Highlights from the Royal Mile: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Tune into ancient and modern Scottish tales on one of Europe’s oldest streets with this affordable walking tour and the industry-leading VoiceMap mobile app. • See historical sights along all four sections of the Royal Mile and find out about the city’s stench in the 1500s, and how far it traveled • Hear from producer Martin Donnelly, a Senior Teaching Fellow and Edinburgh local • Do it all in an hour or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it ️• Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

1. 1

   Royal Mile

   Pass by

   The Royal Mile is one of Europe’s most ancient and famous streets. Along this 1 ¼ mile stretch – a Scot’s mile – crimes have been committed, royals have travelled, and famous folk like Rabbie Burns, Adam Smith and David Hume have met. On this walking tour, I’ll bring some of their stories to life.

2. 2

   Witches well

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   Starting at the top of Castlehill next to the Witches Well, you’ll hear about Edinburgh Castle’s early days, when a series of infamous witch burnings took place here.

3. 3

   Edinburgh Castle

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   You’ll hear about Edinburgh Castle’s early days, when a series of infamous witch burnings took place here.

4. 4

   Castlehill

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   Amble down all four sections of the Royal Mile: Castlehill, Lawnmarket, the High Street, and the old burgh of Canongate

5. 5

   Stop 5

   Pass by

   Amble down all four sections of the Royal Mile: Castlehill, Lawnmarket, the High Street, and the old burgh of Canongate

6. 6

   Deacon Brodie's Tavern

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   I’ll show you the former residence of the gentleman robber, Deacon Brodie, the inspiration behind Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

7. 7

   Stop 7

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   This self-guided audio tour takes you past the Old Tolbooth Wynd. You'll hear its history while you walk.

8. 8

   Heart of Midlothian

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   Stroll around St Giles Cathedral, home to the Old Tolbooth, the Heart of Midlothian mosaic, and a statue of Charles II

9. 9

   St Giles' Cathedral

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   Stroll around St Giles Cathedral, home to the Old Tolbooth, the Heart of Midlothian mosaic, and a statue of Charles II

10. 10

    Stop 10

    Pass by

    Stroll around St Giles Cathedral, home to the Old Tolbooth, the Heart of Midlothian mosaic, and a statue of Charles II

11. 11

    Stop 11

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    Hear about the priest that was pelted to death by an angry mob, and some of the other terrible deeds that took place in the shadows of the Mercat Cross

12. 12

    Tron Kirk Market

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    This self-guided audio tour takes you past the Tron Kirk. You'll hear its history while you walk.

13. 13

    Stop 13

    Pass by

    Amble down all four sections of the Royal Mile: Castlehill, Lawnmarket, the High Street, and the old burgh of Canongate

14. 14

    Stop 14

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    I’ll also share a few tales about the barbaric punishments meted out to criminals in the 1600s, and the heartwarming story of a young lad pulled from the rubble of the Paisley Close disaster.

15. 15

    John Knox House Museum

    Pass by

    You’ll hear about religious figures like John Knox, ​​a leading figure in the Scottish Protestant Reformation, and royal tragedies like the execution of Mary Queen of Scots.

16. 16

    The Netherbow

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    See Netherbow Port, once the main gate between Edinburgh and Canongate

17. 17

    Canongate Kirk

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    This self-guided audio tour takes you past the Canongate Kirk. You'll hear its history while you walk.

18. 18

    Stop 18

    Pass by

    Amble down all four sections of the Royal Mile: Castlehill, Lawnmarket, the High Street, and the old burgh of Canongate

19. 19

    Palace of Holyroodhouse

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    The tour ends at the end of Canongate in front of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

20. 20

    Old Town

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    Enjoy this entertaining and informative 45-minute stroll into the heart – and history – of the Old Town.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Please note: You won't be guided through any museums or other attractions mentioned en route. If you choose to enter and visit such places, you'll need to pay for it independently of this tour.

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.