Mary Queen of Scots’ Edinburgh: A History Hit Audio Tour

Take a stroll down Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and step right into one of history’s wildest political dramas with this self-guided audio tour produced by History Hit. On this GPS-guided tour, you’ll follow in the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots, weaving through the same closes, kirkyards, and cobblestone streets she once knew. The tour starts at the gates of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where you’ll hear about baby Mary’s daring escape to France after Henry VIII’s army torched the place. From there, you’ll head up the Royal Mile and into medieval Edinburgh. You’ll wander past Canongate Kirkyard and St Giles’ Cathedral, before ending the tour at Edinburgh Castle. This isn’t your typical tragic queen story. On this 45-minute tour, you’ll see Mary as a tough, savvy ruler who played a nearly impossible game. Come ready for some seriously dramatic history – and a whole new perspective on Scotland’s most misunderstood queen.

1. 1

   Palace of Holyroodhouse

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   This self-guided audio tour starts at the gates of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where you'll learn how an infant Mary was smuggled to France after Henry VIII's troops burned the abbey to the ground.

2. 2

   Stop 2

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   On this audio tour, you'll pass by the Scottish Parliament Building and learn about its history.

3. 3

   White Horse Close

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   You'll explore White Horse Close, reputedly stabled Mary's favourite horse and a remnant of the French elegance she brought to Edinburgh.

4. 4

   Canongate Kirk

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   You'll visit Canongate Kirkyard, where Mary's secretary David Rizzio lies buried after being stabbed over fifty times by her jealous husband and a gang of armed lords.

5. 5

   Royal Mile

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   Edinburgh's Royal Mile is the stage for one of history's most dramatic political collapses. On this walking tour, you'll trace Mary Queen of Scots' turbulent reign through the closes, kirkyards, and cobblestones she once navigated.

6. 6

   St Giles' Cathedral

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   You'll stand before St Giles' Cathedral, where wedding banns for her scandalous third marriage were read aloud – sealing her fate with a public that already suspected her of murder.

7. 7

   Writers' Museum

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   On this GPS-guided tour, you'll see and learn about the Writers' Museum.

8. 8

   Witches well

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   You'll stand at the Witches' Well, where hundreds of women were burned on this very esplanade.

9. 9

   Edinburgh Castle

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   The tour ends at Edinburgh Castle, where a pregnant, terrified Mary fled after Rizzio's killing to give birth to the son who would one day unite the crowns of Scotland and England.

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.