Private Walking Tour: Edinburgh Highlights, including entry to Edinburgh Castle

Starting right in the centre on the Royal mile at The Hub. Externally it looks like a church, with the tallest spire in town. However internally this has become a cultural centre, where you can buy tickets for events, enjoy a concert, or relax in the local cafe.

we’ll enter the castle through the Esplanade, where we are treated to some stunning views of the city. Once an execution site, it is now used as a parade ground for military events. this strategic point has long been home to local tribes before it was turned into the Royal fortress that we see today. Together we’ll explore St Margaret’s chapel, the Jewel house, the Royal apartments and the Great Hall. Whilst this is a working military facility, your guide will help you understand how the castle has changed roles throughout history.

Next let’s continue to the Grassmarket, a vibrant and colourful place offering pubs, restaurants and shops. It is also home to Victoria Street, said to be inspiration for Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter films.

Entering the graveyard we find the final resting place of Bobby, Edinburgh’s most famous dog, make sure you bring him a stick. This place is full of surprises, follow your guide and discover who the Bodysnatchers were and Harry Potter fans can search for the tomb of Thomas Riddle.

Man’s best friend has his own statue, just as we leave the graveyard. Stop for a picture with Bobby!

Staying with Harry Potter for a bit longer. We pass the curious cafe where JK Rowling worked on her masterpiece. Still a cafe today, you can buy a sandwich or a magic wand.

We return back to the Royal Mile, the main street in the Old Town, starting at the castle and finishing at the Holyrood Palace. The path the street follows was formed by the movement of a glacier a long time ago. It is Edinburgh best known street to this day

Pause here to learn about Deacon Brodie; the inspiration for RL Stevenson’s extraordinary tale, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

Follow your guide to one of many hidden closes just off the Royal Mile. Turning into this little alleyway, we end up in a courtyard surrounded by tall houses, one of which is the Writers Museum. Let’s see how many famous writers’ names we can find carved into paving slabs.

Edinburgh like all cities, must have its own Cathedral. Founded in the 12th century, it is a focal point of the Royal Mile. St Giles is the patron saint of beggars and blacksmiths but also a patron of the city. You will find graves of many notable citizens, such as John Knox. Look on the pavement and try to find the Heart of Midlothian, your guide will tell you all about it.

There used to be a very busy market around the Cathedral. Imagine the hustle and bustle of the Old Town in the past, this really was the centre. Not only could you buy all kinds of goods but you could have witnessed a public execution or heard the latest news. Just behind the cross you find the site of the Old Scottish Parliament. Don’t miss the statue of Adam Smith, the Father of Modern Economics.

Once back on the High Street we can see this beautiful building. Previously used as the Royal exchange, a place where merchants would meet and bargain with their trading partners. Today it’s home to the City Council, and is also a popular filming location. Your guide will take you to the forecourt to show you a “walk of fame” hand prints of notable people including JK Rowling.

The short-term home for the famous protestant reformation leader, John Knox, was on the High Street not far from the Cathedral where he conducted lots of controversial speeches and fiery sermons. It is believed he lived here only a few months before he died. Look at the detailed facade and search for its intricate designs.

We come across another church, but this time it is still a living and working place of worship. Look above the main entrance to discover the Royal coat of arms. Your guide might be able to take you inside to see the Royal Pew reserved for the monarch. Zara Phillips, daughter of Princess Anne, was married here in 2011. We have met Adam Smith already, the famous economist, your guide will show you his burial place in the church yard.

We have made our way down to the bottom of the hill where we are now treated to some modern architecture. This is the seat of the Scottish Parliament, where 129 MSPs regularly debate the current and future affairs of Scotland.

we started at the castle, former seat of Royalty and we are now facing Holyrood Palace, the official royal residence in Scotland. Her Majesty the Queen comes here at least once a year for a week of royal engagements and formal events. The palace is regularly occupied by many members of the Royal family.

This beautiful green area in the heart of the city is popular with both locals and tourists alike. You may wish to climb the steep hill to enjoy some stunning views of Edinburgh, mind you the weather has to be on your side! We finish our tour here, at the foot of Arthurs Seat, your guide will happily recommend ideas for the remainder of your stay.