The Real Mary Kings Close announces special tours for February half term
This February half term, The Real Mary King’s Close invites visitors to step back in time and discover the intriguing stories of Edinburgh’s past with three captivating experiences.
Article Source: The Real Mary King’s Close
Last Updated: 28 January 2025 11:17
From the chilling tales of true crime to groundbreaking medical advancements, there’s something for history buffs and curious families alike.
Beneath the iconic Royal Mile lies a hidden world teeming with history, and the True Crime tour offers a glimpse into the city’s darker side. This adults-only experience delves into the Old Town’s grim tales of crime and punishment. Visitors will explore the reign of James VI, the witch trials, and the shocking realities of addiction, eviction, and lawlessness in centuries past. Led by a dedicated “True Crimes” guide, the tour even reveals a fascinating connection between Mary King’s Close and the character who inspired The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
Meanwhile, the Medical History tour takes guests on a journey through 17th-century medicine. Visitors can enjoy learning about the city’s last plague outbreak, the unusual diagnostic methods of local apothecaries like Dr Arnott, and Edinburgh’s legacy as a hub for medical innovation. Guests will hear the inspiring stories of trailblazers like the Edinburgh Seven, who fought for women’s right to practice medicine, and Dr James Barry, the military surgeon who performed the British Empire’s first successful caesarean section.
For those seeking a hands-on adventure, Dr Arnott’s Sampling Sensation offers families a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in historical medicine. After a guided tour of the Close, participants will use all their senses, including taste, to diagnose ailments using 17th-century techniques. Guests will also create their own herbal remedy using authentic recipes.
Paul Nixon, General Manager of The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “We’re excited to welcome visitors this February to experience the real stories of our former residents and their remarkable contributions to history. Whether you’re uncovering the city’s criminal past, delving into medical breakthroughs, or stepping into the role of a 17th-century doctor, there’s something for everyone to discover.”
Recently crowned the UK’s best tourist attraction and ranked 11th best visitor attraction in Europe in the 2024 TripAdvisor® Travellers’ Choice® Awards - Best of the Best, The Real Mary King’s Close continues to captivate visitors with its unique blend of history, storytelling, and immersive experiences.
Tour Information:
• True Crime Tours (adults only):
o What’s include: 1-hour guided tour
o Price: adults £30
o When: daily during February half term
o Book Here
• Medical History Tour:
o What’s included: 1-hour guided tour
o Price: Adults £27; Children £22 (5 to 15 years old)
o When: Fridays & Saturdays during February half term
o Time: tours start at 13.15 | 15.30 | 17.15 | 18.45
o Book Here
• Dr Arnott’s Sampling Sensation
o What’s included: 1-hour guided tour, 30-minute workshop and 1 hot drink
o Price: Adults £32.50; Children £25 (5 to 15 years old)
o When: Every Saturday and Sunday
o Time: tours start at 12.00 | 13.30 | 15.00 | 16.30
o Book Here
For more information about The Real Mary King’s Close and bookings please visit: www.realmarykingsclose.com
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Trust launches storm appeal following extensive damage across Scotland
The National Trust for Scotland has launched an appeal to support emergency work needed to deal with the devastating destruction caused by Storm Éowyn.
READ MORE
Leith Theatre Perseveres on 20 Year Journey to Save Building
Leith Theatre Trust is proud to announce a significant milestone, the securing of a 50-year lease for the much-loved Leith Theatre.
READ MORE
Love is in the Air with the Love Birdie Deal at Volcano Falls
This Valentine’s is the perfect time to try something different and Volcano Falls has just the thing!
READ MORE
Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show launches a mythical map of Scotland with lead Scottish tour company
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland has partnered with Andy The Highlander to create an Enchanted Map of Scotland's most enchanted locations.
READ MORE
Scottish hospitality group serves up new digital loyalty scheme to cut customer bills
Scottish hospitality group, Signature, has launched an innovative new digital loyalty scheme to help cost-conscious customers save money dining out.
READ MORE
Alice Cooper to play Edinburgh Playhouse for first time in 20 years
Alice Cooper announces two exclusive UK shows for 2025 with at date at Edinburgh Playhouse in July!
READ MORE
Flight Club announces epic competition to celebrate 10th Birthday
The Social Darts bar, with venues in Glasgow and Edinburgh, turns 10 this year and kicks off the year-long celebrations with a seriously cool competition!
READ MORE
The Real Mary Kings Close announces special tours for February half term
This February half term, The Real Mary King’s Close invites visitors to step back in time and discover the intriguing stories of Edinburgh’s past with three captivating experiences.
READ MORE
World renowned tattoo artists gather for 12th annual Scottish Tattoo Convention
Almost 200 tattoo artists from across Scotland, and the globe, will gather in Edinburgh for the twelfth Scottish Tattoo Convention – Scotland’s longest running tattoo event.
