The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour from Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour on Vimeo.

One of Edinburgh’s must-see cultural attractions is the original Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour. Original because it was the first literary tour launched in Edinburgh back in 1996. It’s performed by professional actors what makes the tour not only very interesting but also quite entertaining.

Join the intrepid duo, Clart (as in muck!) and the clean-hankied intellectual McBrain, who will lead you on a brilliant and witty dramatic romp through the wynds, courtyards and pubs of Edinburgh’s Old and New Town. A hilarious duel of wits across three hundred years of great writing and colourful characters!

According to the two main protagonists of  The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour, the pubs of the Old Town, reeking of good beer and lively banter, were once the favourites of Scotland’s most famous writers. So if you thought that the great Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and the like spent their evenings in the posh drawing rooms of Edinburgh high society, think again! These towering literary figures seem to be happier mixing with the common people (and the prostitutes) who filled the dark closes and pubs of the Old town.

It is no exaggeration to presume that tippling a dram or pint of ale helped to inject a touch of verve, invention and verbal magic to Scottish writing over the centuries! But there seems to be more to this lively dialogue… Are you a bohemian or an academic? Clart and McBrain will help you decide.

If you booked or are going to book a flat with www.Edinburgh-flats.com you will receive a special discount for this tour. Please enquire and we will provide you with a special discount code.

If you are travelling in a group of family or friends and would like to book a Private Tour you are also entitled to a special discount! Please enquire.

This is their second edition after an unexpected very successful launch in 2011 which attracted over 5,000 people to 236 events. The organizers are of course history lovers, academics, journalists and authors of the subject. Their main aim is to bring history from the universities, libraries and museums into cafes, bars and streets. A series of talks, debates and tours will make you up to date with the history of Edinburgh and Scotland.

This year’s programme includes over 200 events. It’s quite exciting to see the wide range of events available and to have the opportunity of learn more about Scotland’s history which is not only fascinating but also remarkable. Famous Scottish archaeologist, historian, author and broadcaster Neil Oliver will explore the details and truth about the infamous Vikings. The Scottish actor and comedian John Sessions together with English actor, comedian, novelist and playwright Nigel Planer will talk about their fascination with Robert Louis Stevenson and also about Stevenson’s life and works. There will be also two interesting debates that will explore the topic of Scotland’s identity as a nation: The Scot’s and the British Empire and A Sense of Place – Scottish Cultural Identity.

Another interesting seminar should be History Write Enough: Tracing your Scottish Ancestors, a free event that will give guidance on how to trace your Scottish accentors. For those interested in learning more about what the Scots call the ‘water of life’, join the History of Scotch Whisky for an insight of the evolution of the drink that was once considered a cure for many illnesses.

If you want to get to know the city better and of course, learn about its history, there will be also lots of tours such as A Walk Through History, Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour and Dean Village Guided Tour. Don’t miss them!

These are only some examples of what’s on during the festival. For the full programme, have a look at the History Fest website.

Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in Scotland and from here you can easily travel to anywhere in the country.

The city itself has lots to see and do. Dedicate at least 3 days to get to know Edinburgh and visit its main attractions and from here take day trips to Scotland’s most important towns.

St. Andrews

A small and picturesque medieval town. Famous for its cathedral, the largest in Scotland but now only ruins, and for its University, the third oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of the UK’s most prestigious where Prince William and Kate studied and met. It’s also famous for being the home of golf with its beautiful golf links and  its stunning scenery and sandy beaches.

Things to see and do in St. Andrews:

St Andrews University

St Andrews University was founded in 1413. It was Scotland’s first university. It’s one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world.
How to get there: it’s 180m from the Bus Station on Market Street.

St Andrews Cathedral

Constructed in the 12th century but now in ruins, St Andrews Cathedral was the largest and most magnificent medieval church in Scotland. This site was used for worship since the 8th century AD when the relics of St Andrew (Scotland’s patron saint) are said to have been brought to it.
Visit its museum to learn more about the cathedral and see some objects and relics. Also visit St Rule’s tower for spectacular views.
Opening hours:
1 Apr – 30 Sep      daily 09.30am – 5.30pm
1 Oct – 31 Mar      daily 09.30am – 4.30pm
How to get there: it’s 850m from the University of St Andrews. Walk down Market Street towards East, when you get to the end of the street, turn right then immediately left on South Street. On the end of South St turn right.

St Andrews Museum

It tells the story of St Andrews from early medieval times to the present day. It is a small, local archive collection that relates to the community of the people of St Andrews. Temporary exhibitions, talks, concerts and children’s workshops are regularly held.
Free admission.
Opening hours:
Apr – Sep     daily 10am – 5pm
Oct – Mar     daily 10.30am – 4pm
How to get there: it’s 300m from University on St Andrews on Market Street. From there walk west, pass the roundabout, the street name will change to Doubledykes Road. Turn the second right.

The Old Course Golf Links

This is the oldest golf course in the world, where the game was first played back in around 1400. The Old Course has been host to 27 Opens! It remains a public course and welcomes any golfer with a handicap of 24 or under (36 for ladies).
If you love golf or just want to give it a try, here is a complete list of the beautiful golf courses in St Andrews.
You can check prices and book online.
How to get there: from City Road, head north towards the sea. Turn left on West Sands Road.

The British Golf Museum

Awarded a 5-star attraction by the Scottish Tourism Board. Imaginative exhibitions, hands on activities and stunning multimedia displays bring to life over 500 years of golfing history.
Opening hours:
Jan – Mar    daily 10am - 4pm
Apr – Oct Mon – Sat     9.30am – 5pm & Sun   10am – 5pm
Nov – Dec   daily 10am - 4pm
Last entry to the museum is 45 minutes before closing.
How to get there: it’s on the east end of the Old Course link on Golf Place.

St Andrews Aquarium

On the cliffs of St Andrews, with beautiful views of its famous sand beaches. The aquarium is home to a diverse range of maritime species with beautiful fish and mammals; from black tip reef sharks to seahorses, seals and meerkats. The daily interactive demonstrations include seal feeding at 12pm and 3pm, and a rockpool ramble at 11.30am and 2.30pm.
Opening hours:
Mon – Fri    10am - 4pm
Sat & Sun   10am – 5pm
Closed on Christmas Day & New Year’s Day.
How to get there: it’s 350m from the British Golf Museum. Head south and then left on The Scores, pass St James Church on the left and you will see the Aquarium.

How to get to St. Andrews from Edinburgh:

By train and bus. From Edinburgh Waverley Station take a train to Leuchars Rail Station. Get out of the station on Station Road, turn left and get bus number 99. It will take you to St Andrews Bus Station which is centrally located near St Andrews University. The journey takes around 1h20.

Tours

Have a look at our tour that will take you to St. Andrews and Fishing Villages of Fife.

*Please note that opening hours may change without notice. The links on this post will take you to each attraction’s official website, please visit them before planning your trip.