A Royal Mile Tour: History and Highlights from Edinburgh’s Old Town
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About the Tour
About the Tour
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.
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. As you travel down the length of the Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, 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. 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. 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.
On this walk through the Old Town, you’ll have the chance to:
- Amble down all four sections of the Royal Mile: Castlehill, Lawnmarket, the High Street, and the old burgh of Canongate
- Stroll around St Giles Cathedral, home to the Old Tolbooth, the Heart of Midlothian mosaic, and a statue of Charles II
- 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
- Find out about the city’s stench in the 1500s, and how far it travelled
- See Netherbow Port, once the main gate between Edinburgh and Canongate
As a Senior Teaching Fellow at two of Scotland's top universities, I’ve handpicked, carefully researched and curated the stories you’ll hear today, but an Edinburgh tour deserves a Scottish voice. And there’s no one better suited to the task than professional radio actor, James Bryce, who narrates all 14 stories in this tour in his charming Scottish lilt.
Enjoy all this, and more, on this entertaining and informative 60-minute stroll into the heart – and history – of the Old Town.
Tour Producer
Tour Producer
Martin Donnelly
Dear Visitor,
Allow me to beckon you into the embrace of Edinburgh, a city that has been my home for over three decades, a place where the past lingers in every stone and whispers to those who listen. As a guide who has devoted my life to uncovering the stories etched into this city’s very soul, I invite you to step onto the cobblestones of the Royal Mile—a road as old as time itself.
This journey will sweep you through the beating heart of Edinburgh, where history stirs in every shadow and the whispers of kings and poets, rebels and lovers, echo down narrow alleys and grand stairways. From the towering presence of Edinburgh Castle—its ancient stones heavy with secrets—to the elegant serenity of the Palace of Holyrood House, this street has borne witness to centuries of royal processions, moments of triumph and tragedy, of life both extraordinary and humble.
The Royal Mile is more than a mere thoroughfare; it is a passage through time. Its winding path is lined with buildings that have stood resolute against the march of history, and its 'closes'—those narrow alleyways—are alive with tales of intrigue and romance, as vibrant today as they were in centuries past.
As we wander together, you will discover charming shops, hear the melodies of street performers, and find yourself lost in the labyrinth of Edinburgh’s rich heritage. With every step, you’ll be transported to another age, feeling the pulse of Scotland’s capital in a way that only this mystical place can offer.
Let the Royal Mile draw you into its embrace, and allow the city to reveal itself in all its grandeur and subtlety. This is not merely a tour, but a timeless journey through the very soul of Edinburgh.
Preview Location
Preview Location
Location 10
John Knox House
It is widely believed that John Knox verbal scourge of Mary Queen of Scots and Minister at St Giles lived here some years before he died. John Knox was the leading figure of the Scottish Protestant Reformation. ... Read More
View locations and route
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Major Landmarks
Major Landmarks
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Royal Mile
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Edinburgh Castle
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The Witches Well
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Castlehill
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Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
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The Scotch Whisky Experience
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Tolbooth Kirk
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Lawnmarket
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Gladstone's Land
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Deacon's House Cafe
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St Giles' Cathedral
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Heart of Midlothian Mosaic
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The Real Mary King's Close
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Charles II statue
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The Colonnades at the Signet Library
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Mercat Cross
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Tron Kirk Market
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High Street
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Old Tolbooth
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Paisley Close
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Museum of Childhood
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John Knox House
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Scottish Storytelling Centre
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The Chocolatarium
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Canongate
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Netherbow Port
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The People's Story Museum
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Canongate Kirk
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Palace of Holyroodhouse
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Scottish Parliament Building
Getting There
Getting There
Route Overview
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Start locationEdinburgh EH1 2ND, UK
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Total distance2km
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Final locationCanongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, UK
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Distance back to start location1km
Directions to Starting Point
The tour starts at The Witches Fountain (Edinburgh EH1 2NA, United Kingdom) which can be found at the top section of the Royal Mile called Castlehill.
Go to the top of Castlehill and enter the wide open space (called the esplanade) in front of Edinburgh Castle. Immediately to the right is the fountain which is a small bowl fixed to the wall with an ornate plaque above, Stand here facing the Castle.
Show Directions
Tips
Tips
Places to stop along the way
There are cafes, pubs, and restaurants all the way down the Mile so you can always get coffee or tea and something to eat whenever you want even late at night if you are out and about.
Best time of day
I suggest doing this tour during daylight hours. In the summer from early morning to late at night it stays quite light in Edinburgh as we are so far north and generaly warm clothes are only needed in the evening but in winter our days are short with darkness falling on the shortest day at around 15.30 in the afternoon. It can get very cold after this so I would recommend warm clothing in the winter at all times from September to May.
The mile can get very busy during the summer so be aware that there will be a lot of visitors on the pavements taking pictures and selfies and generally milling around.
Precautions
Edinburgh is very safe for visitors but taking precautions with your belongings is always a good idea. This is Scotland so an umbrella or waterproof coat is always good to have.
If you have an accident or need to call the police or an ambulance the number is 999.
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Questions and Reviews
Questions and Reviews
