Jacobite History and Outlander’s Scotland Walking Tour

Exploring Edinburgh’s Jacobite and Outlander Heritage in a Walk

If you’re curious about Scotland’s rebellious past or a fan of Outlander, this Jacobite History and Outlander’s Scotland Walking Tour offers a solid way to get your historical fix in a short amount of time. We haven’t taken it ourselves, but with a consistent 5-star rating and glowing reviews, it’s clear this experience resonates with many travelers.

What really catches our eye about this tour are the knowledgeable guides in authentic costumes, bringing history vividly to life, and the focus on key sites connected to Outlander, which adds an extra layer of fun for fans. On the flip side, since it’s a walking tour, you’ll want to be comfortable with some pace and weather, as the experience is outdoors and lasts just around two hours.

This tour suits history buffs, Outlander enthusiasts, or anyone looking to see a lot of Edinburgh’s Old Town efficiently. It’s also family-friendly and stroller-compatible, making it accessible for travelers with children or those who prefer a relaxed pace.

<h3 id="section-0">Key Points

• Time-efficient: Covers a lot of ground in just two hours, ideal for tight schedules.
• Expert guides: Led by passionate storytellers in historic costumes, adding authenticity.
• Rich content: Focuses on rebellious stories, historic sites, and Outlander locations.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for all ages and stroller-friendly.
• Affordable: At around $24.68, it offers good value for a guided experience.
• Weather-sensitive: As an outdoor walking tour, good weather is important, but cancellations are flexible.

A Closer Look at the Tour Itinerary and Highlights

This 2-hour Edinburgh Old Town walking tour is designed to give you a compact yet colorful history of the city’s rebellious side. Starting at St Giles’ Cathedral, the tour takes you through a collection of historic alleys, squares, and hidden corners that tell stories you won’t find in a typical guidebook.

Starting Point: St Giles’ Cathedral

Your journey begins here, an iconic Edinburgh landmark. The meeting point is easy to find, and arriving on time ensures you kick off the experience without stress. The guide, dressed in an authentic handmade costume, immediately sets a lively tone, making history feel tangible and engaging.

The Rebellious Stories at Greyfriars Kirkyard

One of the first stops is Greyfriars Kirkyard, famous for its covenants and legends. Here, the guides share stories that make the history of Scottish rebellion come alive, emphasizing the defiant spirit of the Scots. According to reviews, guides like Charlotte relay these tales in a fun and interesting manner that keeps your attention, even if you’re not a history buff.

Parliament Square and Old Parliament House

Next, you’ll pass through Parliament Square, where debates about Scottish independence once took place, and visit the Old Parliament House, a site where rebels plotted their schemes. These spots give a sense of the political importance of Edinburgh through the ages and are perfect for history buffs who love understanding the roots of Scottish independence.

Mercat Cross and Niddry Street

The tour then takes you to the Mercat Cross, historically a place where proclamations of freedom and rebellion rang out. Nearby, Niddry Street reveals hidden stories behind its facades. These lesser-known tales add a layer of depth to your understanding of Edinburgh’s rebellious past, making you appreciate how layered the city’s history truly is.

Royal Canongate and Mary Queen of Scots

Royal Canongate, the street where Mary Queen of Scots once walked, offers a glimpse into royal history intertwined with the city’s more rebellious episodes. Many reviews mention how guides vividly paint these scenes, making you feel transported back in time.

Secret Sites: Tweeddale Court, Bakehouse Close, and Canongate Cemetery

The tour’s secretive stops—such as Tweeddale Court and Bakehouse Close—are among the most loved parts, especially by those interested in the hidden stories of Edinburgh. The Canongate Cemetery near Holyroodhouse, with its haunted reputation, adds an eerie touch, and guides often include Outlander connections, satisfying fans of the show.

