Edinburgh’s New Town & Dean Village Private Walking Tour

Tours from £295 per group of 1-20 pax.

START: Meet your private tour guide at The West End Brasserie at 2 Hope Street, or at your Edinburgh accommodation. This tour can start at 09:00 or 14:00.

FINISH: At Princes Street Gardens, four hours after your start time.

DISCOVER ON THIS TOUR

Hidden away in a tranquil world of its own at a short walking distance from Edinburgh’s bustling city centre lies the Dean Village. Here, the Water of Leith powered the thriving heart of Edinburgh’s grain milling for over eight centuries and now gives us an enchanting window into the city’s past.

Making our way along the river, we encounter fascinating remnants of Edinburgh’s industrious history, in a blend of lovingly restored historic tenements, impressive Victorian structures, and a backdrop of verdant greenery.

We also discover Well Court, an iconic red-bricked building and clock tower constructed to house nineteenth century workers in affordable and dignified conditions, and the beautiful Dean Bridge, offering panoramic views over this idyllic, postcard-worthy setting.

Next we head to a prime example of Georgian design and elegance, conceived as part of Edinburgh’s ambitious New Town project by renowned Scottish architect Robert Adam. Representing the epitome of neoclassical architecture and forming part of Edinburgh’s World Heritage site, Charlotte Square is surrounded by luxurious terraced houses of timeless grandeur. Showcasing the affluence and taste of the city’s elite during the Georgian era, the Square provides us with an intriguing glimpse into the lives of the rich and sophisticated of eighteenth and nineteenth century Edinburgh.

Among the stately residences of Charlotte Square we also discover Bute House, a distinguished Georgian townhouse that has housed and entertained many notable historical figures over the years. Once the home of businessmen, the Marquess of Bute and even an exiled French king, we will learn how the House turned from family dwelling into the current official residence of the First Minister of Scotland. Welcoming royalty and politicians alike within its beautifully preserved rooms, the House has borne witness to many key political decisions and discussions, reflecting Scotland’s rich political and cultural heritage.

Our tour continues to an essential stop for all visitors to Edinburgh: the bustling Princes Street, prime destination for shoppers and sightseers alike. Running parallel to the historic Royal Mile, Princes Street is Edinburgh’s main shopping destination, as well as the home of the iconic Scott Monument dedicated to celebrated author Sir Walter Scott. Unique in its design, the street features retail shops only on its northern side, offering us unobstructed views of Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town, and the scenic Princes Street Gardens to the south.

Moving into the dramatic shadow of Edinburgh Castle, the Princes Street Gardens offers us a luxuriant retreat in the heart of the city. This lush green expanse of urban park provides both locals and tourists alike with a space to relax, reflect, and take in at leisure the fullness of Scotland’s capital city on all sides. Depending on the time of year, we may also encounter one of the Gardens’ seasonal events, concerts or even a wonderfully festive Christmas market!

We finish our tour at the best-known monument in Princes Street Gardens: the Ross Fountain, a masterpiece of nineteenth century sculpture. Looking particularly spectacular with the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle towering dramatically on a cliff face behind, the cascading fountain is adorned with ornate statues representing science, the arts, poetry, and industry. A testament to the era’s craftsmanship and history, the fountain is also a fitting representation of Edinburgh throughout the ages.

TOUR LANGUAGES

This private tour is available in the following languages:

• English
• Danish
• Dutch
• Finnish
• Flemish
• French
• Gaelic
• German
• Hebrew
• Hungarian
• Italian
• Japanese
• Lithuanian
• Mandarin
• Norwegian
• Polish
• Portuguese
• Russian
• Spanish
• Swedish
• Turkish
• Ukrainian

Visit our website to see our full range of private tours of Scotland.