The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour offers a unique way to explore the city’s rich literary heritage. Led by professional actors, the tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through the lives and works of renowned authors associated with Edinburgh, including Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. Participants can visit iconic pubs that once hosted these writers, sipping on a pint while seeing the city’s literary past. With its blend of performance and historical knowledge, the tour provides an immersive experience for book lovers and literature enthusiasts alike. But what secrets might these pubs hold, waiting to be uncovered?
Key Points
- The tour is a guided, literature-themed walking experience in Edinburgh, led by professional actors with extensive knowledge and theatrical skills.
- Participants can explore the city’s rich literary heritage, including landmarks and pubs associated with famous writers like Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.
- The tour allows visitors to enjoy alcoholic beverages while learning about Edinburgh’s literary connections and the inspiration drawn from the city’s streets and pubs.
- The tour is not wheelchair-friendly, but service animals are allowed, and it is conveniently located near public transportation.
- The tour has a flexible cancellation and refund policy, with a full refund available for cancellations up to 24 hours before the tour.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Overview of the Tour
The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour is a literature-themed walking tour that takes visitors through the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh, guided by professional actors who share insights about writers associated with the city.
With over 400 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, the tour is a highly rated experience that allows participants to visit pubs and hidden spots connected to Edinburgh’s rich literary history.
Along the way, guests can enjoy alcoholic beverages as they learn about the city’s famous authors and the role pubs played in their lives and work.
The tour ends at Milnes Bar, providing a fitting conclusion to an engaging exploration of Edinburgh’s literary legacy.
Professional Actor-Guided Experience
Professional actors guide visitors through the literary-rich streets of Edinburgh, bringing the city’s storied past to life. They share captivating insights about the writers who’ve called this place home, shedding light on the pubs and hidden spots that played a role in their lives and work.
These seasoned performers deliver dynamic, engaging presentations, drawing upon their extensive knowledge and theatrical skills to create an immersive experience. Guests are treated to a lively and insightful exploration of Edinburgh’s literary heritage, discovering the inspirations and hangouts of famous authors like Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, and J.K. Rowling.
The tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with the city’s rich cultural legacy through the passionate guidance of professional actors.
Literary Connections in Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s literary legacy is woven throughout the city’s historic streets and pubs, where famous authors once gathered to find inspiration and camaraderie. Writers like Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, and J.K. Rowling have all left indelible marks on the city, their lives and works intimately connected to the vibrant cultural landscape.
The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour takes visitors on a journey through these storied locales, bringing to life the stories and characters that have made Edinburgh a beacon for book lovers.
From the shadowy alleyways that inspired Stevenson’s ‘Jekyll and Hyde‘ to the cozy taverns where Scott and his contemporaries traded tales, the tour offers a unique window into the city’s rich literary heritage.
Visiting Iconic Pubs and Spots
Along the Literary Pub Tour, visitors wind through the historic Old and New Towns, where they’ll discover the hidden spots and cozy taverns that once hosted renowned writers like Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.
The tour is led by professional actors who bring the city’s literary heritage to life, sharing anecdotes and insights as they guide guests to landmarks like the Beehive Inn and Milnes Bar.
At each stop, visitors can sip on a pint while learning about the influential authors and poets who frequented these establishments, finding inspiration in the warm, convivial atmosphere.
The tour culminates with a visit to the final pub, where guests can continue exploring Edinburgh’s vibrant pub culture.
Meeting Point and Start Time
The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour begins at the Beehive Inn, located at 18-20 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU, UK, with a start time of 7:30 PM.
From this central meeting point, you will embark on a guided literary journey through Edinburgh’s historic Old and New Towns. The tour culminates at Milnes Bar, situated at 35 Hanover St, Edinburgh EH2 2PJ, UK.
Along the way, attendees can expect:
- Expert guidance from professional actors
- Exploration of pubs and hidden spots associated with famous writers
- Opportunities to learn about Edinburgh’s rich literary heritage
- Chances to sample alcoholic beverages at various establishments.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour includes guided commentary by professional actors and the opportunity to enjoy alcoholic beverages at the various pubs and establishments visited during the tour.
