A guided tour and hands-on workshop exploring 17th-century medicine through the life of Dr Arnott, where visitors create their own herbal remedy.
Dr Arnott's Sampling Sensation is running every Saturday and Sunday at The Real Mary King's Close from 3 January to 26 December 2026. It's a workshop that takes you into the strange, scientific world of 17th-century medicine, and the whole thing is built around one of the Close's wealthiest and most intriguing former residents: Dr Arnott.
Arnott was a trained physician with a taste for the unconventional. He diagnosed his patients by examining their urine for colour, smell and even taste. He owned not one but two properties on the street, wealth that outstripped even that of his popular and business-savvy neighbour, the local merchant and city burgess Mary King. The session lets you step into his shoes, follow his methods and create your own herbal remedy.
It's a two-part experience. First, there's a one-hour guided tour through Edinburgh's underground streets, followed by a half-hour hands-on workshop led by an expert. A hot drink is included. It's suitable for ages five and over, with audio guides available for the tour in several languages; the workshop is in English only, and there's no step-free access.
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Tickets start at £35 for adults and £27.50 for children aged five to fifteen. The Close is at 2 Warriston's Close, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1PG.
