'This is a city of shifting light, of changing skies. A city so beautiful that it breaks the heart again and again.'

Alexander McCall Smith, writer

Book with us today

Making the most of your time in Edinburgh

About My Tours

Where We Go
Where We Go
  • The old and new towns of Edinburgh
  • Greyfriars Churchyard
  • Calton Hill
  • The port of Leith
  • Suburbs and places out of town

Where We Meet
Where We Meet
  • Each tour has a recommended meeting place.
  • On request, at your hotel/accommodation

How Long It Lasts
How Long It Lasts
  • 1 – 8 hours depending on tour chosen
  • Tour length can be adapted to suit.
  • Multi day tours available

What Can You Expect
What Can You Expect
  • A fun, interesting and informative experience
  • Private tours with a twist – unique, exclusive, and customised
  • Flexibility - meeting your interests and walking pace.

What To Bring
What To Bring/Wear
  • Dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes/trainers.
  • A waterproof with hood and umbrella
  • Water and snacks
  • Cash or card for any purchases

Tour Size
Tour Size
  • 1 – 10 people maximum
  • On request, private group tours with more than 10 people

About Me

Hi, my name is Gwen. A very warm welcome to Edinburgh.

My passions are my native city of Edinburgh and meeting the needs of people of all nationalities and ages. An avid traveller, I have experienced the 'kindness of strangers' and want to reciprocate the same hospitality in Edinburgh.

Learn More

Why Choose Me?

I make Edinburgh special because I

  • am professional, experienced and knowledgeable.
  • am highly rated with 5-star reviews.
  • lead all the tours myself.
  • take my craft seriously and provide first-class experiences with great care and attention to detail.
  • am kind and considerate, providing a flexible, adaptable approach to meet the interests of my private tour group.
  • cater for all interests, needs and ages.
Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

I offer small private walking tours in Edinburgh.  

Depending on the tour, this may be used at an additional cost particularly when travelling outside Edinburgh. There is a choice of Lothian buses, the Borders railway or private luxurious vehicles provided by Silver Swan Travel.

Within Edinburgh, walking allows you to get the best out of my tours.

Edinburgh is a compact city and very walkable.  Parking is expensive. There are not many places very close to the old town  for parking.

Yes. If photography is a particular interest, please let me know.

The tours are English language only.

View All FAQs

Gwen was absolutely delightful as our guide in Edinburgh. She went above and beyond showing us sites and giving detailed background on everywhere we went in Edinburgh. We have used Tours by Locals extensively and she is definitely in our top three guides. 

Josh Bennett

I am writing to you about the wonderful tour I had with Gwen this past Saturday in Edinburgh. As a long time resident of the city she was very knowledgeable and had lots of information to share about all the sites she and I visited.

Edinburgh Castle to Arthur's Seat Tour: Private & Custom

Gwen was a fabulous guide! From booking through to the tour, her communication was top notch. She offered so much great information about the city before we even arrived. When we met up for our tour of Greyfriars Kirkyard, she was energetic and friendly - her wealth of knowledge is astonishing

Merrill Barger

See All Testimonials

Find the right tour for you

Check Availability