Listing Image Myths And Legends (1)

Myths and Legends Tour

  • 1st - 30th Sept 2026
  • Saturday & Sunday
  • 1 hour
  • £28.50 per adult & £23 per child
  • No under 5 year olds
  • Audio guides not available for this tour

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Step into Edinburgh’s folklore

Step beneath the Royal Mile and enter a world where history and folklore intertwine. On this atmospheric tour, we will guide you through the Close, sharing tales that have shaped Scotland for centuries.

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On our Myths and Legends Tour

From whispers of witches and the reign of King James VI to the eerie glow of the Will-o’-the-Wisp, discover how myths, legends, and fears once shaped lives in Edinburgh. Hear stories of the Glaistig, half-woman and half-goat, said to guard cattle and mislead travellers. Learn of ghostly pipers lost beneath the city, headless drummers warning of danger, and the enduring mystery of the tiny coffins unearthed on Arthur’s Seat.

As the shadows deepen, you’ll uncover legends of goddesses, fairies, and restless spirits, and see how Scotland’s storytelling tradition blurred the line between the real and the imagined. Both enchanting and unsettling, these tales connect us to the people who lived, feared, and dreamed in these closes centuries ago.

Step into the extraordinary, where myth becomes memory, and stories never die.

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What to expect

  • A one-hour guided tour through the eerie, underground streets of The Real Mary King’s Close

Spaces are limited. Step into Edinburgh’s hidden past this September and uncover the myths and legends that refuse to be forgotten.

Audio guides are not available for this special tour

Frequently Asked Questions about Myths and Legends Tour

The Myths and Legends Tour is a special one-hour guided experience exploring the folklore, legends and superstitions that have shaped Edinburgh and Scotland for centuries. Journey beneath the Royal Mile and discover how myth and history intertwine within the preserved streets of The Real Mary King's Close.

You'll hear fascinating tales inspired by Scotland's rich folklore, including stories of witches, fairies, the Glaistig, the mysterious Will-o'-the-Wisp, ghostly pipers, headless drummers, King James VI's fascination with witchcraft, and the tiny coffins discovered on Arthur's Seat.

No. While the tour explores ghost stories and supernatural folklore, it is not a ghost tour. Instead, it examines the myths, legends and beliefs that shaped how people understood the world in centuries past, blending real history with Scotland's rich storytelling traditions.

The stories you will hear are rooted in Scotland's folklore and historical beliefs. While many of the legends have been passed down through generations, the tour also explores the historical context behind them and why people believed these tales.

The Myths and Legends Tour lasts approximately one hour.

No. This is a special themed experience available throughout September. While you will explore The Real Mary King's Close, the storytelling focuses on Scottish folklore, myths and legends rather than the wider history covered on our Signature Tour.

The tour is atmospheric and features eerie tales of folklore and superstition, but it is designed to entertain rather than frighten. Guests can expect mysterious stories, fascinating legends and a few chilling moments along the way.

Yes. The tour is suitable for children aged 5 and over who enjoy stories, history and folklore. Children under 5 are not permitted.

No. Audio guides are not available for this special tour. The experience is delivered live by one of our expert storytellers.

King James VI played a significant role in Scotland's history and was deeply interested in witchcraft and the supernatural. The tour explores how his beliefs influenced the country's attitudes towards witches and folklore during his reign.

The Will-o'-the-Wisp is a mysterious glowing light said to appear in dark places, leading travellers away from safe paths. Discover how this enduring legend became part of Scotland's folklore and why it captured people's imaginations for centuries.

One of Edinburgh's greatest mysteries, the tiny coffins discovered on Arthur's Seat continue to intrigue historians and visitors alike. On the tour, you'll hear the theories behind their discovery and why they remain one of Scotland's most fascinating unsolved mysteries.

Yes. Even if you've visited before, the Myths and Legends Tour offers a completely different experience. Rather than focusing on everyday life on the Close, this special tour explores the folklore, beliefs and legendary tales that have been woven into Edinburgh's history.

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