Participants will learn about the writers and literature associated with Edinburgh as they explore the city’s Old and New Towns.
The tour doesn’t accommodate wheelchair users, but service animals are allowed. It’s conveniently located near public transportation, making it easily accessible for visitors.
With a maximum of 40 travelers, the tour offers an intimate and personalized experience. Cancellation policies are flexible, allowing for full refunds up to 24 hours before the tour, ensuring a hassle-free booking process.
Accessibility and Transportation
The tour’s accessibility is limited, as it’s not wheelchair-friendly, though service animals are permitted.
Nevertheless, its convenient location near public transportation makes it easily accessible for visitors.
The tour meeting point and end point are within a short walking distance of public transportation options, including:
- Grassmarket, located just a few minutes’ walk from Waverley Train Station.
- Hanover Street, which is close to the City Centre and several bus routes.
- Multiple tram and bus stops within a 5-10 minute walk of the tour.
- Taxi stands nearby for those who prefer a direct transportation option.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Travelers can enjoy a full refund if they cancel their booking up to 24 hours before the tour, but cancellations within 24 hours of the experience are non-refundable.
The tour requires a minimum number of participants, and if this threshold isn’t met, the company may offer an alternative date or issue a full refund.
This flexible cancellation policy ensures that guests can plan their visit with confidence, while the minimum participant requirement helps the tour operator provide a high-quality experience.
Whether you need to change your plans or the tour is cancelled, the Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour prioritizes customer satisfaction and makes accommodations to ensure a memorable literary adventure.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
- Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends
- The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English
- Original Harry Potter Locations Tour in Edinburgh
- Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands With Lunch From Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour With Entry Ticket
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
There is no dress code for this tour. Participants can wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking. The focus is on the tour’s literary and historical content, not on formal attire.
Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Beverages?
No, bringing your own alcoholic beverages is typically not allowed on organized tours. The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour provides alcoholic beverages as part of the experience, so you shouldn’t need to bring your own.
Are Photographs Allowed During the Tour?
Photographs are generally allowed during the tour, but participants should be mindful of any restrictions or requests made by the tour guides. It’s best to check with the tour operator for their specific photography policy.
How Long Does the Tour Typically Last?
The tour typically lasts around 2-2.5 hours. Starting at 7:30 PM, the guided walking tour ends at the Milnes Bar around 9:30-10 PM, allowing participants to learn about Edinburgh’s literary history and visit related pubs.
Is the Tour Suitable for Large Groups?
The tour accommodates groups up to 40 people. With professional actors as guides, the tour is well-suited for large groups looking to explore Edinburgh’s literary heritage and pubs in an engaging and informative manner.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- From Edinburgh: St Andrews & Fishing Villages of Fife Tour
- Life Drawing Class for Special Occassion Edinburgh
- Edinburgh’s Loathsome Lawbreakers: A True Crime Walking Tour
- Edinburgh Private Tour
- Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh City One Way Private Transfer
- Edinburgh Private Tour: The Castle to the Arthurs Seat
- Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh City Plus Return Journey Private Transfer
- Afternoon Whisky Tasting in a Traditional Edinburgh Bar
- Edinburgh: Guided Whisky Tasting & Walking Tour
- Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond Full-Day Private Tour in a Premium Minivan
- From Edinburgh: Outlander, Palaces and Jacobites Tour
- Edinburgh: Fun Team Building Interactive Treasure Hunt
- Edinburgh: 2-Hour Ghost Tour in English
- Edinburgh: Private Architecture Tour With a Local Expert
- Bespoke Walking Tour of Edinburgh in Period Costume
Recap
The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour offers a captivating way to explore the city’s rich literary heritage.
Guided by professional actors, the tour takes participants on a journey through iconic pubs and spots associated with celebrated authors.
It’s an immersive experience that brings the city’s literary past to life, making it a must-try for book lovers and literature enthusiasts visiting Edinburgh.