Experience one of the best historic things to do in Edinburgh when you visit John Knox House today

The Royal Mile in Edinburgh is famous throughout the UK. Connecting the mighty Edinburgh Castle in the west to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in the east – it’s a street full of the spectacular.

And someway in between them both, is a secret of the city’s medieval life.

The John Knox House is the only surviving building of its kind in Edinburgh, dating all the way back to the 15th-century.

What to expect

• Walk in the footsteps of its famous inhabitants
• Hear the drama unfold in every room
• Look out for the tricks and traps to fool intruders
• Hunt for the devil hiding in The Oak Room ceiling
• Looking for a light breakfast, a hearty lunch, or an afternoon coffee? The Storytelling Centre serves a great range of hot drinks and traditional food, situated right in the middle of the Royal Mile
• When your explorations come to an end, why not take a trip to the onsite bookshop? One thing we can guarantee is there’s more among the shelves than just books.

How one building could host so many incredible stories is unbelievable at first. But as you make your way through the building and learn all about the people that have come and gone – it soon becomes obvious that the John Knox House is no ordinary place.

From Mary, Queen of Scots to famous jewellers and John Knox himself – the past comes to life around every corner.

Visit the Edinburgh John Knox House for an unforgettable day out in Scotland

Along with all the famous inhabitants of the house, a dragon came to stay at one point and left their nest behind, hidden in the bookshop.

See if you can find it, or send the little ones on a mission to discover it for themselves. With all its history to uncover and stories to tell – the John Knox House is a day out full of surprises.