True Crime Tours

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The Real Mary Kings Close invites you to step beneath the Royal Mile and explore the shadowy secrets of the Old Town on a True Crime Tour. Dare to descend?

About True Crime Tours

Listed Under Tour Events / History Events / Nights Out Events

Fact is darker than fiction. Dare to descend?

Think Edinburgh’s past is all cobbled streets and candlelight? Think again.

Step beneath the Royal Mile and explore the shadowy secrets of the Old Town on a True Crime Tour. These one-hour experiences delve into real cases of crime and punishment from centuries gone by, revealing the truth behind some of the city’s most unsettling stories.

Guided by a historical character with deep knowledge of Edinburgh’s darker side, you will uncover how crime shaped life on the closes. Discover the harsh impact of eviction, addiction, and the lack of protections for the city's poorest residents. Learn about the witch trials and their devastating consequences. And hear about the eerie connection between Mary King’s Close and the real-life figure believed to have inspired Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

These tours go beyond myth, offering a powerful insight into the inequalities and injustices of Edinburgh’s past. Fascinating and unsettling in equal measure, this is a tour for those with a curious mind and a strong stomach.

Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

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