Votura’s self-guided audio tour follows Edinburgh’s Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle to Calton Hill via St Giles’ Cathedral, Canongate and Holyrood. Hear local stories and use in-app navigation to explore the city’s historic heart.
Discover Edinburgh’s historic heart with Votura, a self-guided audio tour app that lets you explore independently using your own smartphone.
This approximately 8-hour walking route starts at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, with Edinburgh Castle as the first stop. It then follows the Royal Mile through the Old Town, Canongate and Holyrood, finishing at Calton Hill. Along the way, Votura combines route guidance with audio stories to help you understand the places you are seeing.
The tour includes nine key Edinburgh locations:
• Edinburgh Castle – Begin at the city’s famous hilltop fortress, with views across Edinburgh and centuries of royal and military history.
• St Giles’ Cathedral – See the historic church at the heart of the Royal Mile, known for its distinctive crown spire.
• The Real Mary King’s Close – Discover the story of Edinburgh’s hidden old streets beneath the Royal Mile.
• John Knox House – Visit one of Edinburgh’s oldest surviving houses and explore its connection to the city’s Reformation history.
• Canongate Kirk – Pass this historic parish church, known for its royal connections and peaceful churchyard.
• Scottish Parliament – See the striking modern home of the Scottish Parliament at the foot of the Royal Mile.
• Palace of Holyroodhouse – Visit the official Scottish residence of the King, with centuries of royal history.
• Holyrood Abbey – Explore the atmospheric ruins of the medieval abbey beside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
• Calton Hill – Finish with panoramic views over Edinburgh’s Old Town, New Town and the surrounding landscape.
How it works:
• First-time users should download the Votura app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
• Open the app and create a Votura account.
• Once registered, visit Votura’s free Premium trial page.
• iPhone users: click “Redeem on iPhone” to open the App Store and complete the trial activation process.
• Android users: click “Start Trial on Android”. This opens the Votura app and activates the free trial automatically.
• Return to the app, open this tour and begin at Edinburgh Castle.
• Follow the route map and in-app navigation from one stop to the next.
• At each location, play the audio to hear stories, history and useful context about the place.
• Pause the tour, take breaks, visit attractions or continue whenever it suits you. There is no fixed timetable and no guide to keep up with.
The route is designed as a full-day walking experience, with flexibility to explore at your own pace. It is ideal for visitors who want the freedom of an independent walk while still having stories and directions available throughout the day.
This is a digital self-guided experience provided by Votura. It does not include a personal guide, transport, food or drinks, or admission to Edinburgh Castle and any other paid attractions along the route. Visitors can choose which sites to enter and should check ticket prices, opening hours and accessibility directly with each venue.
The first 7 days of Votura Premium are free. A weekly subscription begins after the trial unless cancelled through the relevant App Store or Google Play subscription settings.
A smartphone, headphones and comfortable footwear are recommended, as the route includes city pavements, cobbled streets and some gradients.
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