Year: 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. This is more than just …

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

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. Here’s our round-up of the …

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

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 …

Continue reading “From the Close to the stage: our storytellers take on the Fringe”

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 …

Continue reading “Your essential guide to the best things to do in Edinburgh this July”

There’s something special about June in Edinburgh. The days stretch long into the evening, the city’s gardens burst into bloom, and there’s an energy in the air that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, summer in Scotland’s capital offers up a feast of festivals, markets, exhibitions and day …

Continue reading “Your essential guide to the best things to do in Edinburgh this June”

This June we are celebrating Pride Month. You can hear the real stories of Edinburgh’s former residents, in partnership with LGBT Youth Scotland. Here is an introduction to Robert Fergusson and Sophia Jex-Blake, who you will meet on our Pride History tours. Robert Fergusson Born in Edinburgh in 1750, the poet inspired the work of …

Continue reading “Pride Month: Meet Robert Fergusson and Sophia Jex-Blake”

In a city known for its ancient stories, The Real Mary King’s Close is making a little modern history of its own. We’ve just become the first attraction in Edinburgh to install self-service kiosks, making your journey into our hidden world smoother, speedier, and even more immersive. Innovation beneath the cobbles Tucked beneath the historic …

Continue reading “The Real Mary King’s Close launches digital ticket kiosks”

This Pride History Month, we’re peeling back the layers of the past to uncover Edinburgh’s often-overlooked LGBTQIA+ stories. Our Pride History Tour at The Real Mary King’s Close takes you underground to meet the real people who challenged the norms, lived authentically, and left their mark on Scotland’s capital. Created with the support of LGBT …

Continue reading “7 things you didn’t know about Edinburgh’s queer history”

Step down Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and you’ll find far more than just history beneath your feet. You’ll discover a treasure trove of independent gift shops, each bursting with charm, character, and curious finds. From sweet treats to Scottish gemstones, this historic street is home to some of the city’s most creative makers and merchants. At …

Continue reading “Uncovering the best independent gift shops on the Royal Mile of Edinburgh”