The Real Mary King’s Close Blog

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 June

27th May 2025

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 trips just waiting to be enjoyed.

• History
• Events

Pride Month: Meet Robert Fergusson and Sophia Jex-Blake

27th May 2025

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.

• News

The Real Mary King’s Close launches digital ticket kiosks

13th May 2025

In a city known for its ancient stories, The Real Mary King’s Close is making a little modern history of its own.

• History

7 things you didn’t know about Edinburgh’s queer history

6th May 2025

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.