sandemans new edinburgh tours

Sandeman's New Edinburgh Tours

Review Highlights

“ I'm terrible with names, but did my free tour with a Hufflepuff, and my Castle tour with a red-haired Scottish chap. ” in 9 reviews

“ We had the best guided tour of Edinburgh Castle with Australian Dave ! ” in 3 reviews

“ We had the greatest time on the Darkside Walking Tour in old town Edinburgh w/ tour guide, Angus. ” in 3 reviews

Location & Hours

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Edinburgh EH1

United Kingdom

Old Town, Newington

About the Business

Edinburgh Historic Walking Tours …

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As a solo woman in my thirties, I wasn't sure what to expect from this Harry Potter Tour, but it was fun, educational, and inspiring! Jen Cresswell, our tour guide, was engaging, knowledgeable, and her enthusiasm was contagious! There was a good combination of Edinburgh history and Harry Potter/JK Rowling facts. Also, in comparison to other tours, this tour didn't include as much walking. If you have time to kill in Edinburgh, I highly suggest it! You can see some of this tour in my Edinburgh travel YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qLiFyK2xuY&t=7s https://www.neweuropetours.eu/jen-cresswell-booking-page/?fbclid=IwAR3lrnNKoUEZsQ5zgeMjdktXA3VCZxY2W2THGHPej50d7c2-9ihOzwyvrTA

See all photos from Deana Marie L. for Sandeman's New Edinburgh Tours

Our guide Alasdair really made this experience special. He had a way of keeping the entire group engaged while also making it feel like I was just hanging out with a good friend. Without being overly theatrical or dramatic, he exuded both the gravity and humor that these dark stories deserve. He added his own local's touch to make me feel like I was really getting an insider's view of the city. I really appreciated his collection of crazy stories and interesting spaces.

Guide Alasdair describing the view on Calton Hill

I took the Edinburgh dark side tour and it was great! Heard some fascinating stories and learned a lot. The tours are available in multiple languages. It took me up calton hill, the royal mile, some graveyards, and more.

We had the greatest time on the Darkside Walking Tour in old town Edinburgh w/ tour guide, Angus. We had been in Edinburgh for one day, had walked the Royal Mile, toured the Edinburgh Castle, but still didn't feel like we saw much of this great city. We got to see a lot of cool places we wouldn't normally see and view many landmarks that he was able to describe. We met the group at a central location. There were about 15 in the group and it was very easy to hear and understand Angus, who was extremely entertaining. The tour was not too spooky - more fun storytelling. We enjoyed it greatly and would highly recommend to other travelers!

Jen was a great city guide!! So knowledgeable and funny. Thank you for a wonderful introduction to your beautiful city!!

Did the free walking tour with Alastair as the group's guide. He was great - hilarious, friendly, and knowledgeable. The whole tour lasted three hours and you tip whatever you want, so it's definitely worth your money! The tour covers just the Old Town area, but you learn a lot about Edinburgh's history. For Harry Potter fans, the tour also covers pretty much all of the sights/places that were supposedly linked to the creation of Harry Potter. I was planning to do a HP tour (also with Sandeman's) separately, but Alastair was completely honest and said that his tour would cover most of it. I did some Googling and he was right. Would totally recommend for first-time visitors to Edinburgh that are interested in the city's vibrant history!

Awesome free tour of Edinburgh and highly recommend. This is our second tour with this company (we also recently done one in Paris) and they are just great tours generally. Make sure to reserve online and make sure to bring cash for tipping at the end of the tour. Meeting point is outside the Starbucks on the Royal Mile. Make sure to get there 15 minutes or so before the tour is set to start, as tours can fill up. Our guide, Richard James, although Welsh, has been a resident of the area for 10 years and studied British history at university, and was very knowledgable. Just as important, he has a great ability to tell a good tale and keep the attention of a large and a diverse group of English speaking tourists. Remember they work for tips, so tip well if you end up enjoying the tour as much as I did. Would highly recommend!

Can't say enough about how great Paula was as our guide. We had terrific weather, and everyone was in a good mood, and she gave us so much great information. It was just the right pace, and everything was like a story. I wish I had recorded some of them to share with my family. I left a 10 pound tip, hope that was enough?? As an American I struggle with the money. I saw all kinds of things I wanted to see, learned so much, and would definitely do again next place I go. Good for kids, too.

I highly recommend taking Sandeman's free tour of Edinburgh. Our tour guide was Fiona, and she was incredible! She was knowledgeable, funny, and entertaining. I don't want to spoil the fun stories and little surprises (especially for Harry Potter fans) that you get during the tour, but I will say that the overview you get of Old Town, Edinburgh is great. Because it's free, tips are encouraged at the end, and the guides definitely deserve it. This tour was better than some tours that I've paid upfront for. My friends and I loved it so much that we decided to go on the paid castle tour with Sandeman's (25 pounds) later that day. Our guide for this tour was Jen, who was good and informative, but the tour covered less than we expected. During the tour, we just walked around on the grounds of the castle, but it was only after the tour that we got to look around inside the buildings and look at the beautiful view.

