Private Walking Tours
of Edinburgh
Uncover one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.
Walking tours of Edinburgh and its history, led by a passionate local guide - my home for over 30 years I think this city is amazing.
What I offer is simple...
Friendly, relaxed and research-based walking tours with no costumed theatrics because Edinburgh's history really doesn't need any dressing-up! I blend aspects of the city's cultural identity, social history, urban design and industrial heritage together to give you a truly unique glimpse into the elements that have shaped Edinburgh into the vibrant cultural capital it is today.
Private and Bespoke Walking Tours
All my Edinburgh walking tours are designed to help you 'get under its skin' by exploring its history, its highlights and its hidden corners.
A private walking tour is one of the best ways to make the most of your time in Edinburgh.
I'll meet you at a time and place that suits you, before we head out to explore the city. I offer a range of tours, from an introduction to the city to a more in-depth look at its rich history and everything inbetween. Whichever you choose, you'll discover what keeps Edinburgh's ancient heart beating as strong as ever and why people want to come back again and again.
Bespoke tours offer complete flexibility so you can experience Edinburgh with a tour tailor-made to you.
This might be looking at a specific area of the city, delving into a topic of personal interest, booking somewhere to eat, visiting a local attraction, organising a route suited to your mobility, or co-ordinating with another local businesses as part of a special day.
Whether you join me for a couple of hours or a whole day, each tour is personally created and guided by me; a local historian who loves this city.
Client Testimonial
Bespoke walking tour of Leith.
"I was looking for something a little bit different for myself and three out-of-town friends to do as part of our annual get-together. Hetty made everything easy to organise and was happy to finish our tour near the restaurant where we had booked our lunch.
Wonderfully researched and amazingly well delivered our tour was good fun and highly informative. We all enjoyed our morning immensely and I couldn’t recommend Hetty more highly!"
L. Ewing, April 2023
Client Testimonial
The Balmoral Rocco Forte Hotel - five-star luxury
"I have been privileged to work with Hetty over the past few years and found her very easy to work with. She is extremely knowledgeable, warm and professional, and most importantly, the feedback from the guests she looks after is absolutely fantastic."
David Musk, Chief Concierge, 2023
Things to Consider
Everyone is different and Edinburgh has lots to offer, far too much to fit into one tour!
To make sure that I create the tour you are looking for please consider the points below and include your thoughts in your enquiry. You can change any details you wish later but it'll give me a good starting point.
How long you want your tour to last?
I offer between 2 - 8 hours, with 4 hours being the most popular.
What pace you would like your tour to be?
Think about whether you want an easy stroll, an active walk, or even a hearty hike!
Does anyone in your party have mobility or health issues?
Edinburgh is a hilly city with plenty of steps and steep slopes, if these are likely to be an issue let me know and I will plan a more suitable route.
Consider what you want to get out of your tour!
Do you want a general introduction to the city and its history, or a tour that focuses on a unique aspect such as its architecture or medical legacy? Perhaps you'd like a tour that goes 'off the beaten track' and explores one of Edinburgh's many local neighbourhoods.
Maybe you just want a tour that offers a little of everything - we can do that too!
One of my mottos is 'happy guests, happy guide' so, whatever you are looking for, let me know so that I can create the perfect tour for you.
Private Tour Prices
Booking are secured with a 50% deposit and I offer the following discounts:
Advanced Booking Discount
20% off bookings made more than 10 weeks in advance.
Solo Traveller Discount
20% off bookings for people taking a private tour by themselves.
Exact prices vary depending on a variety of factors, the prices below give a general guide:
2-hour private tour costs around £140
4-hour private tour costs around £200
Prices quoted will always be inclusive of any fees but exclusive of refreshments, transport, etc unless otherwise stated.
Bookings and Enquiries
To keep costs down I don't have an online booking system. To ask about availability or any other enquiry simply get in touch using the form below...
Name *Email *How many people will be in your party? *Select an optionHow long do you want your tour to be? *Select an optionWhat pace suits your party best? *Select an optionDoes anyone have mobility or health issues? *If your answer is 'yes' please give further details in the box belowSelect an optionPlease give details of any mobility and/or health issues.What is your preferred date? *Where are you staying? *This helps me plan meeting points, routes, etc.What are you interested in? *Tick all that applyAnything else I should know?Any specific interests, other plans for the day, celebrating a special event, etcOn a tight budget?
