Private tour in Edinburgh Gains M

New Town and Dean Village Walking Half Day Tour

5.0

(7) reviews

-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Gains M.

5.0

Guide rating

205

Reviews

Tours delivered

35 hrs

Avg. response time

Ever since I was a small boy, growing up in south-west Scotland, I have been fascinated by my country's history, landscape and culture. It has been a constant pleasure for me to show off the most beautiful city of the United Kingdom to new arrivals and reveal just some of its charms, secrets and unbelievable stories. Car and bus tours are all very well for getting a sense of Edinburgh but it's only through walking that travelers can really feel like they've fully experienced this truly unique city. I'm a keen traveler (I've spent a lot of time in the United States, Canada and continental Europe especially), therefore I understand the desire to make sure you make the most of your time while in a new place. My academic background has given me extensive knowledge of Scotland's history and culture but my guiding experience has also included Outlander themed tours as well as ghost tours which explore the darker side of Scotland's capital. I live in the city centre of Edinburgh and can meet you at centrally located hotels or at a convenient landmark. In 2015 I completed work on my PhD in Scottish history, I also hold an Undergraduate and Masters degree from the University of Aberdeen. I have built upon my extensive historical and cultural knowledge by using my research skills to find out about less known stories and events to incorporate them into my tour. Since January 2016 my primary job has been working as a tour guide in Edinburgh and have acquired a great deal of experience leading all sorts of tours.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Gains M.

Overview of your Edinburgh tour

The story of how the New Town came to be is an endlessly fascinating one. Find out how the neighbourhood's eighteenth-century construction was a reaction to the squalor of the Old Town. On this tour discover the New Town's enthralling past in the company of an experienced guide with a PhD in Scottish history. Its revolutionary design still inspires architects and visitors today. Take in some absolutely stunning locations such as Calton Hill, Princes Street Gardens and Dean Village. With Dean Village you feel like you're in a picturesque village in rural Scotland whereas you are in fact only a 5-10 minute walk from one of the busiest shopping streets in the country. One of the reasons I really enjoy doing this tour is it shows off the very best Edinburgh has to offer, historic architecture combined with unrivalled green space and scenery. I will make sure you leave with plenty of options as to places to eat and drink as well as further must do attractions to make sure you make the most of your stay.

Recent Reviews

Lawrence H.United States
October 2025

Gains was an excellent guide. We thoroughly enjoyed spending time with him, touring New Town. Doing the tour by foot was an especially good way to see it and Gains's knowledge was extensive. We highly recommend him.

Linda M.
May 2025

Gains was a terrific tour guide. He was very knowledgeable and friendly, and he told us lots of interesting things. He was well prepared and encouraged our questions. He adapted the schedule when we let him know we had some slow walkers in our group, and gave us good lunch recommendations. He clearly knows Edinburgh very well!

Paul F.United States
May 2025

We recently visited Edinburgh for the first time and we booked Gains for 2 half day walking tours, one of the Old Town and one of the New Town. We found Gains to be a wonderful guide. He is extremely knowledgeable and was able to communicate well. We thoroughly enjoyed our tours and they met and even exceeded our expectations. We would highly recommend Gains as a tour guide and would be happy to book with him on another trip to Scotland.

Roberta S.Canada
May 2023

We had a great walking tour with Gains he was very informative and a pleasure to walk with. Would highly recommend taking this tour with Gains.

Eden M.United States
May 2022

Gaines has a post doc in Scottish History and his knowledge and passion of the subject alone would make him an excellent guide. His sense of humor and easy manor make him a superlatively excellent guide.

Your Edinburgh tour itinerary

This is a walking tour so these areas/buildings with be explored from the outside with plenty of opportunities for discussion and photos. The tour highlights we will visit will be: - Old Calton Hill Burialground - Calton Hill (Nelson Monument) - St Andrew Square - George Street - Heriot Row (R. L. Stevenson birthplace) - Stockbridge - Water of Leith - Dean Bridge - Dean Village - Well Court - Princes Street Gardens Feel free to contact me if you would like to customize this tour.

Want to customize this tour?

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.

Transport details
Type: Walking

Walking.

What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Time and opportunities for coffee or tea breaks.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

1 Princes Street, Scotland, Scotland, EH2 2EQ, United Kingdom

Outside main entrance to Balmoral Hotel

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Architecture
Tour reference number
540946
Languages
English
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Edinburgh best suited for?

This private tour in Edinburgh is perfect for travellers who want to explore the city's rich history and stunning architecture with a knowledgeable guide. It's especially suitable for those interested in Scottish history, as Gains M. holds a PhD in the subject. The tour is also ideal for families, as it is kid-friendly and involves light walking.

Can this private tour in Edinburgh be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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