The Real Mary King’s Close Blog

• News

We’re proud to be double Thistle Award Winners!

2nd Oct 2025

We’ve got exciting news to share – The Real Mary King’s Close has just won two awards at VisitScotland’s Central & East Thistle Awards.

• News

The Real Mary King’s Close launches British Sign Language and International Sign tours in Edinburgh

13th Aug 2025

History belongs to everyone, and we are making sure it can be experienced by everyone too. This summer, The Real Mary King’s Close has launched brand new digital tours in British Sign Language (BSL) and International Sign (IS) to coincide with the start of Edinburgh Deaf Festival on 8 August.

• Things to do

Best things to do in Edinburgh in August 2025: festivals, food, day trips and hidden history

23rd Jul 2025

August in Edinburgh is like nowhere else on earth. The city becomes a stage, a gallery, a page-turner and a feast for the senses all at once. As the sun sets late and the streets buzz with creativity, it’s the perfect time to soak up the capital at its liveliest.

From the Close to the stage: our storytellers take on the Fringe

16th Jul 2025

At The Real Mary King’s Close, storytelling is at the heart of everything we do. But this August, some of our talented team are stepping out from the Close and onto the Edinburgh Festival Fringe stages. Whether you’re after musical madness, fantastical quests or a hefty dose of historical hilarity, there’s something for everyone. And the best bit? You already know some of the stars.

• Things to do

Your essential guide to the best things to do in Edinburgh this July

30th Jun 2025

Long days, warm(ish) weather, and the kind of light that makes the city glow – July in Edinburgh is a month made for memory-making. Whether you’re here for the first time or know the Royal Mile like the back of your hand, the capital comes alive in summer with world-class festivals, alfresco feasts, and excursions to suit every kind of traveller.