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The Scottish Thistle Awards are just around the corner… And we have some exciting news to share! 🎉 Our very own Operations Manager, Katie Scott, has been officially shortlisted as a Regional Finalist for the prestigious Tourism Individual of the Year Thistle Award in Scotland, following on from being named one of the Top 100 …

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Edinburgh in August In August, Edinburgh comes alive after dark. From the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to late-night dining, there are endless possibilities for an unforgettable evening. Here are five top things to experience after the sun sets on The Royal Mile: Edinburgh Festival Fringe Shows The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world’s largest arts festival, …

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Did you know that many of the guides who lead The Real Mary King’s Close tour are also working actors? Safe to say, this is a particularly exciting day for them… because it’s OFFICIALLY THE START of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe! Look anywhere around Edinburgh, and you’ll see flyers galore advertising theatre, comedy, magic, circus …

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Is Mary King’s Close the same as the vaults? It’s a question that Edinburgh’s Tour Guides are more than familiar with. Mary King’s Close and the vaults certainly share a reputation for existing as part of Edinburgh’s hidden “Underground City”. But they are not one and the same. Header image © Gabby Secomb Flegg In …

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In Partnership with Kinloch Anderson. 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of The Real Mary King’s Close. To commemorate two decades of running tours, 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 that it is today. A large part of …

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We’re halfway through Whisky Month! And 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. Not only does it include our Standard 1-Hour Tour experience, but also a 30-minute whisky tasting led by local whisky ambassador, Kenneth (‘Ken’) …

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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 …

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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 …

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