Hidden Gardens of the Royal Mile

Take an easy walking tour to discover a little-known side of Edinburgh's Old Town: behind the historic buildings find the surprising number of gardens and green 'nooks and crannies', all with a story to tell.

You'll hear about grand gardens of the past, enjoy productive community gardens created by today's residents, and take a breather in a beautiful space laid out and planted as a 17th century Scots town garden.

NEW IN 2012 Look out for several special tours during 2012, when we'll visit a few normally-locked gardens in the Royal Mile. So, even if you have done this tour before, there are still discoveries to make. Details will be added to the website in spring 2012.

"Many thanks for a very interesting and enjoyable morning. You struck the right balance of information and stories from the past and the present, and we've come home feeling inspired by the gardens you showed us, created by people in the Canongate. Your tour was the most enjoyable and informative thing we did during our week in Edinburgh, and we'll be back to do another of your tours next year!" Jack and Michelle, Ontario, Canada

"What a brilliant morning!! So enjoyable discovering the hidden gardens behind the Old Town facade which we never even knew existed in spite of living in Edinburgh for so many years!! Very many thanks - you were an excellent guide in every way and we appreciated every moment of our time with you this morning." Di, Edinburgh

Tour Details

When:	Sunday 6 May - Sunday 29 July 2012 (inclusive) afternoon tour every Sunday 2.30 pm morning tour every Friday 11.00 am evening tours - Tuesdays 22, 29 May, 5, 12, 19, 26 June 6.30pm No tours on Friday 6 and Sunday 8 July - apologies, Greenyonder is going to a wedding. Friday 3 August - Monday 27 August 2012 Special programme for Edinburgh Fringe (note earlier weekday starting time) afternoon tour every Sunday 2.30 pm morning tour every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10.30 am Tours are very busy in August. Please book to avoid disappointment. Tuesday 28 August - Thursday 20 September 2012 No tours - Greenyonder goes on holiday! Friday 21 September - Friday 19 October 2012 (inclusive) afternoon tour every Sunday 2.30 pm morning tour every Friday 11.00 am Last public tour: Friday 19 October, 11.00 am Book online
Where:	Meet outside John Knox House (Scottish Storytelling Centre), 43 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR. see map
Details:	Tour lasts 1 hour 40 minutes, and covers up to one mile of mainly pavement walking; some slopes and cobbled surfaces. We finish at the Scottish Parliament.
Cost:	Cost: £8 'turn up and go' Pre-paid rate: £7 SPECIAL OFFER! - all tours in May £5 Book online
Group tours:	Group bookings are welcome at any time of year. Check here for more information, including special group rates. If you'd like to book a group tour at a time to suit you, please phone 0131 444 1725 or email jean@greenyondertours.com

last updated 28 January 2012