leith to Dean Village, an area formerly packed with watermills and inhabited by the bakers who supplied bread for Edinburgh, but now a quiet and stunning residential area that feels like a country village despite being only a few minutes from Princes Street. Customization possible upon request.
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
This tour will be on foot and requires you to walk along cobbled streets. Edinburgh is not a flat city, we will have to go up and down some small hills and flights of steps. Plenty of opportunities to rest will be given.
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
We will meet at the main entrance to St Giles Cathedral unless your hotel is very near the New Town and then we can arrange to meet there or somewhere convenient for this tour
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AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
2 hours
30 minutes
1
2 hours
30 minutes
1
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
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