Trainspotting Walking Tour with Brit Movie Tours in Edinburgh
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; moderate walking and standing required
Overview
Join Brit Movie Tours for a gripping three-hour walk through Edinburgh’s streets, visiting famed filming locations from the Trainspotting movies. Discover behind-the-scenes stories and see the city through the lens of one of its most iconic adaptations—perfect for cinephiles and curious travelers alike.
Trainspotting Walking Tour of Edinburgh Locations • Private
For all ages • 3 hours • Private group!
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About This Adventure
Embark on a thrilling 3-hour journey through Edinburgh on the Trainspotting tour, where you'll visit iconic film locations from both the original and its sequel. Relive memorable scenes with beloved characters while exploring historic streets, and gain behind-the-scenes insights into the adaptation of Irvine Welsh's classic novels.
See the location of the chase scene from the opening of the first Trainspotting film!
Duration
3 hours
About
Choose this tour. Choose to walk. Choose a guide that will take you on a journey around Edinburgh that takes in one of the classic and best remembered books and screen adaptations in the past 20 years. Ranked as 10th by the British Film Institute in the list of greatest British films, the 1996 classic Trainspotting starred Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller and Robert Carlyle.
With the same cast returning to the sequel released 20 years later, the story set in Edinburgh about drug addiction and poverty has created a cult following amongst its fans.
This 3 hour Trainspotting tour is a perfect tour for fans of both the Irvine Welsh novels, Trainspotting and its follow up Porno, as well as both films directed by Danny Boyle. On this location tour, you will see iconic sites from both films that featured many memorable scenes with Renton, Spud, Begbie and Sick Boy.
Starting from the very first location we see in the first Trainspotting movie in central Edinburgh where Renton is being chased by security the tour then weaves its way through sites that include the car park where Renton narrowly escapes from Begbie in T2. The walk will include some of the historic streets in the old town that were used in the chase including the Grassmarket, The Royal Mile and . You will also see the location where the more updated ‘Choose Life’ rant from T2 is said, Dianes law firm and Where Renton hits the car in T1.
The Trainspotting Tour is ideal for fans of the books and films but also a great way to see iconic sites in central Edinburgh including the Old Town, Edinburgh Castle, Princes St Gardens, Calton Hill, the Scott Monument and much more
More info
- Get behind the scenes information from your guide about how the films were transferred from page to screen
- See film locations from T2 including Begbies car park and the bookshop robbed at the start of the first film
- Hear quotes from your guide relating to the literary locations from the first novel
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be walking for about three hours on uneven city streets, so sturdy footwear is essential.
Check the weather forecast
Edinburgh's weather can change rapidly; carrying a waterproof jacket ensures you stay dry.
Bring a camera or smartphone
Capture the scenic streets and film locations along the route for lasting memories.
Arrive early
Getting to the meeting point a few minutes early helps ensure a smooth start and primer on the tour details.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban birds like sparrows and pigeons
- Squirrels in nearby parks
History
Edinburgh has a rich literary history, serving as the backdrop for many Scottish novels and films.
Conservation
Efforts are ongoing to preserve the historic streets and reduce city tourism impact via sustainable practices.
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Adventure Hotspots in Edinburgh
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Important for supporting you through the city streets during the walking tour.
Weather-appropriate clothing
A jacket or umbrella depending on forecast to stay comfortable throughout.
spring|summer|fall|winter specific
Camera or smartphone
Capture memorable moments along the iconic film locations.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated as you walk through Edinburgh’s vibrant streets.