I did the free tour with Sandeman as my first thing on the first day I was here. Tour guides are fantastic and work for tips - so they're committed to keeping you engaged and interested throughout, so you will tip them as much as possible by the end to repay their work. The tour spanned ~2.5 hours if I recall right, and covered all of the major sights in Old Town. Fantastic. I loved this free tour so much that I subsequently signed up for the Castle Tour the same afternoon. So much history, but told by such terrifically engaging tour guides. I'm terrible with names, but did my free tour with a Hufflepuff, and my Castle tour with a red-haired Scottish chap. Both fantastic. Would highly recommend doing your city tours with Sandemans and no one else.

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Home / Destinations / Sandemans Edinburgh Tours

Sandemans Edinburgh Tours

Just arrived in Edinburgh and feeling daunted by how much there is to see and do? Not got much time to explore but want to make the most of your trip? Looking for an Edinburgh tour to help you find your feet? Why not try one of the Sandemans New Europe Tours in Edinburgh?

Sandemans Tours include a free walking tour in every city you find them, along with extra tours that have a small fee. The Sandemans Free Walking Tour is a great way to get your bearings in this city which is crammed full of history and sightseeing opportunities. In my mind, the free tour is one of the best walking tours in Edinburgh and I’ve been on it a few times. Here’s a little overview of the Sandeman New Europe tours in the capital of Scotland.

The Sandemans Edinburgh Tours (also known as New Edinburgh Tours) are run by self-employed local guides, so they really know the city. The guides use a mixture of history and storytelling to create an “informal, entertaining and unforgettable tour”. Each guide has their own personal and unique style, so every tour is different.

All Ready For The Free Walking Tour Of Edinburgh

These self-employed guides work for tips, so although it is a free tour, if you feel they have done a good job remember to tip what you can – but the guides will never pressure you for a tip. And if your free tour leaves you wanting more, there are five additional Sandemans Tours in Edinburgh. There is a charge for these extra tours, but they’re a great way to expand on what you were told on the Free Walking Tour.

Here are the different tours that they offer (all information correct at time of writing):

Sandemans Free Walking Tour of Edinburgh

This Edinburgh Free Tour gives you a great base of knowledge of Edinburgh’s’ history and stories, as well as helping to find your bearings in this city filled with windy alleys and shortcuts. Depending on your guide (as each guide will have their own route and stories to tell) you will be told about and see main tourist sites like Greyfriars Bobby , Mercat Cross and the Writers Museum.

You’ll also hear tales of Bodysnatchers and the real Jekyll and Hyde. And for the Harry Potter fans… the ‘original’ Hogwarts and Voldemorts grave. You’ll meander through the old town of Edinburgh, see the Royal Mile, Grass Market and hear stories of William Wallace and the Stone of Destiny. There’s also a great photo opportunity of Edinburgh Castle.

What’s more, the guides will help you after the tour (if you need it). They’ll happily give you tips on where’s good to eat, accommodation and how to get back to areas that you want to explore further or point out other sights that might interest you.

Grave of Greyfriars Bobby On Sandemans Edinburgh Tours  

How Much Do You Tip For A Free Walking Tour?

Although this is a free walking tour of Edinburgh, the guides work for tips. They will not pressure you into this, but if you have enjoyed the tour, out of politeness, you should tip. I usually give £10 for a tour, which seems to be the average. Though if I have really loved the guide and thought they have done an amazing job I will double this if I can.

However, it is completely up to you what you tip on a free walking tour. If you can’t afford a £10 tip, give what you can. Just as long as you give something your guide will know you enjoyed the tour.

Most of the guides won’t look what you give, they will simply pocket what you put in their hand whilst talking to you, or some hold out something for you to drop your tip into without looking. So if you can’t afford as much as you would like to tip, you do not need to be embarrassed. Not only will the guides understand, but they do not look so you don’t have to feel uncomfortable.

Edinburgh Castle Tour

The Edinburgh Castle Tour includes admission to the castle itself and you don’t have to queue. You’ll get loads of history on this tour, learn about kings and queens, the dog graveyard and jewels.

After the tour finishes, you’ll have another 1 ½ hours until the castle shuts, so you can explore more on your own. Which you’ll need if you want to explore some of the museums within the castle walls.

NOTE: There is a Charge for the Edinburgh Castle Tour, which includes the Castle Entry Fee

Explore Edinburgh Castle With Sandemans

Dark Side Tour

The Dark Side Tour with Sandemans covers Edinburgh’s many murderers and monsters. You’ll hear tales of cannibals and vampires, grave robbers and witches, kelpies and selkies to name but a few.

Listen to the tale of the murder of Mary Queen of Scots’ lover and all about Burke and Hare. The Dark Side includes tales of Arthur’s Seat and you will learn about the 17 dolls found there. You can see these dolls in the Museum of Edinburgh , I saw them on my Honeymoon .

For Dickens fans, you may even hear of Scrooge’s grave on this tour.

