RMKC Dr Arnott Experience 3

Dr Arnott's Sampling Sensation

  • 1st Jan - 31st Dec 2026
  • Friday - Sunday
  • 12.00 | 13.30 | 15.00 | 16.30
  • From £35 per adult & from £27.50 per child (5 to 15 years old).
  • No under 5s
  • Audio guides are available for the 1-hour Signature tour but not the 30-minute workshop experience.

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An Immersive Journey into Edinburgh’s Medical Past

Step beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile for a brilliantly bizarre journey into 17th-century medicine. Dr Arnott’s Sampling Sensation combines hidden underground history, immersive storytelling and hands-on experimentation in one unforgettable experience. The question is, how did Dr Arnott make his fortune? Well, “urine” for a pee-culiar treat!

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Dr Arnott Experience (11)

About this Tour

Dr Arnott trained at the Royal College for Physicians and Surgeons, specialising in internal medicine. An apothecary with a flair for the nitty gritty, his favourite method of examining his patients’ health was to analyse their urine for its colour, smell and… TASTE!

Yes, Dr Arnott really did drink pee for a living. And now, so can YOU.  Join our Sampling Sensation experience and become one of Dr Arnott’s medical students. ALL your senses will be required as you examine patients’ samples (following Dr Arnott’s personal method) and create your own, herbal remedy.

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Dr Arnott Experience (3)

What to Expect

  • Guided tour through The Real Mary King’s Close
  • Interactive workshop with Dr Arnott
  • Hands-on historical “sample testing”
  • Create your own herbal remedy
  • Fascinating stories from Edinburgh’s medical past
  • Immersive underground atmosphere
  • One complimentary hot drink included

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Plan Your Visit

  • Duration: Around 90 minutes
  • Suitable for ages 5+
  • Runs Friday-Sunday
  • Advance booking recommended
  • Comfortable footwear advised
  • Please arrive early for check-in
  • Audio guides are available for the 1-hour Signature tour but not the 30-minute workshop experience.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it’s more immersive and humorous than frightening.

Yes. The experience is suitable for ages 5 and above, although younger visitors should be comfortable with historical themes and underground spaces.

No, the workshop uses theatrical recreations and safe interactive elements inspired by genuine historical practices.

The full experience lasts approximately 90 minutes, including the guided tour and workshop.

Yes. Spaces are limited and tours often sell out, especially during weekends and holidays.

No. The Dr Arnott Experience includes our award-winning Signature Tour of The Real Mary King’s Close, followed by a specialised immersive and interactive 17th century medicine workshop inspired by the world of Dr Arnott and historical healthcare practices beneath Edinburgh’s streets.

Absolutely. This experience offers a completely different perspective, focusing specifically on medicine, science and the life of Dr Arnott.

The event is inspired by real historical figures, genuine medical practices and documented stories from Edinburgh’s past, presented in an engaging and theatrical way.

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