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Things to do in Edinburgh: Spring 2024

22nd Feb 2024
Things to do in Edinburgh: Spring 2024

Hear spirits echo through old city streets. Join us on our brand new Ghostly Tales of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile tour.

Looking for things to do in Edinburgh this spring? As the weather starts to warm up, we’ve compiled a list of family-friendly and accessible activities to take advantage of the sun (plus some indoor activities, too—it is Scotland after all!). 

 

1. Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse  

March is Women’s History Month, and what better way to celebrate than with a visit to the former home of Mary, Queen of Scots? The famous Scottish Queen resided at Holyrood Palace for many years and married both Lord Darnley and later the Earl of Bothwell at its Abbey. 

Why not make a whole day of it and arrange a private Treasures of the Old Town tour? Dive into the lives of Mary and other figures from Scotland’s past before visiting the royal residence. 

The front of Holyrood Palace and its courtyard, with lots of people milling around.

 

2. Take a kids’ tour for the Easter holidays 

Join us for Gory Stories: a ghost tour tailored for kids, full of tales of stinking streets, terrible tortures and ghostly goings-on. You’ll hear stories from Edinburgh’s Royal Mile before heading down into the Blair Street Underground Vaults, the deepest and most extensive set of vaults in the city. Anyone age 5+ is welcome! 

11am, 29th March–10 April 

A Mercat storyteller exploring the Blair Street Underground Vaults with two kids on tour.

 

3. Dive into Scotland’s past at the National Museum 

Whether it’s a museum social or Sensory Sunday trip, there’s lots to do and explore in Edinburgh’s museums. Looking for a little bit more structure? Join us on a private tour tailored exactly to your interests, from A History of Scotland in 10 Objects to What Makes a Scot

The inside of the National Museum of Scotland, looking like a Victorian train station with large skylights.

 

4. Experience the history of Scotland’s food 

Visit our friends over at Gladstone’s Land for their Tables Through Time event. You’ll get a guided tour following the lives of three woman who once lived and worked at Gladstone’s Land, where you’ll explore how trade, class and fashion changed people’s diets! And of course, tastings are included. 

4pm, Sunday 14 April  

A golden eagle above the sign for Gladstone's Land historical building on Edinburgh's Royal Mile.

 

5. Take a graveyard tour 

Take advantage of good weather with a long walking tour of Edinburgh! Choose one like Mercat's Doomed, Dead & Buried tour, which mixes the stories of Old Town with those of the Blair Street Underground Vaults, before turning to one of Edinburgh's infamous graveyards—Canongate Kirkyard. It's 1 hour and 45 minutes of tales perfect for true crime lovers. 

Evening, daily, 18+

A Mercat Storyteller telling a story at the Edinburgh Mercat Cross.

 

Whether you’re visiting Edinburgh on Easter weekend or are a local looking to add some fun activities to your day, there’s plenty to be found.  

Join us on our Ghostly Tales of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile tour: entirely above ground, accessible to all. Delve into the gore of Old Town Edinburgh’s darkest deeds and crooked characters, if you dare. Book now!

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