Scottish National Gallery Tours and Activities

Explore famous landmarks and hidden secrets in Edinburgh on this walking tour. Explore Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile with a guide, and gain insight into famous writers and inventors who have called the city home. Hear tales of Scotland's national bard—Robert Burns—and discover top landmarks such as St. Giles’ Cathedral and the National Galleries of Scotland. Capture Edinburgh through the eye of your camera as you go, and find out what makes this ancient city tick.

Embark on an enriching 3.5 or 7-hour walking tour of Edinburgh’s cultural and historical highlights with a private guide. While you listen to insightful commentary, you’ll visit iconic landmarks and hidden gems according to an itinerary tailored to your interests. Explore the cobbled streets of the Old Town, gaze at Edinburgh Castle on its rocky perch and ascend to the summit of Calton Hill for panoramic city views. On this private tour, you’ll receive the undivided attention of your guide while gaining unique insight into the Scottish capital.

Explore the streets of Edinburgh on this fun walking tour. As you listen to popular theme songs and hits through your headset, sing along and dance past landmarks like St. Giles' Cathedral, the Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh Waverley Station, and more. This is an alternative to the traditional tour groups.

The Highlands is the epitome of Scotland. Big skies, sparkling countryside, great food, friendly people and the Scottish Highlands. A natural playground that begs to be explored, with the finest and most romantic castles. Edinburgh is the inspiring capital of Scotland where hundreds of years of history unite an unforgettable world-class city. The magnificent architecture of the city is shifting from the enclosures of the medieval Old City to the grace of the new Georgian City. Above all, Edinburgh Castle stands with its magnificent splendour. Edinburgh is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a compact and lively town but home to the world's largest arts festival. Glasgow is true heaven with excellent food, drinks and unforgettable experiences as well. The lush and beautiful land is full of green areas, evergreen forestry of the Highlands with their sweeping mountains and deep “lochs”, and its compact wildlands, the islands with lots of beautiful beaches and vast views. Oh, what views!

Embark on a haunted Edinburgh tour where you will follow clues to discover striking places and local stories. Play the role of a devilish staff on this spine-tingling walking tour, which takes you on a journey through some of the city’s most haunted places, including Greyfriars Kirkyard, the site of the Nor’ Loch and West Bow. Are you ready for a haunted walk around Edinburgh? Discover Edinburgh’s dark and bloody past, from the Great Scottish Witch Hunts to the Burke and Hare murders and learn about the haunting stories of the Wizard of West Bow, the Grey Lady, George Mackenzie and more. Explore the many sites where public executions were held and visit the hall containing a book made of William Burke’s flesh Try a new type of experience, the perfect mix between a tour, an outdoor escape game, and a treasure hunt.

Let’s Roam is the #1 app-led scavenger hunt company. Walk to all the best landmarks and hidden gems, answering trivia questions and solving challenges. Work with your team or compete against them, as you learn new facts and create memorable experiences. Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts are great as an everyday activity, or for bachelorette parties, birthday parties, corporate team building events and more! Each player chooses an interactive role, with challenges varying by person.

The "New Edinburgh in Georgian and Victorian times" tour offers a unique prospective of 19th century Edinburgh, covering a gap of time stretching from the construction of the first new neighborhoods of the New Town until the death of Queen Victoria in 1901. Have a taste of the expensive and fancy life of the Georgians Edinburghers and don't miss the chance to discover all the Victorian inventions and innovations which we still use today! Get to know the people that made it possible, from writers like Arthur Conan Doyle or Robert Luis Stevenson, to doctors like James Young Simpson, to scientists like James Clerk Maxwell and Alexander Graham Bell.

I qualified as a Blue Badge tourist guide in 2014, after 2 years of training. Since then I have shown this city where I live to hundreds of visitors, of all ages and backgrounds. As a former British diplomat, a retired ambassador, I also work in German or Spanish. I can tailor your tour to what you wish to do - the main sites, themed tours, hidden gems or a bit of a mix. . For example:- • we can head up to the castle, home of the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny • Old Edinburgh: we can walk down the Royal Mile from the Castle to Holyrood House (the Queen's official residence in Scotland) and the Scottish Parliament • we can admire the architecture of the New Town and hear about the people who lived there • or visit some places that are said to have inspired JK Rowling when she was writing Harry Potter • or visit the National Museum of Scotland or the Scottish National Gallery Or we can take a walk along the Water of Leith to the Dean Village or trendy Stockbridge.

All of our guides are qualified as Blue Badge guides, certified by the Scottish Tourist Guides Association and all hold Professional Indemnity Insurance. This means they have completed 2 years of study in a number of areas including storytelling, history, architecture, literature, group management, Emergency First Aid and archaeology. Jane has a flair for bringing history to life but also noticing when you need a coffee break or a stop for some food ! All of our tours are adapted to suit your interests and needs - whether that be only a few hours or a specific interest that you have. Please get in touch for a tour tailored to your requirement. When you book, your guide contact details will be sent to you and you can agree meeting point and time.

Engage the services of a Blue Badge qualified tourist guide - we are qualified, friendly, knowledgeable and great storytellers ! We can tailor your tour to what you wish to do - the main sites, themed tours, hidden gems or a bit of a mix. Here are a few ideas :- • King of the castle - Head to the castle and hear about "the dirty wee rascals" as the rhyme goes ! • Old Edinburgh - explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site - alleys, riots, religious turmoil and academic Enlightenment • Edinburgh New Town - hear about the people who used to live there and the architectural gems of 18th century buildings and beyond • Tour some places that are said to have inspired JK Rowling when she was writing Harry Potter • Go on a guided tour of some of Edinburgh's wonderful museums and art galleries • Visit some Outlander filming locations and hear about the Jacobites in Edinburgh • Off the beaten track - a walk down the Water of Leith to trendy Stockbridge Book your guide now !