Undiscovered Edinburgh on Foot: Explore Historic Dean Village with Local Guide
5.0
23 Ratings
Edinburgh
Escape the tourist crowds and discover the hidden gems of Edinburgh on a walking tour of historic Dean Village. Explore charming streets, historic buildings, and even spot wildlife in the heart of the city!
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Dean Village - A stunningly pretty former mill village located in Dean Vally by the fast flowing Water of Leith. See 17th century buildings as well as potentially wildlife including herons and otters. A taste of the Highlands only ten minutes walk from Princes Street!
- New Town - Explore the not so New Town of Edinburgh- it was originally built in the 1770s! The neighbourhood’s design revolutionised the way cities were laid. See the former home of one of Scotland’s greatest writers and marvel at the grand Georgian townhouses.
- Scott Monument - The largest monument to a writer anywhere in the world! The “Gothic Rocketship” is a worthy tribute to Walter Scott who changed the way novels were written and reinvigorated Scotland’s sense of national identity.
- Water of Leith Walkway - We’ll walk down the river path, maybe spotting the local otters, birdlife and a few indigenous Edinburghers too! There’s local history too!
- Stockbridge Market - When you do this tour on Sunday, you’ll pass by the Stockbridge market
- Princes Street Gardens - Walk through parts of the most central - and arguably most historic - public gardens in Edinburgh!
What's Included
- Expert tour guide services
Additional Information
MAXIMUM GROUP CAPACITY - 15 INDIVIDUALS. Evade the bustling Royal Mile and embark on a private tour of Edinburgh’s unseen treasures with a cordial local tour guide!
During this laid-back pedestrian tour, you’ll discover the cream of the crop of Edinburgh - a historic district (Dean Village) featuring structures from as early as the 1600’s, significant monuments, eccentric local bistros, charming concealed lanes and avenues…and yes, you’ll also stroll alongside the city’s solitary river!! You might even spot otters and a plethora of other wildlife, right at the city’s heart!
Reserve your spot on this tour if you’re keen to sidestep the tourist masses and immerse yourself in a more ‘local’ experience.
- Strollers can be used, but parents need to be in good shape, and ready for cobblestones
Location
Statue of Sir James Young Simpson
Princes Street
We will meet you outside The Tour Box Police Box, located in the West End of Princes St. Meet us here 5-10mins before the tour starts and get yourself a Specialty Coffee or Hot Chocolate for your tour.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(23 Ratings)
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Jon
May 5, 2024
Beyond Old Town….Prince Street to Dean Village and back - Took a walking tour with Adrian for almost 3 hours. Fabulous experience seeing Edinburgh new town & Dean Village. Adrian was very friendly, knowledgeable and a good storyteller. While he not a local, having grown up in Bulgaria, his local area expertise was impressive. We especially like the walk through Dean Village, along the river and the path back up the hill.
Thanks for an enjoyable afternoon!
The Moores
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mark
May 2, 2024
Great Tour of New Town Edinburgh - This was a very informative tour of New Town and the quieter area of Dean Village. The guide, David, was a font of knowledge and kept the tour interesting. There are some uphill and downhill areas but not too bad for most people. Finding a group tour of New Town was not easy but Local Eyes and David were a great find. I highly recommend this tour if you want to see and learn about an area of Edinburgh that many people skip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paulasn228pu
Apr 24, 2024
Circus Lane - The walk through Dean Village is wonderful, but Circus Lane is lovely. This time I explored the street, which is small and welcoming, like something out of a movie.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alexandru_i
Apr 22, 2024
Dean Village is amazing! - David was a great guide. Even with the terrible weather we had a nice experience visiting Edinburgh and expecially Dean Village.
Review provided by Viator
Abelk685
Oct 11, 2023
Dean Village and New town tour. - We really enjoyed this tour of Edinburgh New town and Dean village with our guide David. We visited places less frequented by tourists and learnt much about this area’s history and community. Packed with information and would highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mary_v
Sep 26, 2023
New Town and Dean Village Tour - Our tour guide David is very knowledgeable about the history and layout of the city. The tour starts in New Town and then heads down to Dean Village, on the banks of the small river Leith. The river runs through the center of the city and flows into the sea. It's a beautiful wild area as you walk east from Dean Village. The tour enters the area down a steep road next to the Dean bridge and ends at Stockbridge, which is back at street level. Our tour started at 1:30 and ended at 4pm, and requires a moderate level of physical fitness.
Review provided by Viator
Bobrodgers
Sep 11, 2023
A wonderfully paced and informative walk through parts of Edinburgh that aren’t on the normal tourist path. - Gains was a knowledgeable and pleasant guide who led us through some of the most beautiful greenways in Edinburgh and pointed out key locations and the General histories so background of the New Town. A high point of our visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Navigator49631182191
Aug 27, 2023
Short and sweet - Our guide, David, was full of insight and knowledge about the places he took us. I learned so much I would have missed just strolling by myself. Great tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kristinrq3422sg
Jul 28, 2023
Amazing tour company and would book again! - Loved this tour company! We did two tours on different days with Local Eyes about two weeks ago. I loved the laid back personalities and the history knowledge. I would highly recommend them. This is only the second review I have ever written and I felt like it was needed because everyone should use them! We went as a family of four with two teenage kids. We all enjoyed it so much. Thank you Local Eyes for making our trip special!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
P1563fqhelenh
Jul 26, 2023
Would highly recommend this experience - Due to no other bookings. I enjoyed a 1:1 tour with Gains, who was super knowledgeable about so many things :-) The tour was well paced, interesting and enjoyable, and I wouldn't hesitate to book again. Thanks so much!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
