Edinburgh: Dean Village Circus Lane Walking Tour with a Local
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Edinburgh, Scotland
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
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Overview
Swap the crowds of the Royal Mile for a more intimate view of Edinburgh. This small-group tour takes you to some of the city's most atmospheric (and less-visited) neighborhoods, including the picturesque Dean Village. You'll discover hidden alleyways, quirky cafes, and historic buildings and take a wander along the city's only river.
- Escape the crowds of Edinburgh: Discover more local areas
- Small-group tour (maximum 15): A more personal experience
- Learn about the history and contemporary culture of Edinburgh
- Discover hidden gems you wouldn't find otherwise
What's Included
- Tour Guide Services
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Statue of Sir James Young Simpson132 Princes St., Edinburgh EH2 3AA, UK
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.
End point
- 14A St Vincent St, Edinburgh EH3 6SH, UK
From here it will take 10mins to walk back to where the tour started
Operating hours.1:30 pm
Itinerary
1
Dean Village
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
New Town
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Water of Leith Walkway
25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Stockbridge Market
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Circus Lane
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Strollers can be used, but parents need to be in good shape, and ready for cobblestones
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 87 reviews
Page_B, Apr 2026
It was excellent. Chris was an amazing guide. Personal and friendly, knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to get to know Edinburgh
Lucy_G, Apr 2026
Stuart was an awesome Tour Guide. He gave us a lot of great history and showed us many beautiful places. I would highly recommend.
ilianaR_c, Apr 2026
Very knowledgeable and accommodating
We had 4 kids in our group and he catered to us.
You really enjoys his work and his clients.
Karen_T, Oct 2025
Zander was very informative and we learned some interesting history. We highly recommend the tour and Zander.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
It is great to hear you enjoyed your tour with Zander, and thank you for your kind review. Kind regards, Jess at Local Eyes.
ATHINA_S, Sep 2025
Kieran was our guide and we had an amazing time. He knows so many small details and explained everything thoroughly. He also speaks in a very clear way, which makes it easy to understand him even if English isn’t your first language. Overall, he’s a great guy: likable, friendly, and he makes you feel comfortable right away. Asking questions doesn't feel awkward, even if you’re shy or introverted like I am. Honestly, this was probably the best tour I’ve ever had. We saw beautiful places, including some lesser known spots, learned so much history and tiny details that are often overlooked, and even got to meet a wonderful local. I’d 100% recommend the tour and especially Kieran!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
It is really wonderful to hear how much you enjoyed you tour with Kieran! Thank you for leaving a kind review. Kind regards, Jess at Local Eyes.
Robin_M, Sep 2025
This is a delightful two hour tour to see parts of Edinburgh that you might otherwise miss. Adrian, the tour guide was excellent. He made sure we were all well taken care of. He offered to take photos for us. He had very interesting stories to tell. Highly recommend the tour.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you for your lovely review. It is great to hear how much you enjoyed you tour with Adrian! Kind regards, Jess at Local Eyes.
MA_O, Sep 2025
Shanna was a delightful and knowledgeable guide. She gave us plenty of time to take photos in one of the most picturesque parts of the city! And made it fun, interesting and delightful despite the rain.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you for your kind review, and it is great to hear you enjoyed your tour with Shanna! Kind regards, Jess at Local Eyes.
Ellen_O, Aug 2025
Gorgeous stroll through a quiet old neighborhood with our guide, David, who was a castlologist, and excellent historian. Going from the Georgian/Victorian and Gothic squares down into the village was a nice break. If you want scenic photos, a quieter walk, and a handful of interesting histories, strongly recommend this one!
Jennifer_R, Jul 2025
Zander was outstanding! He was a wealth of knowledge and quite funny also. It as pouring rain, but he kept the tour moving and still enjoyable. Deans village is beautiful! I highly recommend this tour. Learned so much!!!!
Diana_B, Jun 2025
This was a great way to start our trip in Edinburgh. Got a bit of the lay of the land, and so much interesting knowledge. David was excellent, and has a passion for Scottish history. Highly recommend. Thanks, David!
