Mary King’s Close Blog

In Partnership with Kinloch Anderson. 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of The Real Mary King’s Close. To commemorate two decades of running tours that reveal the history of Edinburgh’s former residents, we’ve been looking back at our more recent past to celebrate the people who have helped to make our attraction the 5-star visitor experience …

Continue reading “10 Years of The Real Mary King’s Close Tartan”

We’re halfway through Whisky Month! Which means that there’s still time to catch our ‘A Dram of History’ Tour. The experience is one of our most popular events at The Real Mary King’s Close. Comprising our Standard 1-Hour Tour with a 30-minute whisky tasting, the knowledge of our guides is ‘blended’ with an insightful presentation …

Continue reading “Meet Ken Hanley: A Dram of History”

April 2023 is shaping up to be jam-packed with events in Edinburgh. The city is already busier than ever. With the Easter holidays in full swing, we thought it would be helpful to share our top picks of things to do at The Real Mary King’s Close (and beyond!) throughout the month. Read below to …

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Did you know that Edinburgh’s ale brewing history dates back to the 12th century? Or that it was historically women who practised the trade? Read on to find out why brewing ale was essential to life in Edinburgh, and what happened for the industry to change hands from female entrepreneurs to men… To celebrate the …

Continue reading “Edinburgh’s Brewing History Was Made by Women”

To celebrate Women’s History Month this March, we are re-launching Herstory Tours at The Real Mary King’s Close! Join us as we celebrate the inspiring women who once lived, worked and shared ideas on the streets now hidden beneath the Royal Mile. All women in Early Modern Scotland were bound by strict legal restrictions over …

Continue reading “Women and Property Rights in Early Modern Edinburgh”