Did you know that any of my local history tours can be booked privately?
Your Guide
Hi, I'm Hetty, a local historian and independent guide.
If you book a tour with me I'll be your guide. In fact, I'll not only be your guide, I will have researched and created your tour too! Below are some things about me to reassure you that you'll be in good hands. I have:
- An MA (Hons) in Social and Architectural History from the University of Edinburgh.
- Studied aspects of heritage interpretation and communication theory.
- A huge appreciation of Edinburgh city and its people through the centuries.
- Over 10 years experience in the local heritage sector.
- Over 30 years of living and working in Edinburgh.
- All the relevant licences and insurance cover.
- Lots of five star reviews.
- Most importantly, I have a genuine love of meeting people from near and far and helping them to discover and explore the beautiful city I'm lucky enough to call home!
I really enjoy my job and, whether you join me for a short local heritage walk or a full-day of bespoke in-depth history, I will always do my absolute best to give you a great experience.
You can see other things I do here and read what other people have said here
Joivy Exclusive
Great value private walking tours exclusive to Joivy and Stay Altido guests.
I want everyone who visits Edinburgh to fall in love with it as much as I have. So, to help visitors get the most out of their time in the city, I've teamed up with Joivy to offer their guests the opportunity to discover Edinburgh with an independent private guide at affordable prices.
Edinburgh Orientation
A perfect introduction to the city, this walking tour will include parts of Edinburgh’s famous historic Old Town and 250-year-old Georgian New Town before finishing with panoramic views from Calton Hill.
Discover some of the quirky features and characters of the city while I point out some of Edinburgh’s most popular attractions and iconic landmarks. By the end of the tour, you’ll be familiar with the layout of the city centre and have plenty of ideas of what to do and where to go during your stay.
Route covers approx. 2 miles (3km) and includes: National Museum of Scotland, Grassmarket, Victoria Street, the ‘Royal Mile’, St Giles Cathedral, Princes Street Gardens, National Galleries, Scott Monument, St Andrew Square, and Calton Hill.
Please note this tour includes steps, steep slopes, cobbled streets, and uneven ground.
Historic City Sights
Discover how and why this 900 year old city became the vibrant cultural capital it is today. Learn about some of the people and events that shaped Edinburgh's story as you explore the city's Old Town, New Town, and its iconic Calton Hill.
By the end of this walking tour you'll be familiar with the layout of the city centre plus you'll have stepped inside a few of the city’s architectural gems and experienced some of its more hidden treasures. Including everything in the 2-hour Orientation tour, the additional introduction to Edinburgh’s rich history will give you a good understanding of the city and provide valuable context to your own explorations.
Route covers approx. 2.5 miles (4km) to include everything in the Orientation Tour plus additional highlights.
Please note this tour includes steps, steep slopes, cobbled streets, and uneven ground.
Terms & Conditions
- These exclusive tours and prices are only available to people staying at Joivy or Stay Altido managed accommodation within the city of Edinburgh.
- All tours are subject to availability.
- Prices quoted are for 2 - 4 persons, inclusive of all fees. For solo traveller discounts and larger groups please enquire.
- These tours are not suitable for those with reduced mobility, this includes baby strollers and wheelchairs. Please email me directly, using the enquiry form on my contact page, if you would like to organise a mobility-friendly tour.
- Bookings are required to be paid in advance and are non-refundable.
- These tours are not eligible for advanced booking discounts or partial deposits.
- Further terms and conditions apply.
To book or enquire please complete and submit the form below.
Joivy Guest Enquiry Form
Please complete and submit the form below to ask about availability.
PS If you haven't had a response within 72 hours please check your junk mail folder!
Local historian.
Independent guide.
Freelance heritage worker.
Tours available throughout the year, summer and winter!
Contact and Connect
I love this city, I want you to love it too...
Website updated 03 Sep 2024.
Images by Daniel Rannoch Photography and Hetty's History Walks.
Established 2019. Copyright of Hetty's History Walks. All Rights Reserved.