Private tour in Edinburgh Barney N

Private Walking Tour of Edinburgh with experienced local guide

-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 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 1-6 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

Barney N.

5.0

Guide rating

62

Reviews

Tours delivered

4 hrs

Avg. response time

I've been a tour guide and driver now for 15 years, and every time I take guests to the Highlands, or castle spotting, or whisky sampling, I'm reminded that I really do have the best job in the world, in the best place in the world to visit. And I'd like to share that with you. I graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2008 with a degree in history. While a student there, I worked as a walking tour guide of Edinburgh, and also co-founded the university's first ever comedy writing and performing society, known today as the Edinburgh Revue. These experiences helped me hone the art of storytelling in an entertaining and interesting way. If you tour with me, you'll certainly learn plenty about Scottish history (and a fair amount about geography, nature, whisky, architecture or almost anything else that interests you) but most importantly, you'll hopefully be entertained. You don't have to remember a single piece of information I give you on my tours, as long as you enjoy the stories along the way. Also, as I have 15 years experience of guiding around Scotland, please don't feel limited to the tours listed here. I can take you almost anywhere you want to go in Scotland and northern England, as long as we begin and end in Edinburgh. Feel free to drop me an email and ask about a personalised tour for you. So sit back in my luxury Mercedes minivan, relax, and let me show you some of what this amazing country has to offer. - Member of SITOA (Scottish Independent Tour Operators Association) - MA (Hons) in History from the University of Edinburgh - PGDE(S) in History from the University of Strathclyde (high school teaching diploma) - 15 years of professional guiding and driving around Scotland Maximum 6 passengers for 1 day tours, 4 for multiday tours As a member of SITOA, I can accompany you into most castles, but I can't actively guide inside any room where the castle has its own guides or actors.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Barney N.

Overview of your Edinburgh tour

On this walking tour, we'll explore the full length of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, from the royal palace at the bottom to the castle at the top. On the way, we'll stop in many alleyways and courtyards and I'll tell you stories of Edinburgh's rich history and culture, some of which will only be known by locals. Please note, this tour does not include any entrances to attractions, but if you choose the 9 am start time we'll finish up beside the castle, so I recommend you purchase your own tickets for that and I'll also come in with you to give a brief introduction to that.

Your Edinburgh tour itinerary

- Starts outside the King's Gallery beside Holyrood Palace - Various stops for stories along the Mile, including Bakehouse Close, Advocate's Close, Parliament Square, Victoria Street, Riddle's Court, Greyfriar's graveyard and more. - Free entry to Scotland's original 17th century parliament hall (Monday to Friday only) - Finishing up beside Edinburgh Castle, where you can purchase tickets to enter if you wish

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

This is an outdoor walking tour for 2.5 to 3 hours. Please ensure you have sensible footwear and waterproof clothing and have good mobility.

What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Tickets: You can purchase tickets to Edinburgh Castle if you wish (9am start time only)
Meeting location

Canongate, Scotland, Scotland, EH8 8DX, United Kingdom

I'll meet you outside the front entrance to the King's Gallery, in front of Holyrood Palace. Look for the guide with the blue umbrella.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Art And Culture
Off The Beaten Path
Architecture
Tour reference number
1441315
Languages
English
Activity level
Moderate

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Edinburgh best suited for?

This private walking tour in Edinburgh is perfect for travellers who want to explore the city's rich history and culture with a local expert. It's ideal for those who enjoy walking and are interested in hearing stories that only locals might know. With a moderate activity level, it's suitable for those with good mobility.

What should I bring or wear?

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 1-6 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 1-6 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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