Discreet Scotland Private Tours

Private tours around Edinburgh with a local guide who actually knows where the tourists aren't queuing. That's the whole pitch of Discreet Scotland, and it's refreshingly straightforward - no gimmicks, no 'immersive experiences', just someone who'll take you round the city on your own terms.

You'll get the usual suspects done - the Royal Mile, the castle views, the lot - but the real value is in skipping the crowds and hearing someone talk about Edinburgh who isn't reading from a laminated script. The guides tend to know proper local spots, the kind of places you'd never find if you were just wandering about with a map.

It works best for couples, small groups, or anyone who finds the standard bus tour soul-destroying. Families with older kids are fine, though younger ones might find a walking tour a bit long. Most private tours run a couple of hours, sometimes longer depending on what you want.

The catch? You'll pay for the privilege. Private means private rates, which aren't cheap, but if you're splitting costs across a few people it becomes more reasonable. Worth booking ahead - they're not the kind of outfit operating on walk-up basis.

Linwater Caravan Park over in Newbridge makes a decent base for exploring Edinburgh's outskirts. From there, a private tour gets you into the city proper without the stress of driving and parking in the centre.