Private tour in Edinburgh Martin M

Old & New Town Edinburgh + Harry Potter Tour

5.0

(22) reviews

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 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 6 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 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

Martin M.

4.9

Guide rating

278

Reviews

Tours delivered

6 hrs

Avg. response time

Hello my name is Martin and I have been a tour guide in Edinburgh for over 15 years. I have a passion for Scotland and it's rich tapestry of history. Like the many different tartans and kilts which form our national dress, the tales of our past are equally colourful. I specialise in Private Tours in my home town of Edinburgh a World Heritage Site, together with the attractions in the surrounding area.I also specialize in tours to St Andrews not just for golfers. I was born, raised and educated in this unique city but it was not until I returned after working in other cities that I came to appreciate what was here. My many years working in the design and installation of air conditioning and ventilation In shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants gives me an extensive knowledge of the range, quality and value available in the city and surrounding area which I am happy to pass on to my clients. All my tours (except Harry Potter and Edinburgh and The Edinburgh of Adam Smith) are carried out wearing my kilt. In a recent referral from a client he stated that it was interesting to watch other tour groups rushing to photograph his private guide. I amuse, educate and entertain by combining history with stories of people and places that we view. My Tours are easily modified for the less mobile, or to incorporate any special requirements. My ongoing involvement in the life and traditions of the City of Edinburgh includes; Membership of the Old Edinburgh Club (founded 1908) Membership of the Edinburgh Merchant Company ( founded 1681 ) Membership of The Society of High Constables of Edinburgh ( founded 1611 ) An Edinburgh Festival Volunteer Guide Membership of Edinburgh Tourist Guides Association. My training includes walking tours in the Old and New towns of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, Roslin Chapel and step on tours of the city and surrounding countryside Where vehicles are used I always employ a driver.Parking restrictions require vehicles to be parked some considerable distance from most attractions, a driver can drop us off at the entrance, and collect again when visit completed.

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

Overview of your Edinburgh tour

I started doing this tour after reading the first story myself and then for my grandchildren. The tour combines exploration of Old and New (1760's) Towns of Edinburgh (both World Heritage locations) with visits to a number of locations which may have influenced the Harry Potter stories. We also see the Cafe where the first story was written also the so called" Birthplace" of Harry Potter. Followed by a visit to Greyfriars graveyard where we find names such as McGonigall, and Thomas Riddle. This walking tour includes panoramic views of the City from Calton Hill and Edinburgh Castle Esplanade and an optional break for genuine Scottish Lunch. During the lunch the guide stops the clock but continues to talk aboutEdinburgh and Scotland. For larger numbers a similar tour is available at a revised cost.

Recent Reviews

Jo Ann Simons D.United States
August 2026

Martin spent all day with us showing us old and new Edinburgh. New Edinburgh is actually very old. Don’t expect to see modern buildings, just beautiful old medieval buildings and later centuries, well explained by Martin. A highlight was sharing lunch with him and learning more about his life and his relationship to Scotland, which brought the day into sharp focus, of his knowledge of Scottish history. Personalized tour is so worth the investment and you’ll walk by large tourist groups and know that you’re getting exactly what you need from your time and Edinburgh. Dressed up with a man in kilts makes it even more of a perfect day.

Dean T.United States
October 2025

Martin was one of the kindest gentlemen we have ever met. His love for Scotland and especially Edinburgh was reflected in his traditional dress, and his sincere knowledge of the city and the people that made it famous. We enjoyed all the traditional stops as we walked through Edinburgh and we really enjoyed the lunch Martin recommended complete with his suggestions for traditional Scottish food and whiskey that we probably would not sampled otherwise We can not give him anything but the highest recommendation for this experience.

Kathie L.United States
September 2023

Martin was a well informed, engaging, personable, and enthusiastic guide. He provided us with an excellent beginning to our stay in Edinburgh.

Michael A.United States
August 2023

Bravo! Excellent, well planned walking tour by a wise and knowledgeable guide. Martin is very attentive and responsive.

Wayne C.United States
July 2022

This is a wonderful way to become oriented to Edinburgh and Martin is the perfect man to make the introduction. There is considerable walking involved, but Martin has patience and is flexible to accommodate any concerns. You cannot do better!

Scott B.United States
September 2021

Spending the day with Martin was an absolutely perfect way to see the beautiful and historic city of Edinburgh!

Your Edinburgh tour itinerary

- From Princes Street via Calton Hill and Calton Graveyard down Tom the Royal Mile on to Holyrood Palace (view from outside) also viewing the Scottish Parliament. From the Royal Mile into Cowgate and then viewing where JK Rowling wrote about Harry Potter and viewing sites with names and views influencing the Stories. Next after viewing Edinburgh Castle from the Esplanade a break for meal or snack where the guide stood the clock but does not stop talking about Edinburgh and Scotland. Then Returning to the first (1760's) New Town , through the Georgian Streets and Squares finishing with the finest views of Edinburgh Castle from Princes Street Gardens. - End at the National Gallery of Scotland. This is a suggested itinerary, let me know what you would like to see and do and I will customize the tour accordingly.

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
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: City Centre Hotel or in front of Duke of Wellington Statue at the east end of Princes Street opposite the Balmoral Hotel.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Architecture
History
City Highlights
TV And Movie
Tour reference number
34280
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 walking tour in Edinburgh is perfect for family groups of all ages. It's especially appealing to Harry Potter fans, as it includes visits to locations that may have influenced the stories, such as the cafe where the first book was written and Greyfriars graveyard. The tour is also suitable for those interested in exploring both the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh, which are World Heritage sites.

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?

Is transportation included?

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 6 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 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 6 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 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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