Paula_S, May 2025
Interesting walk in an area we would have otherwise missed. Lovely scenery and walk along a wooded path by a river.
Carol_M, May 2025
Super guide, really fun info, a great thing to do in Edinburgh! There is a whole, beautiful part of the city to be discovered!
Alana_D, Apr 2025
This walking tour was fantastic. David was a wonderful guide who is extremely knowledgeable and obviously passionate about history and the area. He provided insight into politics and economics that shaped the new town and Dean’s Village and had a number of anecdotes to share as we walked by the Waters of Leith.
Anastassia_L, Nov 2024
..its a perfect blend of historical info, strolling, and instagram worthy spots. Definitely a highlight of my time in Edinburgh. Adrian was a really knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guide that had answers for all questions. I learned a good amount of stories about that area as well as Edinburgh as a whole - and enjoyed the scenery. I would recommend it if you have a day in the city.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Thank you for booking with us! Adrian loved showing you all around!
Annette_L, Oct 2024
The Dean Village was a very cozy tour and to see and hear the guide telling about somebof the sightseeing was very interesting.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Thanks so much for your review and for booking with us!
Robert_B, Aug 2024
David was very personable and a great choice for our small group. The tour through the village and surrounding areas of New Town was thorough, educational and fun. David did a great job answering every question, even the difficult ones. Great job!
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Thank you for booking with us! David loved showing you all around!
Betsy_T, Aug 2024
Kieran was such a great guide! We loved the tour and had a great time exploring Dean’s Village and the surrounding area. Kieran was super knowledgeable and had a ton of interesting tidbits about the area. It was a great way to explore and learn about the area. Definitely recommend!
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Thank you for booking with us! Kieran loved showing you around the gem that is Dean Village!
JoAnn_T, Jul 2024
The walking tour was very informative and personal. Nothing stuck in your ear!
Would definitely recommend.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Thanks so much for your review and for booking with us!
Kaitlyn_T, Jul 2024
Our guide was very knowledgeable and she was also very kind. It was a very relaxing walk with great sights!
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Thank you for your kind words, we loved showing you around!
Cindy_L, Jul 2024
This walking tour could not have been better. Our guide adjusted the speed and pace based on the participants needs. He was very knowledgeable, it was truly our pleasure.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Thanks so much for your review and for booking with us!
susan_r, Jul 2024
The tour guide David was very knowledgable on a wide variety of subjects, architecture, history, nature and geography.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Thank you for booking with us! David loved showing you all around!
Carol_K, Jun 2024
David was an excellent and friendly guide! Would recommend this tour, plus his Arthur's Seat hike! Loved the pretty architecture, peaceful river and loads of history! Well worth getting rained on nearly every day! Thank youuuu
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Thank you for your kind words, David loved showing you around!
Scott_D, May 2024
Tour takes you to one of the most magical, tucked away little neighborhoods in Edinburgh that you would never know was there otherwise. Then continues down a gorgeous nature trail through a beautiful part of the city. David was expert on the features and history of the area and was able to answer all our questions.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Thank you for booking with us! David loved showing you all around, and it was a pleasure to show you the beautiful Dean Village and surrounding area.
Alexandru_I, Apr 2024
David was a great guide. Even with the terrible weather we had a nice experience visiting Edinburgh and expecially Dean Village.
Response from Host, May 2024
Thanks so much for your review!
Best,
Chris
Mary_v, Sep 2023
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.
Response from Host, May 2024
Hi Mary, thanks so much for your kind review!
Best,
Chris
Ruth_G, Mar 2020
We were the only people on this tour, and our Guide was happy to show us around and impart his local knowledge and history. Tour lasted over what was advertised and he was very chatty talking about current affairs as well. Would definitely recommend this tour
celinemancini, Nov 2025
Great complete tour with a very nice and friendly guide in English.
Yacht ride, to circus lane via stockbridge
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Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you for your review of the Dean Village Circus Lane Walking Tour. It is lovely to hear you enjoyed your tour with us! Kind regards, Jess at Local Eyes.
From $24.91
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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