Historical Tours of Edinburgh

focused on architecture and design

Edinburgh walking tours with a difference

Edinburgh’s stunning architecture is one of the main reasons the city has won more than 12 UK’s best city awards in the last seven years.

We invite you to discover Edinburgh through the lens of its most influential architects and uncover the origins of Scottish design, all the while hearing about the conflicts, controversies, and personalities involved in the development of Edinburgh.

Our highly formative architect-led Edinburgh walking tours are created for discerning people looking to build an in-depth understanding of the city.

Cobble Tales have passed the COVID-19 assessment.

We are part of the ‘Good to Go’ scheme and are leading our tours under the latest guidelines:

Book online for contactless payment.
Tours outdoors only, in large open spaces.
Physical distancing during the tour.
Digital handouts only.
Guides do daily wellness checks.
Guides wear face coverings.

Private tours

Flexible times | Multiple Itineraries

View private itineraries

Family Discount

Private Tours

Set your own pace

Tour within your own household, or spend time with friends and family.

Choose from multiple itineraries available as a private tour in Edinburgh, or send us a custom request.

Private tours are a perfect way to learn about Edinburgh as a family, as you set the pace. With small tasks and stories, our guides will make sure your children have fun on the walk.

What makes us so special

Passionate expert guides

Free 48h cancellation

No booking fees

Unique lens for exploring Edinburgh

Great reviews

Working to latest COVID-19 guidelines

What locals love

about Cobble Tales

Ben, Lancaster

Olga was one of the best guides we've ever had on a walk, and we could have happily carried on all day. Worth every penny for architecture lovers, and even those with a vague interest (like myself!).

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Ian, Edinburgh

Whether you are new to Edinburgh, or already know the city, you will get a huge amount from it.

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Lynn, Edinburgh

One of the highlights was access to the locked Queen Street Gardens! We've done architectural tours in a number of cities and this ranks among the top!

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Rosalind, Dunbar

It was fascinating to learn about all the influences on Edinburgh’s architecture, from brochs and baronial castles to Le Corbusier.

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Elisabeth, Newcastle

I saw the city in a new light through the excellent commentary and images Agustina shared.

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Supporting heritage in Scotland

Cobble Tales is proud to support local heritage causes. We donate to a building conservation charity SPAB Scotland (The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings), that works on promoting traditional building crafts among young people.

On selected tour dates all profits go to charity, as well as donating 10% of your ticket prices on all tours.

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings is a registered charity with registered number 1113753, Scottish Charity No.SC 039244

Edinburgh Tour Gift Card

If you received a gift card for a tour with us, read how to book your tour here.

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