Once part of the city’s most vibrant streets, the perfectly preserved Real Mary King’s Close on Edinburgh historic Royal Mile provides a fascinating glimpse into life in the city between the 17th and 19th centuries.
Known for having been “a haven for independent women” with 45% of properties having a female head of the household, The Close is the perfect place to celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month and discover more about the achievements of the women who once lived and worked here.
From Janet Chesney, whose family were the last to live and run a business on the street, to the enduring legacy of Mary Queen of Scots, this immersive tour brings Edinburgh’s female voices back into the light. Guests will also have the rare opportunity to meet Mary King herself and discover how she became a successful merchant and secured voting rights nearly 300 years ahead of her time.
Plus, explore how pioneering women such as Sophia Jex-Blake and the other medical students known as the Edinburgh Seven challenged the status quo and helped pave the way for gender equality.
A Herstory Tour takes place on 08 March 2026, with tours running at 2pm and 4pm. Advance online booking required.
