Unearthed: The Women of Edinburgh Tour


Discover the women who shaped Edinburgh, and the stories history left behind, on a guided tour.

A woman looking at a statue of a small dog.
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Venue Key Features

Wifi

Venue Accessibility

Accessible toilets

British Sign Language

Beneath Edinburgh’s streets, history whispers. But not every voice was heard. Unearthed: The Women of Edinburgh Tour brings those forgotten stories into the spotlight through a powerful two-part experience that takes you both below and above the city.

The tour begins underground at The Real Mary King’s Close, exploring the 17th century preserved streets where women lived, worked, and helped shape daily life in the city. Then step out into the Old Town for a 90 minute guided walking tour with Anna Dowling-Clarke, founder of Women Hiding in Plain Sight (WHIPS), to explore the lives of extraordinary women whose impact has long been overlooked.

From hidden closes to iconic landmarks like Greyfriars and the Royal Mile, you’ll encounter stories of women from all walks of life, from merchants and business owners to philanthropists and pioneers.

Tours run on Saturdays and Sundays during May 2026. Please note, due to the historic nature of the site, The Real Mary King’s Close is not wheelchair accessible. Due to uneven surfaces and some steep inclines, sturdy footwear is strongly recommended. For safety reasons, children under 5 years of age cannot be admitted on this tour.

Find out more and book your place on Unearthed: The Women of Edinburgh Tour.