Note: There is a Charge for the Dark Side Tour you can book this tour here .

Read about my time on the Free and Dark Side Tours in my Day Full Of Tours .

Carlton Hill On The Dark Side Tour

New Town Tour

The New Town Tour takes you back to the time between 1750 and 1850, the Golden era of Enlightenment.

Find out what happened in these 100 years that changed the face of Scotland and the world. During this time Edinburgh was home to many literacy greats and was the birthplace of great inventors. Hear tales of Sir Walter Scott, John Knoxx and the educational revolution.

Note: There is a Charge for the New Town Tour

Harry Potter Tour

It wouldn’t be a trip to Edinburgh without a little Harry Potter Magic. This tour shows you places that inspired J.K. Rowling, from Diagon Alley to Voldemort’s grave. Hear about the origins of Harry Potter and where characters came from.

You’ll also see where the famous author wrote her books. Learn how Edinburgh’s dark history also gave inspiration for the books.

Note: There is a Charge for the Harry Potter Tour

The Original Diagon Alley

Edinburgh Pub Crawl

The Edinburgh Pub Crawl is a cheap way to get a feel for Edinburgh’s nightlife and meet some fun people. You’ll explore watering holes ranging from hidden alley pubs to big clubs. Whatsmore, you get cheap drink deals like ½ price pints as well as a wee dram and 3 shooters being included in the price.

If you love to party, this is the tour for you as if you buy it once you can join again as many times as you like for the whole year. But please remember to drink responsibly, because if the guide feels you have reached your limit you can be cut off from the rest of the tour. The tour aims to show you Edinburgh’s nightlife, not get you legless.

Note: There is a Charge for the Edinburgh Pub Crawl and is for over 18s ONLY

Useful Information For Sandemans Edinburgh Tours

All the Sandemans Edinburgh Tours meet around the same crossroads on the Royal Mile and (very importantly for Scotland) will run whatever the weather. Make sure you’re prepared for the changing weather on the tour as Scottish weather is famous for being unpredictable.

You can either book online (which group bookings of 10 or more must do) or simply turn up about 10-15 minutes before the start of the tour to register/purchase tickets. For tours that have a charge, groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount.

You Can’t Rally Miss The Meeting Point For Sandemans Edinburgh Tours

The Sandemans Edinburgh Tours are a great way to see the city and learn a lot in a short time. With really helpful and passionate guides, you’ll soon be in love with the city, whichever tour(s) you choose.

Remember the Free Walking Tour is run by self-employed guides, who will not pressure you for tips. But if they’ve done a good job, they deserve a tip.

Want to visit? Take a look at accommodation on  HostelWorld , personally, my favourite hostel in Edinburgh is Castle Rock .

You can also check out more tours in Edinburgh on Get Your Guide .

12 Comments

Edinburgh is my favourite UK city 🙂 I always love a walking tour in a new city, a good way to get to grips with the layout of the place before exploring further on your own.

Edinburgh is my favourite UK city too! So much history there.

This is so interesting, especially the Dark Side Tour! It’s cool how you can see the same city through different lenses/tours. Thanks for sharing!

I’ve done the Dark Side Tour and it is so interesting! Most tour companies in Edinburgh do ghost tours, but I love this one as it tells you about real stuff that happened in Edinburgh. Scary thing one of the stories is quite recent too

This looks like a great tour. I went to Edinburgh university so it was lovely to have a trip down memory lane!

I always wish I’d looked at Edinburgh University after I first went. It’s a beautiful city! Glad you enjoyed the trip down memory lane!

I’ve been to Edinburgh so many times but haven’t gone on a tour of it yet – this one sounds great!

You should definitely take one of the tours, I always find they give a great overview of a city

Oh I can’t wait to get to Edinburgh! Should have been there for Fringe 2020, lets hope we can travel soon!

Oh wow! The Fringe is on my to-do list, it looks amazing. Such a shame you couldn’t go, the pandemic ruined a lot of plans 🙁 Hopefully, we’ll be back to travelling soon! I am hopeful with the jab now out.

I’ve been to Edinburgh, but only shortly. These tours all sound great.

I hope you get to go back and explore Edinburgh fully. Taking the free walking tour gives a great overview of the history of the city 🙂

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Who are SANDEMANs?

In 2003, Yale graduate Chris Sandeman realized that when he gave tours of Berlin, his guests appreciated the presentation of the history as much as they appreciated the history itself. This gave him the idea of offering free, tips-based tours, allowing guests to tell him how much they thought his tour was worth, not the other way around. From those days on the streets of Berlin in 2003, SANDEMANs now operates in 20 cities across Europe, the Middle East and the USA, with over 600 amazing guides who also believe in Chris’s philosophy.

We work with superb local guides in some of the world’s best cities to bring you incredible walking tours, pub crawls and other unmissable experiences! The local expert guides perform the FREE Tour on a tips-only basis, requiring them to provide nothing but the best tour every time, and ensuring that you have an unforgettable experience.

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