Curious Tales of the Royal Mile - Private Walking Tour
Overview
Why was a pet blackbird arrested in 1736?
What did a washerwoman insist on before she would pull philosopher David Hume out of a swamp?
Why was Robert the Bruce Edinburgh Castle’s most deadly enemy?
You really couldn’t make up the history of Old Edinburgh!
Seldom in the world can there have been so many odd events and strange goings-on in one town’s story as in Edinburgh, and telling these curious tales is what this tour is all about! Local doctor Moray Grigor is an Edinburgh native and lover of the city, and has been collecting some of the best of its stories to bring to you.
Starting just below the Castle, we’ll be touring down the world-famous Royal Mile, ducking into alleys and back courts as we go, and we’ll be hearing the most outlandish, amusing and fascinating anecdotes of the Old Town, many collected by Edinburgh publisher and author Robert Chambers right back in 1824.
In Edinburgh, truth really is stranger than fiction – as Dr Grigor will be delighted to show you!
What's Included
- All guiding and commentary on this 4-5 hour outdoor tour
- Tea and coffee We have an optional refreshment stop, but food and drinks are not inclusive.
Meeting Location
Castlehill
Edinburgh EH1, UK
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
Edinburgh EH8
UK
Just outside Canongate Kirk in Canongate (lower Royal Mile)
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Castello Di Edimburgo
20 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Edinburgh
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Advocate's Close
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
St Giles' Cathedral
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Royal Mile
1 hour Admission Ticket Free
Canongate Kirk
25 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Due to the amount of walking on hard and sometimes uneven surfaces we do not recommend the tour for guests with mobility problems (unless using wheelchair)
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Curious Tales of the Royal Mile – Private Walking Tour?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-90592P19
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 3 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT).
- All guiding and commentary on this 4-5 hour outdoor tour.
- Tea and coffee. We have an optional refreshment stop, but food and drinks are not inclusive.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Curious Tales of the Royal Mile - Private Walking Tour is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Due to the amount of walking on hard and sometimes uneven surfaces we do not recommend the tour for guests with mobility problems (unless using wheelchair)
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Curious Tales of the Royal Mile – Private Walking Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- All guiding and commentary on this 4-5 hour outdoor tour
- Tea and coffeeWe have an optional refreshment stop, but food and drinks are not inclusive.
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Due to the amount of walking on hard and sometimes uneven surfaces we do not recommend the tour for guests with mobility problems (unless using wheelchair)
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
