Step into Edinburgh’s Old Town with a family-friendly walking tour that uncovers the city’s magical past, from real-life wizards to the stories behind Harry Potter. Discover history, legend, and hidden corners all in one engaging hour.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Suitable for all ages with basic walking ability; mostly level terrain with some street steps.
Wildlife
History
Edinburgh's Old Town developed around a volcanic ridge, dating back to medieval times, combining rugged geological features with rich cultural heritage.
Conservation
Walk the Old Town promotes responsible tourism by encouraging visitors to respect historic buildings and minimize noise, preserving the character of this UNESCO site.
Walk the Old Town
Step into Edinburgh’s Old Town with a family-friendly walking tour that uncovers the city’s magical past, from real-life wizards to the stories behind Harry Potter. Discover history, legend, and hidden corners all in one engaging hour.
Walk the Old Town offers guided walking tours focused on Edinburgh's historic Old Town and its rich cultural stories.
The company presents four themed experiences: the Old Town Walking Tour, Rebel! Rebel! Tour, Crime and Punishment, and Magical Edinburgh. The Old Town Walking Tour is a one-hour historical walking tour through streets that inspired tales such as Harry Potter and Outlander; it also highlights figures like the burglar who influenced Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The Rebel! Rebel! Tour explores Jacobite history and Outlander-related locations along the Royal Mile and is guided by historians in full costume who visit iconic sites featured in the TV series. Crime and Punishment examines Edinburgh's darker past, including accounts of murder, torture, public flogging sites, and the ruins of a notorious building. Magical Edinburgh is designed for families and children, pointing out locations that inspired Harry Potter, real-life wizards, and friendly ghost stories.
Walk the Old Town is featured on The Adventure Collective and operates in Edinburgh, Scotland, concentrating its walks within the Old Town area. Tours combine historical narrative with site visits to well-known streets and landmarks and offer themed choices for visitors interested in literature, television locations, Jacobite history, or family-oriented storytelling. Specific tour formats—such as a one-hour Old Town Walking Tour and historian-led, costumed visits on Rebel! Rebel—help visitors select the experience that best matches their interests.
Tours Offered
4
Four themed walking tours available.
Location
Edinburgh, Scotland
Tours take place in the Old Town.
Family Friendly
Yes
Magical Edinburgh suits children.
Tour Duration
1 hour
Old Town Walking Tour is one hour.
Reserve a spot on a themed walk to explore Edinburgh's Old Town history, Outlander locations, Harry Potter inspirations, or grim crime tales.
Wear comfortable walking shoes
The Old Town streets are uneven cobblestones, so sturdy footwear helps keep you steady.
Bring a light rain jacket
Edinburgh weather can change suddenly; a waterproof layer will keep you comfortable during the tour.
Arrive early to meet the group
Tours start promptly; meeting a few minutes ahead helps you settle in and ask questions.
Ask about accessibility options
Some parts of the Old Town have steep climbs and narrow alleys; check in advance if mobility is a concern.
Comfortable walking shoes
Protect your feet on cobblestone streets and uneven pavement.
Light rain jacket
Keep dry during unexpected drizzles common in Edinburgh.
spring
Layered clothing
Adjust to changing temperatures throughout the tour.
fall
Camera or smartphone
Capture historic sites and magical moments.