Walking tour of Edinburgh’s Historic Royal Mile

Enjoy a guided tour of the Royal Mile viewing various old and new buildings and visiting St Giles Cathedral.

Included in your cruise
  • Guided walk of the Royal Mile.
  • Enjoy various buildings both old and new.
  • Visit St Giles Cathedral.

  • Difficulty level

    Level 2: Moderate - some mobility needed

  • Duration

    4h

  • Max. passengers

    200

  • Booking code

    INCL-LEI1

  • Notices

    Appropriate clothing for inclement weather and comfortable walking shoes.

Depart the pier by coach into the heart of Edinburgh’s old town.  The Royal mile is actually 1 mile and 107 yards long.  It is made up of 5 streets linking the Castle at the top to Holyrood Palace at the bottom: Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street, Canongate and Abbey Strand.  Timber buildings were built and named after the landowners and this tradition can still be seen in the present day.  The gaps between the buildings are known as “closes”.      

Your guided walk along the cobble-stoned street of the Royal Mile will take you past various buildings both old and new including John Knox House, the Church of Canongate and the Scottish Parliament building.   During the walk, a visit will be made to St. Giles Cathedral.  This majestic building stands midway along the Royal Mile.  The most notable external feature is the famed crown spire on the tower.  Following a restoration programme which began in 1977 essential roof repairs were carried out and a magnificent new organ was installed.  

Practical information: 

  • Language: English.

  • Remarks/requirements: Appropriate clothing for inclement weather and comfortable walking shoes. 

  • Walking information: Approximately 2 Km.  Terrain is paved, some cobbles and kerbs.  The Royal Mile is on a gentle incline.

  • Wheelchair accessible: No.