Photos: AlasdairW, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Rembrandt, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain Berthold Werner, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo credits
Photos: AlasdairW, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Rembrandt, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain Berthold Werner, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
New Town's Georgian grid, street by street
Your local guide
Ewan Campbell
View profile
Highlights
- Matching Georgian facades on Charlotte Square
- A dead straight Georgian street
- Strict rules behind a uniform terrace
- Mews lanes turned into small homes
- New Town planning explained street by street
About this tour
This session walks the New Town's grid from Charlotte Square along George Street to a mews lane behind the grand terraces. You see matching Georgian facades, a dead straight street between two squares, and the smaller stable buildings tucked out of sight behind them. Ewan explains the rules that kept the whole development so consistent.
The route runs at a steady pace after a short sound check, pausing at the square and again in the mews lane for questions. Ewan answers as you go and sends a short note afterwards on which squares are worth a longer look.
It suits anyone interested in architecture and city planning, and works well as a contrast to an Old Town session. It also appeals to those curious about how the wealthy lived in Georgian Edinburgh.
Included
- Live video walk with a local guide
- Questions to your guide all the way
- A short list of places to visit later
Not included
- Internet connection
- Travel to the city
Itinerary
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Welcome and sound check 6 min
The guide joins the video call, checks the picture and sound with you, and gives you a quick sense of Edinburgh before heading out.
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Charlotte Square 17 min
The camera takes in the square's matching Georgian facades, laid out from the 1760s. Ewan points out the pediment and columns on the square's north side, the grandest of the terrace.
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George Street 17 min
A wide street runs dead straight between two squares, once the New Town's main address. Ewan explains the strict rules the original builders had to follow on height and materials.
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A mews lane 17 min
A narrow lane behind the grand terraces reveals the stable buildings that once served them. Ewan points out how these lanes have quietly become some of the city's smallest homes.
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Your questions 11 min
Time to ask anything about Edinburgh: prices, safety, food, or whatever you are curious about.
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A short list to keep 5 min
Before you go, the guide sums up with a few things worth remembering: a dish to try: Cullen skink and New Town, worth a slower look.
Good to know
- A stable wifi or mobile connection makes the picture smoother than a shaky one.
- Any phone, tablet or laptop with a camera works. You watch, the guide does the walking.
- Times are shown in London time, so check the time where you are before you book.
- The session is not recorded, and recording it yourself is not allowed. Feel free to take your own notes.
- Ask questions any time, out loud or in the chat. The guide will pause to answer.
- Sessions run in small groups, up to 10 people, so there is room for everyone to ask something.
Questions about this tour
What will the session cover?
The guide walks through Edinburgh, showing you Charlotte Square and George Street live on camera, plus whatever else you would like to see.
What happens if my connection drops?
Rejoin with the same link within a few minutes and the guide will catch you up on anything you missed.
Can I ask the guide questions during the session, or is it a fixed script?
Anything, any time. Sessions leave room for your own questions throughout, not just at the end.
How it works
- You get one join link after booking.
- Join from any device: phone, tablet or laptop.
- We meet on Google Meet; the link comes with your booking. I walk Edinburgh live with my phone. I frame whole facades where I can.
Times shown in London time (GMT)
Cancellation
Flexible
- Cancel up to 24 hours before the start: full refund.
- Cancel less than 24 hours before the start, or no-show: no refund.
- If the guide cancels or the date does not reach its minimum group: full refund.
- Cancel in My Account → Bookings; the refund is calculated from the start time in the tour's local time.
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Next: Mon 26 Oct · 10 seats left From 25,00 €
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