Overview
Edinburgh is a city absolutely bursting with history, and in this fascinating and energetic tour, we take you far beyond the usual tourist trails and into what we call ‘Deep Edinburgh’, as we trace the route of the wall built to defend the city after the disastrous defeat by the English army at Flodden Field in 1513.
As well as viewing the surviving remnants of the wall, we’ll be learning about the incredibly rich history of the streets and buildings along the route, and telling the stories of many of the great characters and events that shaped our wonderful capital; prepare to meet Mary, Queen of Scots, Greyfriars Bobby, Sir Walter Scott, J.K. Rowling, Bonnie Prince Charlie, Burke and Hare, and Robert Louis Stevenson – and there’s even a cameo role for David Bowie!
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Tour guide services
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Come to the very top of the Royal Mile, where it joins the Castle Esplanade. Moray, your guide, will normally be wearing a red 7 Hills Tours jacket.
End point
The tour ends at Waverley station, which in former times was the site of the wall's end.
What to expect
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Edinburgh Castle Esplanade
15 min
Here we'll introduce our tour at the very 'top of the town', explaining the story behind the wall's construction, and some history of Edinburgh and its iconic Castle.
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Grassmarket
15 min
In Edinburgh's ancient marketplace, we'll hear stories of riots, markets, religion, hangings, and Edinburgh's greatest quack doctor!
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The Vennel Viewpoint Edinburgh Castle
5 min
Our route passes up the alley known as the Vennel, from which we'll see what's generally thought to be the greatest of all views of Edinburgh Castle.
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George Heriot's School
5 min
We'll pass by this famous Edinburgh School, built in the 17th century and still going strong - it's thought to be J.K. Rowling's inspiration for Hogwarts!
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Greyfriars Bobby
5 min
At this little statue, we'll tell the story of Edinburgh's most famous canine!
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Greyfriars
20 min
Halfway through our tour now, we'll discover the most haunting (and haunted!) of Edinburgh's ancient cemeteries, and hear stories of the turbulent times of Scotland's religious rebels, The Covenanters. We may also discover a name or two familiar to Harry Potter fans!
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McEwan Hall
5 min
We'll pass by the University of Edinburgh's magnificent graduation hall and explore the quadrangle of the adjacent Medical School, discovering a famous graduate or two!
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University of Edinburgh
20 min
Right on the wall's route is the University's HQ and Law School, in the beautiful Old College Quadrangle; here we'll be telling stories of Edinburgh students of the past, such as Charles Darwin and Robert Louis Stevenson.
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5 min
We'll cross this historic street, always the parallel 'poor relation' of the Royal Mile, but full of stories, including that of 'General' Joseph Smith - the kingpin of Edinburgh's streets, who could raise a thousand men with a bang on his drum!
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Royal Mile
15 min
We'll come through the 'World's End' - the site of the old Netherbow gatehouse, hearing stories of sedan chairmen - the taxi drivers of Old Edinburgh - plus Bonnie Prince Charlie and his Jacobite Army!
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Edinburgh Waverley Station
15 min
Your tour will end here, where the Wall met the North Loch and so completed the city's defensive ring. Here we'll see the plaque which commemorates the city's original Botanical Gardens.
As well as the stops described above, we'll be spending the remainder of the 4 hours tour duration both walking, and seeing some less famous, but still very important sites and streets - including Lauriston Place, George Heriot's School, Potterrow, the Charles Darwin memorial plaque, Drummond Street, the Pleasance, and St. Mary's Street.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/London).
Additional Information
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about 4 Hour Walking Tour Around Old Edinburgh's City Wall
Can I cancel 4 Hour Walking Tour Around Old Edinburgh's City Wall for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 4 hours.
Where does it start?
Come to the very top of the Royal Mile, where it joins the Castle Esplanade. Moray, your guide, will normally be wearing a red 7 Hills Tours jacket.
What's included?
- Tour guide services
Which places does it visit?
It visits Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, Grassmarket, The Vennel Viewpoint Edinburgh Castle, George Heriot's School, Greyfriars Bobby, Greyfriars, McEwan Hall, University of Edinburgh.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
What fitness level is needed?
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by 7 Hills Tours Edinburgh