Outlander Enthusiasm

For Outlander fans, this tour offers special insights into locations used in the TV series. Some reviews highlight how the guides blend history with Outlander stories seamlessly, making the experience particularly memorable for fans.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

While many Edinburgh tours cover the city’s sights, this experience emphasizes rebel stories, secret corners, and Outlander links, making it a bit more niche but deeply engaging. The authentic costumes and passionate guides add authenticity and personality, elevating what could be a simple walk into a lively storytelling session.

The Guides and Their Passion

Multiple reviewers praise the guides, especially Charlotte, for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and friendliness. One reviewer even called her the best tour guide they’ve ever had, which speaks volumes about the personal touch. The guides’ storytelling style is lively, fun, and full of interesting details, which keeps even history skeptics captivated.

Accessibility and Family-Friendliness

The tour’s stroller-friendly nature makes it accessible to families with young children. It’s a gentle pace, so it’s suitable for most travelers who are comfortable walking outdoors for around two hours. Since no entry into paid attractions is included, you’re free to explore additional sights afterward without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Practical Details and What You Need to Know

Price-wise, at roughly $24.68, this tour offers excellent value considering the expertise and personalized storytelling you get. We’d say that, for the price, you’re paying for quality guides and an immersive experience rather than just a list of sights.

Timing is straightforward—an afternoon start at 2:00 pm, which fits well into most travel schedules. The group size is capped at 30, ensuring a small, intimate experience where your guide can answer questions and customize the storytelling.

Weather considerations are important; since it’s an outdoor walking tour, you’ll want to dress appropriately and be prepared for Scottish weather, which can be unpredictable. Many reviewers mention braving rain and cold, but the guides stay enthusiastic regardless.

Booking in advance is recommended, with most people reserving their spot about 72 days ahead. This shows that demand is steady, especially for visitors looking to lock in a fun, informative experience during high travel seasons.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

The reviews are almost unanimously positive, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5. People highlight the knowledgeable guides, the entertaining stories, and the stunning, secretive sights. One reviewer noted how the tour made Edinburgh’s history both concise and engaging, while another appreciated the blend of Scottish rebellion tales with Outlander sites.

Several travelers emphasize the personal connection they felt with guides like Charlotte, describing her as friendly, funny, and incredibly well-informed. The fact that the tour is suitable for families and stroller-friendly adds to its appeal for a broad range of visitors.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those who want a quick yet comprehensive glimpse into Edinburgh’s rebellious past, especially if you’re a fan of Outlander. It’s a great option for travelers short on time but eager for a meaningful, engaging tour.

History lovers will appreciate the storytelling style and the hidden gems uncovered along the way. If you prefer a relaxed pace, detailed stories, and knowledgeable guides, this tour ticks those boxes.

While not ideal for those seeking entry to attractions or a more in-depth museum visit, it offers a lively, personable snapshot of Edinburgh’s defiant spirit.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, it’s stroller-friendly and suitable for the whole family, making it a relaxed option for visitors with kids.

What is the duration of the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, making it manageable even if you have a packed schedule.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended, especially since most bookings are made around 72 days ahead. The tour is popular and fills up quickly.

What should I wear?
Since it’s an outdoor walking tour, dressing in layers and waterproof clothing is wise, especially if the weather looks uncertain.

Are entry tickets to attractions included?
No, the tour fee covers only the guided walking experience. Additional attractions or sites are paid separately if you choose to visit them afterward.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked. However, if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there a maximum group size?
Yes, the tour groups are limited to 30 travelers, providing a more intimate experience where your guide can give personal attention.

In summary, the Jacobite History and Outlander’s Scotland Walking Tour offers a lively, engaging way to explore Edinburgh’s rebellious and royal stories in a manageable timeframe. With passionate guides, authentic costumes, and an emphasis on hidden tales and Outlander sites, it’s a solid choice for travelers wanting to deepen their understanding of Scotland’s defiant spirit without spending hours on a tour. Perfect for history buffs, Outlander fans, or curious travelers looking for a local, personable experience.