The Georgian Tour

A leisurely guided walk of approximately two hours duration, appreciating the Georgian Architecture and History of  Edinburghs' world famous New Town. 

The New Town of Edinburgh is Europes finest example of Georgian architecture and was declared a UNESCO  World Heritage Site in 1995.  It covers  an area of  approximately 4 square miles over a gently sloping ridge, in a picturesque setting,
situated between the Castle and the Water of Leith, with some spectacular views across the Firth of Forth.

Building commenced in the reign of  King George III  and continued in 4 separate phases well  into the Victorian era, with many of the city centre streets paying homage in name to his family and heritage. 
Stroll through the elegant boulevards masterminded by a young architect, the 22 year old James Craigs (1744-1795) .  This award winning and radical scheme for its time, left a legacy of some of the most beautiful and innovative Georgian architecture in the United Kingdom, with buildings  inspired by the classical styles of  Greece and Rome, a repetoire of pillars, pillasters, pediments, temples and palace fronts.  These buildings inspired by the the most successful and influential architects of the 18th century, including, Robert Adams' (1728-1792)  stunning Neo-Classical palace fronted Charlotte Square, James Gillepie Grahams' (1776-1855 ) magnificent Moray Place, visit the  Deanhaugh estate, the spectacularly beautiful lands of   Scotlands' most prolific portrait painter, Henry Raeburn  ( 1756-1823 )  the design of  this scheme being attributed to James Milne. The biggest impact on the appearance of the city however perhaps being made by William Playfair (1789-1857)  who arrived in Edinburgh from London at an early age, a man of great talent and originality.
All  examples of  the highest order of 18th and 19th century town planning, involving an army of  architects builders, developers, craftsmen and labourers.
A far cry from the murky medieval walled city of the Old Town, which in the mid 18th century was a city of high, densely packed tenements or 'lands' ranging along the spine of the Royal Mile.  An area also well worth visiting, situated between the Castle and Holyrood Palace.
Discover why Edinburgh is still described as the Athens of the North, one of Europes architectural gems.  Learn about some of the more colourful historial characters of the Age of Enlightenment,  a period spanning almost 100 years when Edinburgh was a hotbed of genius, a real blossoming of intellect, a true Athenian society, when the city aquired an international  reputation as Europes intellectual capital, placing itself at the forefront of  philosophy, medecine, economics, art and literature.

Walk in footsteps of these great men and women, through the magnificent squares and terraces, the tree lined streets, the elegant crescents  each with impressively laid out private gardens a remarkable feature of  the New Town and ofcourse enjoy the magnificent views..... don't forget your camera, it's a must.

TIME                           Run daily,  by appointment, all year round

DURATION                2-3 hours

COST                             Adults £7.50,  Children £4.00  
                                        group discounts available

MEETING PLACE     Outside the Georgian House, in Charlotte Square

BOOKING                      Please book by Calling Sheila on 
                                                       07791  790  720
                                                         or by emailing
                                              delores@nildram.co.uk