Royal Mile Closes Tour

On this tour, we'll delve into Edinburgh's most iconic alleyways and explore the hidden side of the Royal Mile.

Activity Details

Edinburgh's alleyways, known as closes, reflect the history of the Scottish capital. We will meet at 1 Upper Bow, near the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, to start our tour of the Royal Mile's closes.

As we descend the Royal Mile, we will notice the narrow, ancient passages that hold significant historical events. We will enter notable locations such as Bake House Close, Dunbar's Close, and James Court.

Throughout the tour, we'll discuss influential figures including David Hume, Allan Ramsay, and Adam Smith. We will also learn about the merchants who contributed to Edinburgh's growth and the legends surrounding these alleys.

During the concluding section of the tour, we'll visit the hidden gardens of the city to admire architectural highlights. The tour will end with views of Holyrood Palace, the National Parliament of Scotland, and the landmark Arthur's Seat, after a total duration of 2.5 hours.