THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover Edinburgh’s secret closes with Hi Amy! on an immersive French-language tour through narrow medieval alleys that shaped city lore and inspired J.K. Rowling’s Diagon Alley. Unearth stories centuries in the making on this one-of-a-kind urban adventure.
Discover Edinburgh’s secret closes with Hi Amy! on an immersive French-language tour through narrow medieval alleys that shaped city lore and inspired J.K. Rowling’s Diagon Alley. Unearth stories centuries in the making on this one-of-a-kind urban adventure.
Book with Hi Amy!
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Hi Amy! · Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh’s Royal Mile runs like a living spine through the heart of the city’s Old Town, but it’s the labyrinth of narrow closes—those steep alleyways tucked between ancient tenements—that hold the real magic. Hi Amy!, a passionate local guide, offers an exclusive 1.5-hour journey into this secretive network with la Révélation des Closes, a unique walking tour entirely in French. With over 75 historic passages, these closes whisper stories of the city’s darker past—hidden courtyards, shadowed nooks, and twisting lanes where intrigue and legend merge.
Visitors follow a carefully crafted route starting near the Writers’ Museum, a fitting launch point given Edinburgh’s literary pedigree. These alleyways are more than just architectural oddities: they are steeped in centuries of history, from sinister backstreets once notorious for danger, to secret escapes and clandestine passages. The connection to J.K. Rowling’s creation of Diagon Alley adds a modern enchantment to this historic maze, inviting imagination alongside historical fact.
Hi Amy! stands out by blending precise storytelling with intimate access to places most tourists miss, all delivered in a distinctively accessible yet thorough French commentary. The tour wraps with local delicacies and a city map featuring insider tips—turning a lively stroll into a full cultural immersion. This experience marries the urban mystery of Edinburgh with expert local knowledge, making it a rare gem for visitors wanting to taste both the city’s soul and its shadows.
Neither crowded nor conventional, la Révélation des Closes brings the pulse of Edinburgh’s Old Town back to life. Perfect for history buffs, literature lovers, and those eager to see beneath Edinburgh’s famous streetscape, Hi Amy!’s tour reveals a city carved in stories and secrets. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or seasoned traveler, this discreet tour offers a memorable way to experience Edinburgh’s hidden corners on foot.
easy.
1.5 hours.
Suitable for most visitors with basic mobility; involves walking through uneven, narrow alleys.
Yes, children aged 7 and older can participate comfortably on this walking tour.
La Révélation des Closes is a French-language tour designed for French-speaking visitors.
Contact Hi Amy! directly via [email protected] to request available dates or private tours.
Hi Amy! may cancel the tour for safety in case of hazardous weather and will notify you in advance.
There are no public restrooms in the closes, so plan accordingly before starting the tour.
This experience is primarily offered as a private tour to ensure an intimate and personalized visit.
These closes date back to medieval Edinburgh and housed merchants, craftsmen, and sometimes less savory characters, shaping the city’s social fabric.
Hi Amy! encourages low-impact visitation to preserve the fragile historical stonework and maintain pedestrian-friendly access in Old Town.
Hi Amy! is an Edinburgh-based tour operator specializing in guided paranormal and themed walking tours across Edinburgh's Old Town and New Town. The company offers private and public ghost tours, family-friendly experiences, Halloween specials, and history-focused walks that highlight witchcraft, crime, and literary connections to the city. Available tours include Ghost Hunt privé, a three-hour ghost-hunting investigation using professional equipment; Le Wee Tour Kifépeur, a family-friendly ghost tour suitable for children aged six and up; l'Expérience Edimbourg hantée, which includes a guided exploration of haunted sites and an exclusive visit to a pub within the Vaults; Magie et Sorcellerie, a guide-led walk connecting witch trials and Harry Potter inspirations; la Révélation des Closes, an exploration of the Royal Mile's closes; Les Fantômes d'Edimbourg offered in both private and public formats; les Fantômes de New Town timed for festival season; les Sombres Secrets d'Edimbourg focused on darker historical crimes; and Soirée Speciale Halloween, a seasonal investigative experience. Tours emphasize storytelling, historical context, and immersive investigation when equipment is used. Several experiences explicitly reference the use of professional ghost-hunting tools and offer private-group options for tailored itineraries. Hi Amy! markets clear age guidance and thematic focuses for each trip, making the operator suitable for families, paranormal enthusiasts, and festival visitors. Booking is available for both private groups and public ticketed tours across Edinburgh. Guides provide local historical context, documented stories, and safety guidance during candlelit or evening walks. Group sizes vary with private bookings available to customize time and route and duration.
Book with Hi Amy!