READ MORE
Eat Out Edinburgh returns this March
Back with a bang, Eat Out Edinburgh returns to the city this March offering a month of incredible deals, discounts and events from the capital’s best bars and restaurants.
READ MORE
Scottish Golf events go LIVE for 2025
Top amateurs and handicap golfers can now sign up for one or more of Scottish Golf's 33 championships in a packed 2025 schedule.
READ MORE
Live Music Now Scotland announces unparalleled new award
Live Music Now Scotland is delighted to announce a funding award of £150,000 from Elizabeth Lornie's Charitable Trust.
READ MORE
Bongo into February and March at The O2 Academy
Bongo's Bingo is returning to Edinburgh with a run of spectacular winter shows including an 80s special and triple-whammy of St. Patrick’s Day specials.
READ MORE
Pavilion Festival returns to Ayr Beach with Saturday lineup curated by Ewan McVicar
Pavilion Festival Presents: Ewan McVicar B2B Ben Hemsley, special guest Annie Mac, along with DJ Seinfeld, Sally C, Robert Hood (Floorplan) and more on Saturday 3rd May!
READ MORE
BBC Debate Night returns for 2025
BBC Scotland's topical TV programme Debate Night returns this month and they are searching for people to be part of the big studio audience.
READ MORE
The Scottish Colourists Book Launch
The Scottish Gallery Press is delighted to launch a new, 80 page hardback book, offering a fresh history of The Scottish Colourists.
READ MORE
National Theatre of Scotland Launches 2025 Programme
The National Theatre of Scotland is proudly offering a vivid and far-reaching programme featuring stellar Scottish talent, extraordinary stories, and surprising community interventions.
READ MORE
World premiere play with Brian Cox to open 2025 Edinburgh International Festival
Opening the International Festival this year will be the world premiere of a new play, Make It Happen, by James Graham, starring Succession's Brian Cox.
READ MORE
Huge 90s pop dance stars heading to Royal Highland Centre for Forth 50 Live!
Forth 1 have today announced details of Forth 50 - Live!, a huge celebration to mark the station's 50th birthday with an epic line up of 90s pop dance acts at The Royal Highland Centre.
READ MORE
Blank Street pop up tram stop serves free coffee 25th and 26th January
Buzz worthy brand, Blank Street is coming to Edinburgh with the Blank Street Express Line, an immersive tram stop pop-up, designed to inject some magic into the mundane.
READ MORE
Guest Chef series at Lyla Edinburgh
Acclaimed chef Stuart Ralston brings his guest chef series, Shore to Shore, into the new year with Johnnie Crowe and Joshua Overington, Myse* joining him in the kitchen at Edinburgh’s Lyla.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival prepares for next edition in August
The 78th Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) will run from 14th to 20th August 2025 and submissions for the Festival are now open.
READ MORE
Celebrate Burns Night with Unique Scottish Inspired Drinks at Johnnie Walker Princes Street
Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s creative drinks team are serving up cocktails inspired by famous Scottish ingredients, including haggis and cranachan this January.
READ MORE
Celebrate Chinese New Year with a roster of blockbusters at Vue venues in Scotland
Vue venues across Scotland will be showcasing a mixture of the latest big screen blockbusters from China as well as an anniversary screening of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
READ MORE
Dunbar Primary School receives surprise visit from Joe Wicks
Dunbar Primary School had a special guest appearance from Joe Wicks, aka The Body Coach, after the school were named as the top fundraisers as part of Asda's Cashpot for Schools initiative.
READ MORE
Dobbies free February workshops
Dobbies Garden Centres’ popular Little Seedlings Club and Grow How workshops return for February, inviting gardeners and families to get hands-on at these free sessions.
READ MORE
Blank Street opens first store in Scotland this weekend
Cult brand Blank Street has confirmed it will open its first store in Edinburgh, located on the iconic Victoria Street, on 25th January.
READ MORE
Back in the Saddle as New Course Helps Seniors Rediscover Cycling Joy
Edinburgh Leisure is seeking new participants as it launches an innovative 11-week cycling course, starting Monday, 3rd March, designed specifically for older adults.
READ MORE
Casting announced for Scottish premiere of Tina at Edinburgh Playhouse
The Edinburgh Playhouse are delighted to announce the full cast for the Scottish premiere of hit production Tina - The Tina Turner Musical, as part of its first ever UK and Ireland tour.
READ MORE
Scots brewery launches 20p deposit scheme on nostalgic Iron Brew beers
Edinburgh brewery, Vault City is offering a 20p return scheme to accompany a line of beers celebrating a beloved Scottish drink.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links