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Unearthed: The Women of Edinburgh Tour

  • 1st Jul - 31st Aug 2026
  • Fridays & Saturdays
  • 2-part experience: underground tour + 90-minute walking tour
  • £49 per adult & £42 per child
  • No under 5 year olds
  • Audio guides are not available for this tour

Book now

Step into the stories history forgot

Beneath Edinburgh’s streets, stories echo through time. But some voices were never given the space they deserved.

This summer, Unearthed: The Women of Edinburgh Tour brings those voices back into the light.

Begin your journey underground at The Real Mary King’s Close, where you will explore the preserved 17th-century streets and hear the real stories of the people who once lived here, including the women whose lives shaped the Close itself.

Then, step out into the Old Town and continue your experience above ground with a guided walking tour led by Anna Dowling-Clarke, storyteller at The Real Mary King’s Close and founder of Women Hidden in Plain Sight (WHIPS). Together, you will uncover the overlooked, erased and extraordinary women of Edinburgh’s past.

From medieval merchants to Victorian philanthropists, discover the women who owned, built and invested in this city, and whose stories have long been hidden in plain sight.

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Two tours. One powerful story

Your experience is split into two immersive parts:

Fridays
13.00 – Guided underground tour at The Real Mary King’s Close
14.30 – Walking tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town (departing from our site)

Saturdays
13.00 – Guided underground tour at The Real Mary King’s Close
14.30 – Walking tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town (departing from our site)

Book now

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Above ground: a city reimagined

As you walk through Edinburgh’s historic streets, you will uncover stories that have long been hidden in plain sight.

From Greyfriars Kirkyard to the Royal Mile and beyond, discover the lives of women who shaped the city in ways history often overlooked. Hear tales of courage, resistance and innovation, from royal figures to everyday women whose impact still lingers in the stones beneath your feet.

This 90-minute walking tour offers a fresh perspective on Edinburgh’s past, connecting landmarks you may recognise with stories you’ve likely never heard.

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What to expect

  • A guided underground tour through The Real Mary King’s Close
  • A 90-minute walking tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town
  • Expert storytelling from Anna Dowling-Clarke, founder of WHIPS
  • Powerful, untold stories of Edinburgh’s women
  • A unique blend of immersive history and outdoor exploration
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Important information

  • This is a combined experience lasting approximately 2.5 to 3 hours
  • The walking tour departs directly from The Real Mary King’s Close
  • Please wear comfortable footwear and dress for the Scottish weather
  • We are a 5-star attraction and spaces are limited, so advance booking is strongly recommended
  • The attraction is cashless, so please ensure you bring a valid debit or credit card
  • For safety reasons, children under 5 years of age cannot be admitted

Unearth a different side of Edinburgh

History is not just what is written. It is what is remembered, rediscovered and retold.

Join us this Summer and step into the stories that refused to stay buried.

Frequently Asked Questions about Unearthed

Unearthed: The Women of Edinburgh Tour is a unique two-part experience combining a guided tour of The Real Mary King's Close with a 90-minute walking tour through Edinburgh's Old Town. Together, they reveal the remarkable women who helped shape the city, from the 17th century to the Victorian era and beyond.

The walking tour departs directly from The Real Mary King's Close shortly after your underground tour finishes. There is no need to travel to another meeting point.

The walking tour is led by Anna Dowling-Clarke, storyteller at The Real Mary King's Close and founder of Women Hidden in Plain Sight (WHIPS), whose research shines a light on the forgotten women of Edinburgh's past.

The walking tour lasts around 90 minutes and takes place on Edinburgh's historic streets, which include hills, cobbles and uneven surfaces. We recommend wearing comfortable footwear and dressing appropriately for the weather.

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

No. While the experience begins with our standard guided tour of The Real Mary King's Close, the second half offers a completely different perspective on Edinburgh's history, focusing on the women whose stories have often been overlooked.

The walking tour explores parts of Edinburgh's historic Old Town, including areas around the Royal Mile and Greyfriars Kirkyard, alongside other significant locations connected to the women featured throughout the experience.

Absolutely. Even if you've visited before, Unearthed offers a completely new perspective by pairing your visit with an exclusive walking tour focused on the women who helped shape Edinburgh. It's an ideal experience for returning visitors looking to discover something different.

Yes. Unearthed is ideal for anyone interested in women's history, hidden stories and discovering a different side of Edinburgh. The experience explores the lives of women whose achievements have often been forgotten, overlooked or hidden in plain sight.

No. Unearthed is a combined experience designed to tell one continuous story. Both the underground tour and the walking tour are included in your ticket and cannot be booked separately.

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